Inveraray Jail & Escape Room

Inveraray Jail & Escape Room

Inveraray Jail & Escape Room
4.5
Escape GamesHistoric SitesHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
JAIL EXPERIENCE. Pre-booking not required. Step back almost two centuries and discover the stories of the real men, women and children who were tried and served their sentences in this prison. Visit the Courtroom; explore the Cells in the Old and New Prisons; try out the wooden beds and hammocks; sample the punishments; experience the Whipping Table; take your turn at the Crank Wheel. Meet the Warder and Prisoners and get locked up in the Airing Yards. Listen to dramatic true tales from the characters in the Jail’s past brought to life with our FREE interactive audio guides. Available in six languages. ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE. Booking strongly advised. Housed within the original walls of what was once the Debtors' Prison, you will be completely enveloped in the world of the 1850s. Every detail, from the authentic decor to the period-specific puzzles, has been carefully crafted to offer an immersive experience that not only entertains but educates.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • MH
    South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for all the family.
    Wasn't expecting much but I have to say this was a great visit! Lots of interesting things to see. Staff were all very pleasant. Liked the staff dressed in the period costumes! My kids enjoyed being locked up by the prison guard. Good fun. It was sad to think of all the hard times people went through in the jail. Those walls could tell a story or two! All in all would recommend, and my kids also enjoyed it.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 September 2023
  • AlexTheJock
    Wigston, United Kingdom3,055 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely fascinating building - well worth a visit
    Four long-time friends, all of us in our sixties, visited the jail whilst on a coach trip around the area. We were unsure whether we should tour the jail due to the fact that we only had two hours in Inveraray, but the very nice lady in the ticket office told us that we should be able to get round the jail in about an hour, so we paid for our tickets which cost us £25.90 per couple as we are seniors. We were totally glad that we took the advice of the member of staff as it was a fascinating place to spend just over an hour. We decided not to use the complimentary audio guide as we were also told that there was plenty of information in all the areas of the jail, which was spot on as there is a huge amount of facts on boards in the jail. We had a really good time exploring this intriguing building and I would highly recommend it if you are in the area.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 January 2024
  • Bethany W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend this interactive visit.
    Spent nearly 2 hours on this visit, had previously seen the jail on TV so decided to take a walk round. Met the amazing staff during our tour who gave us a real insight into what the jail would have been like back in the day, he even allowed us to experience the outdoor exercise area 'locked' behind bars, there are lots of interactive areas through the tour. A somber building with lots of rooms showing the real reality of being admitted to Inveraray. The tour shows the changes in rules and regulation for offenders from the past through to the present day. Very interesting even a little bit spooky at times but a great way to understand the history. Well worth a visit, a fun day out!
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 January 2024
  • Mo MacH
    Glasgow, United Kingdom91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic experience!
    We arrived Sunday 28th January. The experience was great fun, well informed and all staff on shift were helpful, insightful and encouraged participation. The two ladies on reception were lovely. Very patient and helpful when we were buying our online tickets. A fantastic experience!
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 January 2024
  • Matey2010
    Scotland, United Kingdom316 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating insight into how it was for prisoners back then.
    Inveraray Jail is very much worth a visit with lots of fascinating information on the history of this unique visitor attraction. A warm welcome awaits the guest on arrival and guests are offered an audio guide (I think these are complimentary) Please be aware that due to this attractions originality it can be challenging for guests with accessibility issues and not suitable for wheelchair users. (Due to the originality of the building and the layout) it is after all a prison… Take your time and soak up the atmosphere, engage with the guides who are in period costume, they have lots of interesting tales to tell…
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 April 2024
  • Charlotte S
    London, United Kingdom4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed our visit to Inveraray Jail.
    Really enjoyed our visit to Inveraray Jail, and loved the waxworks. There's lots to learn, see and do. The staff and jailers are really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Admission price was ok.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 April 2024
  • cutiepie19
    Manchester, United Kingdom299 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great, informative visit.
    Informative visit to find out about life in prison 1800's. Make sure you get a headpiece to listen to as you go around the prison (it would of taken 30mins without it). Cost £31.00 and took us 1hr to get around. It's fantastic that you get to visit the actual prisons used to house prisoners, makes you realise how hard prison life was then and how easy it is now in comparison.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 April 2024
  • Heather B
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great family day out
    Attended with husband and 3 young children. I highly recommend this over the castle for family friendliness. Staff are all so welcoming, good fun for kids. Choice to read information or headphone sets for Audio tour if preferred so everyone could enjoy the experience.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 June 2024
  • D K
    Bowling Green, Ohio90 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Be thankful you weren't a "guest" back in the day.
    I wasn't sure what to expect here. How can an old jail be interesting? But the staff here did a good job setting up a wonderful interactive and interesting journey through criminality when this jail was built. Good for history buff, kiddos, and interested tourists. A little pricey.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2024
  • Fiona T
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Weekend break
    This was such a great visit. So interesting and very helpful and informative members of staff on hand to keep you informed. Would definitely recommend this be added to your itinerary whilst visiting the area. We were on a weekend break to Oban and got the local bus to here which took just over an hour. Bus stop is 2 minutes from the jail and had just over 4 hours stay. Plenty wee souvenir shops and nice lounge bar in the Inveraray Inn to spend your time.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 June 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,712 reviews
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1,015
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556
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Terrible
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ladybiker2012
Malton, UK104 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Im not sure what to say really, we enjoyed our trip but we werent 'wowed'. The building was interesting but there is nothing to do except walk round and read the plaques on the walls with info on. I wonder if things might be different when we're not ruled by Covid?

The staff were lovely, very friendly and chatty but the 'character' actors/actresses didnt really act, they just chatted about the weather and our dog!

I thought it was too expensive for what there was, we were round in less than an hour, it was much smaller than I expected.

Bonus point for being dog friendly, that really is great, well done!
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cwlBishopMonkton
bishop monkton46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
This is a gem of a museum. The quality of the displays is superb. There is plenty of information about how the prison operated and it is presented in a lively and interesting way. The history of the prison is fascinating and it certainly gives you a feel for how grim conditions were for the prisoners, some of them children! You can see photos of the courtroom on the website. It is incredibly realistic and worth spending some time in there to hear reconstructions of some of the trials. We spent a couple of hours in the museum and it is a great attraction for families, whatever the weather.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julie W
Chester, UK185 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
We decided to stop at Inveraray during a long drive from the west coast on our way home from holiday. On driving around the town to find a parking place we saw the Jail and went for a look.
My husband (who normally I have to persuade to go into places) seemed very keen, so we paid the money and went round.
Actually we really enjoyed it. It was well done and something a bit different to do. I thought it was value for money too.
I do however wonder whether my husband had a sneaky plan to leave me there locked up 😄
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AlexTheJock
Wigston, UK3,055 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
Four long-time friends, all of us in our sixties, visited the jail whilst on a coach trip around the area. We were unsure whether we should tour the jail due to the fact that we only had two hours in Inveraray, but the very nice lady in the ticket office told us that we should be able to get round the jail in about an hour, so we paid for our tickets which cost us £25.90 per couple as we are seniors. We were totally glad that we took the advice of the member of staff as it was a fascinating place to spend just over an hour. We decided not to use the complimentary audio guide as we were also told that there was plenty of information in all the areas of the jail, which was spot on as there is a huge amount of facts on boards in the jail. We had a really good time exploring this intriguing building and I would highly recommend it if you are in the area.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alistair J
Scotland, UK55 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Well presented and well organised. Entry fee includes use of a personal headset which was simple to use and control according to how long you wish to take. Lots of exhibits to see and true stories to read. Good covid precautions in place.
Written 16 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jon c
Middlesbrough, UK46 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We came by after being robbed at the castle and still have hours in the parking.

Ok attraction, somewhat informative (let's face it, prison is prison, it not supposed to be entertaining). Could have brought the dog as dog friendly. About 2- 2 1/2 hour audio guided tour.

Marked down 1 star as a felt a bit rushed from about 3.30 onwards (when we we only halfway round) as I got the impression they were wanting to lock up (published closing time was 5pm).
Written 24 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vicki
Leighton Buzzard, UK295 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Family
What an amazing place! Really informative hand held audo guides around the jail which closed in 1899 - some fascinating stories. The tour guides who were in character the whole time were so knowledgeable & exuded passion so it made the experience so worthwhile. Thoroughly recommend coming here to view a slice of history of beautiful Inverary.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mina M
Aberdeen, UK39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Really a must stop when visiting Inveraray and well worth the money. Offers a great insight into life in prison over the centuries, a lot of information but not too much - even without the guide get a lot out of the tour. Even though there were many with very young children, it is probably more suited for kids over 8. Museum shop is a little bit tacky, could probably offer more of locally made things.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your helpful review - much appreciated. Best wishes, The Inveraray Jail Team
Written 15 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

johnny112ireland
Belfast, UK66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
The tour is absolutely fantastic,well laid out,the audio sets are really well linked into the cells and the various levels of the jail. You need fit to be able to go up through the various levels the stairs are well worn as you would expect in a building of this age but well worth it. The stories of the various prisoners and their confinement worth taking the time to read in the cells,definately a place you didn't want to be confined in and yet when read of the inmates and their sentences it was hard but fair
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this great review, Johnny! Great to hear how much you enjoyed your visit to Inveraray Jail.
Written 19 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FMc
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
We spent 2h walking around, reading all of the stories. The guides were very good, informative and friendly. It's an interesting place to visit for both adults and children. There was a wee boy running around having a great time with the actors/guides who were dressed up as prisoners and guards. Definitely recommend.
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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INVERARAY JAIL & ESCAPE ROOM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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