Stirling Old Town Jail
Stirling Old Town Jail
Stirling Old Town Jail
5
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Visit our top-rated independent visitor attraction in the heart of the Old Town - just two minutes walk from Stirling Castle. Our guided prison tours take you on a fascinating journey through the history of local crime and punishment as you explore our cells before taking in the outstanding views from our rooftop observation tower.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Stirling Old Town Jail and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
190 within 3 miles
Attractions
117 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- NikkiD5 contributionsNot worth the money unfortunatelyWe returned here with our teenage children after visiting on our honeymoon 17 years ago. We paid £40 for all 4 us and we’re back out after only 45 minutes. Unfortunately, it was nothing like it was then and has a lot less to look at since reopening. The actor Emily was amazing though, the way she goes from one character to another in seconds is truly brilliant. The gentleman we met at the entrance was also great and put us in with another group rather than wait for our allocated time. Honestly, disappointed in the price. £40 for just over 30 minutes is a rip off. The sad part is that this place is huge and when you go up to the next floor in the glass lift you see all the old floors with cells but you can’t access them. There is plenty to do around Stirling for more or less the same money where you will get more for your money. Stirling castle is only an extra £10 when booked online (which is how I booked the jail) and takes a good few hours possibly even all day.Nixx we are so sorry to hear this as you will see from our other reviews that we regularly receive glowing feedback from our customers. We have actually expanded the range of information on display and enhanced the visitor experience since we re-opened the attraction back in 2015 which has been generally very well received. The tour is in two parts and it seems like you have perhaps cut your experience short as following the performance their is an extended audio tour of the roof-top exercise yard, observation tower and some additional cells. Some people do prefer to simply read the information displays whilst others can spend up to two hours in the Jail exploring at their own pace. We do make sure to keep our prices as competitive as possible whilst providing an engaging and unique experience. It's great to hear how much you all enjoyed the performance tour and our team looked after you so well. Let us know when you are next in town and we would be happy to welcome you back again! We hope you had a lovely trip down memory lane and enjoyed the rest of your time in Stirling. Many thanks, GeoffWritten 14 August 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 August 2023
- Liz R11 contributionsGreat staff!The older chap on the counter was incredibly helpful and friendly. Matthew, the actor, was excellent- his accents and costumes were brilliant too. Informative and entertaining content. Wish the performance was a little longer because it was so enjoyable, and that the audio guides weren’t so loud (could hear others while trying to listen to my own). Worth stopping inGlad you enjoyed your tour of the Jail, Liz. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly bunch at the Old Town Jail. Sorry the audio was an issue. Not normally a problem, to be honest - though we are experimenting with slightly louder handsets for larger or family groups, so they can all listen together, and make their experience more inclusive. If we'd known you had difficulty, there, we could have provided you with disposable headphones.Written 18 August 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 August 2023
- Trish T4 contributionsInteresting, entertaining and informativeVery entertaining tour with characters portrayed by the one versatile actor. The information boards within the cells are useful as was the guide you carried around with you. We went on a very sunny day and the views from the top of the building were spectacular . We felt very sorry for the prisoners from years ago who must have longed to escape on the occasions they were allowed to go up on the roof for limited exercise where they might have been able to see their homes.Thank you for your review, we're glad to hear that you were entertained by the performance, and that the weather was on your side when visiting the tower!Written 5 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 September 2023
- Kirsty S1 contribution3 Generations HappyWent with 3 generations for Jail tour and Escape room and all 3 generations had a fantastic time. The staff were very accommodating for mobility issues in a very relaxed way and the tour actor Adam was fantastic, really good perform, and read the group very well and left more nervous participants in peace. The staff were all really helpful and friendly. Definitely worth a trip out, even kept teenagers engaged!Very glad to hear you all enjoyed your day with us, our performance tours and escape rooms keep all ages entertained! We are always happy to accomodate to make sure everyone can get the most out of their experience. Adam is a great performer and will be pleased to hear you enjoyed his tourWritten 14 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 October 2023
- Pioneer119699686561 contributionCould have been better...It was okay, the tour with the performer was very good. It had lots of stuff to look at and an audio your to listen to. The problem is after the tour is over you aren't allowed to stay and look around the first part of the jail and listen to the audio tour for each room. Because the performer rushes you away from that area so they can do another tour. But I don't see why people can't look in those rooms while they have the tour part outside of them. There's plenty of room. Anyway I wanted to do everything to the fullest but I wasnt allowed to because of being rushed away. That really annoyed me so I didn't feel like doing the rest of it properly because of being rushed. If I was given enough time at the start I would have enjoyed the rest and gave a better review.Sorry you were disappointed, Pioneer- but, to be fair, the benefit of our audio handsets is that visitors can listen to tracks they may have missed anywhere, as they travel around the Old Town Jail. And most of the information covered on that audio is also conveyed to audiences through the actors performance.Handsetsare most useful on the second, self-guided, portion of the tour, where there is no live interpretation. We're sorry you felt rushed, but performance and audio-tours side-by-side simply poses a distraction for all concerned.Written 5 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
1,278 reviews
Excellent
1,064
Very good
158
Average
39
Poor
13
Terrible
4
Fiona
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
I visited with my work colleagues as part of a team building activity. First, we participated in the escape room. It was great fun, challenging but manageable. I would highly recommend.
Next, we learnt about the history of the jail through a performance tour. Adam, our guide, was fantastic; demonstrating amazing acting skills which brought the characters to life.
Finally, we went up the tower and enjoyed the 360 views of the Forth Valley. We were lucky to have a very clear day and could see for miles.
On a practical note there is plenty of parking close to the attraction which made getting there extremely easy.
Overall, I had a fabulous morning and will happily return in the future with family and friends who are visiting the area.
Next, we learnt about the history of the jail through a performance tour. Adam, our guide, was fantastic; demonstrating amazing acting skills which brought the characters to life.
Finally, we went up the tower and enjoyed the 360 views of the Forth Valley. We were lucky to have a very clear day and could see for miles.
On a practical note there is plenty of parking close to the attraction which made getting there extremely easy.
Overall, I had a fabulous morning and will happily return in the future with family and friends who are visiting the area.
Written 24 November 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.
Glad that you had such an enjoyable day at the Old Town Jail, Fion - there's a lot to see and do in the Old Town, and our tours and the views from the Observation Tower make for a great introduction to the area (and a great place to park!)! You'll have to come back and see if you can beat your Escape-time in our SECOND Escape Room!
Written 25 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R K
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Great time had! There were four of us, a group of old friends since school days, on a 4-day visit to Stirling. Two of us hadn't done an escape room before, and we did the disappering prisoners room.
Had an excellent time, great fun and managed to solve the mystery and escape in 44 mins.
Our guide (prison warden?) was Jo, and she gauged us just right with a couple of hints so as to not give anything away but make sure that we were on the right track.
Can thoroughly recommend.
Had an excellent time, great fun and managed to solve the mystery and escape in 44 mins.
Our guide (prison warden?) was Jo, and she gauged us just right with a couple of hints so as to not give anything away but make sure that we were on the right track.
Can thoroughly recommend.
Written 22 November 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.
Fantastic to hear you enjoyed your escape room experience and managed to escape in good time! Jo is great at knowing just when to chime in with clues. If you're ever back in Stirling why not try your hand at our other escape room.
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PD_2018
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK37 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Fantastic, interactive experience with passionate, caring and knowledgeable guides who really do go all out to ensure you have a great visit. Would recommend to anyone visiting Stirling. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Good job all the staff here, real credit to your city, thank you.
Written 20 November 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 for the review P_Diddly2018. We are proud of our caring and knowledgeable guides you mentioned and very happy you enjoyed your experience at Stirling Old Town Jail.
Best wishes,
Adam
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly-Anne H
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We went for the escape rooms and managed to sneak in a little tour at the same time. Was the best afternoon! So much fun, staff were super friendly and hoping we can go again next time we are back in the UK.
Written 15 November 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 for leaving a review! we're glad to hear that you enjoyed your day at the Old Town Jail, hopefully we'll see you again soon
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel V
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We went to the escape room with our three children 11, 9 and 6 today and thoroughly enjoyed it! All but our eldest had never done an escape room before and it was a wonderful experience. Adam was our games master and he was fab and patient with our inquisitive youngest. We found it to be a good mix of challenge and accessible so the kids could join in, although I’d probably say 8+ would be a better age. We were welcomed by David who was informative and entertaining in equal measure and gave us a warm welcome. Thoroughly recommend!
Written 12 November 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.
That's great to hear we could make your first escape room experience a positive one! Adam is a great games master and knows just when to chime in with any helpful hints. Hopefully we'll see you again and you can try out our other escape room!
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer11969968656
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
It was okay, the tour with the performer was very good.
It had lots of stuff to look at and an audio your to listen to.
The problem is after the tour is over you aren't allowed to stay and look around the first part of the jail and listen to the audio tour for each room.
Because the performer rushes you away from that area so they can do another tour.
But I don't see why people can't look in those rooms while they have the tour part outside of them. There's plenty of room.
Anyway I wanted to do everything to the fullest but I wasnt allowed to because of being rushed away.
That really annoyed me so I didn't feel like doing the rest of it properly because of being rushed.
If I was given enough time at the start I would have enjoyed the rest and gave a better review.
It had lots of stuff to look at and an audio your to listen to.
The problem is after the tour is over you aren't allowed to stay and look around the first part of the jail and listen to the audio tour for each room.
Because the performer rushes you away from that area so they can do another tour.
But I don't see why people can't look in those rooms while they have the tour part outside of them. There's plenty of room.
Anyway I wanted to do everything to the fullest but I wasnt allowed to because of being rushed away.
That really annoyed me so I didn't feel like doing the rest of it properly because of being rushed.
If I was given enough time at the start I would have enjoyed the rest and gave a better review.
Written 4 November 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.
Sorry you were disappointed, Pioneer- but, to be fair, the benefit of our audio handsets is that visitors can listen to tracks they may have missed anywhere, as they travel around the Old Town Jail. And most of the information covered on that audio is also conveyed to audiences through the actors performance.Handsetsare most useful on the second, self-guided, portion of the tour, where there is no live interpretation. We're sorry you felt rushed, but performance and audio-tours side-by-side simply poses a distraction for all concerned.
Written 5 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gillian Lindsay
Kirkintilloch, UK33 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Amazing experience, well organised by actors taking you through the life of convicts and the history of the building. Good views from the turret.
Written 2 November 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.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the performance tour and the tower does provide some wonderful views (weather permitting if course 😃)
Written 4 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Buddapies
Bedfordshire, UK152 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fabulous what a performance by Adam, what an informative tour, you are left to explore areas, you are given pre-recording hand sets to press corresponding number to tell you more. As well you have humans to tell you history of the place. Just fantastic.
Written 30 October 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.
Fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Adam! Our performance tours are an interactive and fun way to learn about the history of the Old Town Jail.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris G
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A really good experience! Enjoyed by us all, my eldest 13 was able to transfer some of the things she had learnt at school into seeing it first hand! Johnathan was an amazing actor and really brought it all to life!
Written 27 October 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.
Thanks, Chris - performance really does make the grim Victorian age come to life (tempered with a little comedy and drama). I'm glad we could complement what your lad learned at school in a fun way.
Written 28 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tamara C
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This exceeded our expectations and is a really fun venue with a short tour by actor Adam taking us back in time following the history of the jail. The second half of the visit is with a hand held device with audio. A really worthwhile visit.
Written 24 October 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.
Many thanks, Tamara. We're glad our mix of drama, audio and exhibition made for a rewarding experience. I hope we see you again at the Old Town Jail.
Written 25 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter M
Dundee, UK2 contributions
Is there alot of walking involved in the tour? Can I rest anywhere, thanks
Lynn G
Aberdeen, UK71 contributions
You had to stand a bit to listen to the presentation at the start,but after that you could take things at your own pace.There was a lift as well.Hope this helps.
Is there a lot of stairs to go up
Gail R
Wakefield, UK8 contributions
Yes there is a lift you can use
HEIRHUNTER
Oxford, UK10 contributions
Hi, we are visiting Stirling on the 12th April. Is the old Jaol open that day. Thank you
Geoff M
Stirling, UK
The Old Town Jail is open over Easter weekend (30 March - 2 April) but then will be closed until the end of June. You can still explore outside the building and take photos when the attraction is closed. Many thanks, Geoff
Natalie R
Auckland77 contributions
What is the opening date for the 2018 season? Keen to visit but we’re only in Stirling for one day on 24th June. Thanks
Geoff M
Stirling, UK
Hi Natalie - the Jail is open from the beginning of July. We are running some preview tours the week before so keep an eye on our online availability just in case. Geoff
Why is it only open from june till september?
Geoff M
Stirling, UK
Hi Keri - it would be great if the jail could be open all year but there just aren't enough visitors over the winter. The Jail has just been open again for a couple of years and as it's profile grows I'm sure the season will continue to extend.
lynmargaret
south yorkshire21 contributions
I am unable to find out the month and times of opening of Stirling Old Jail for 2017 it appears all the info and websites is 1-2 years out of date. Can anyone advise.
Thankyou
Geoff M
Stirling, UK
Hello,
We will be open again from the middle of June until the middle of September 2017 from 10.15 to 4.15 daily with a tour every half hour. More to follow on the Destination Strling website. Thank you, Geoff
Inkyimp
Bushmills, UK38 contributions
Does the attraction have disabled access for persons in wheelchairs
WalkingAmy
Hawick, UK12 contributions
From what I've seen there it does have access. You may struggle getting the chair into some of the cells that are open to look around as the doorways are very narrow and you won't be able to get up to the observation deck as it's a spiral staircase with no other doors
Hazel J
Manchester, UK48 contributions
hi will the old time jail be open at the end of march 2016 thanks hazel
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingSTIRLING OLD TOWN JAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stirling Old Town Jail
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Stirling Old Town Jail:
- Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am) (From £14.10)
- Stirling Old Town Walking Tour (From £276.95)
- Stirling Castle and the Secrets of the Old Town (From £327.31)
- Private Stirling Old Town Tour (From £50.36)
- Stirling Wee Walk and A Gin (From £58.41)
- Hotels near Stirling Old Town Jail:
- (0.03 mi) Stirling Youth Hostel
- (0.03 mi) Fabulous Castle apartment in Old Town Stirling
- (0.04 mi) Historic Old Town 2 Bed Ground Floor Apartment
- (0.11 mi) Stirling Highland Hotel
- (0.18 mi) Munro Guest House
- Restaurants near Stirling Old Town Jail:
- (0.07 mi) Darnley Coffee House
- (0.07 mi) Hermann's
- (0.13 mi) Portcullis
- (0.14 mi) Mamma Mia
- (0.11 mi) Scholars at the Stirling Highland