
Shrewsbury Prison (The Dana)
Explore the chilling history of Shrewsbury Prison, a former jail offering tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Shrewsbury Prison (The Dana)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the chilling history of Shrewsbury Prison, a former jail offering tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts.
"A fantastic tourist attraction and insight into how Prison Life and conditions were."

Book Guided Tours Early
Highly recommended for in-depth history! Ex-officer guides are fantastic . 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,977 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Website
shrewsburyprison.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Old Cells
Various wings
Step into the shoes of inmates and explore the stark, authentic cells. Some even have 'suicide nets' .

The Exercise Yard
Central yard
Imagine life behind bars in this open space, a stark contrast to the confined cells.

Guided Tours with Ex-Officers
Throughout the prison
Gain unparalleled insights from guides who have firsthand experience of prison life .

Prison Break Experience
Various locations
Test your wits and teamwork in an immersive escape room challenge within the prison walls .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tours
Prepare for the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Early
Highly recommended for in-depth history! Ex-officer guides are fantastic. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Atmosphere
It's a former prison, so expect a chilling and thought-provoking experience. 👻
Check for Special Events
They host escape rooms and ghost hunts – book these in advance! 📅
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Early
Highly recommended for in-depth history! Ex-officer guides are fantastic. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Atmosphere
It's a former prison, so expect a chilling and thought-provoking experience. 👻
Check for Special Events
They host escape rooms and ghost hunts – book these in advance! 📅
Self-Guided Info Boards
Plenty of informative boards if you prefer to explore at your own pace. 📝
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shrewsbury Prison as a highly informative and engaging attraction, with guided tours led by ex-officers being a particular highlight. The authentic atmosphere and historical insights into prison life are frequently commended. Some visitors noted that certain areas might be closed, and the historical context can be somber, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and unique way to spend a few hours.
"We visited the Shrewsbury Prison today and had a guided tour with Graham, I think it was. And we would thoroughly recommend it! Our tour was very informative and really interesting about prison life, and Grahams 30+ years service in the prison service. My 10 year old was part of the tour, and he gained a lot from it. So that age group is good for debating parents. All in all 5⭐️ a very good and interesting way to spend 2-3hours of your day."
ashley leach
"HMP Shrewsbury, nicknamed "The Dana" after the original Dana Gaol on the site, is a fantastic Tourist attraction and insight into how Prison Life and conditions were. All the staff are wonderful and helpful.
I went on a Self Guided tour on this occasion, although ghost and guided varieties exist if you wish.
There are detailed and plentiful boards giving information about the rooms and topics surrounding that area of the facility.
The only negative is the new chapel and Visitation was closed around the time of my visit, which I would have loved to see."
Jack Raine
"Had a great time looking around the Historical Prison. Lots to see and good signage. Just wish we had time to do the guided tour!"
Elizabeth Hill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shrewsbury Prison is centrally located. If arriving by car, the Reddit community suggests parking in the town centre, with options like the Darwin Shopping Centre car park being convenient for walking around town and to the prison. Public transport users can reach Shrewsbury by train, and the prison is a walkable distance from the station.
Yes, there are several car parks in Shrewsbury town centre. The Darwin Shopping Centre car park is a popular choice for visitors wanting to explore both the town and the prison. Be aware that parking fees apply.
Absolutely! Shrewsbury train station is within walking distance of the prison. It's a pleasant stroll through the town centre, allowing you to see some of Shrewsbury's beautiful architecture along the way.
Yes, Shrewsbury is well-connected by bus and train services. Once you arrive in Shrewsbury, the prison is easily accessible on foot from the main transport hubs.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events like ghost hunts or escape rooms. It's best to check the official Shrewsbury Prison website for the most up-to-date opening times for tours and general visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of visit, whether it's a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or a special event like an escape room or ghost hunt. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for popular tours.
While some visitors might be able to purchase tickets on the day, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours and special events. This ensures your spot and can sometimes offer better pricing.
Yes, Shrewsbury Prison offers various experiences. You can opt for a self-guided tour, a more in-depth guided tour (often led by ex-prison officers), or specialized ghost hunting tours and escape room challenges.
The 'Prison Break' is an immersive escape room experience where visitors work in teams to 'escape' the prison, interacting with 'officers' and 'prisoners' in a thrilling challenge. It's a popular activity for groups and dates.
Yes, children can visit Shrewsbury Prison. One reviewer mentioned their 10-year-old gained a lot from a guided tour, suggesting it's suitable for debating parents and older children. However, the atmosphere can be intense, so parental discretion is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic cells, the exercise yard, and various wings of the former prison. Informative boards provide details about prison life and the history of the site. Some areas, like the old chapel, may occasionally be closed for visits.
Shrewsbury Prison is known for its paranormal activity and hosts dedicated ghost hunting tours. Visitors have reported eerie experiences and sounds, making it a popular spot for ghost enthusiasts.
A self-guided tour can take around 2-3 hours, while guided tours might be slightly shorter but more information-packed. Special events like escape rooms have set time limits.
Historically, cells were very basic. Electricity, toilets, and water were only added to cells in 1995, highlighting the harsh conditions prisoners endured. You'll find modern facilities for visitors in designated areas.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit. Some TikTok videos show visitors capturing the eerie interiors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shrewsbury Prison has a canteen or restaurant on-site where visitors can purchase food and drinks. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit.
The canteen typically offers standard cafe fare, suitable for a quick bite or a meal. It's a practical choice for visitors who want to stay on-site for their entire visit.
Shrewsbury town centre, a short walk away, offers a wide array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets. You can also find a cat cafe in Shrewsbury.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, dimly lit corridors, the stark cells, and the exercise yard offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The overall unsettling atmosphere makes for compelling shots.
Generally, yes, for personal use. However, it's always wise to confirm any specific rules with staff upon arrival. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
Many visitors capture the eerie ambiance, the architectural details of the prison, and the sense of history. Ghost hunting content and 'prison break' themed photos are also popular.
Yes, drone usage is strictly controlled. One TikTok video shows staff addressing a drone being flown near the premises, indicating that permission is likely required and unauthorized flights are not permitted.
Given the often dim lighting, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod for longer exposures can be beneficial. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the corridors and cells.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit