Ruthin Gaol
Victorian Pentonville-style prison in Ruthin that is open as a heritage attraction, with cells, a condemned cell and stories of prison life.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ruthin Gaol stands on the site of an earlier house of correction in the centre of Ruthin. The first bridewell was built there in 1654, and later in the eighteenth century the Denbighshire magistrates decided to replace it with a model prison. The present building follows the Pentonville design that spread across Britain in the nineteenth century.
The prison stopped taking prisoners in 1916, when inmates and staff were moved to Shrewsbury. Denbighshire County Council bought the buildings in 1926 and used them for offices, the county archives and the library. During the Second World War they served as a munitions factory, and afterwards the library service of the county was based there.
The gaol was extensively restored in 2004 and reopened as a museum. Today it is described as the only purpose-built Pentonville-style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. Visitors can explore the cells, including the punishment cell, the dark cell and the condemned cell, and learn how prisoners ate, worked and were punished.
Highlights
- Pentonville-style Victorian prison with original cells
- Punishment cell, dark cell and condemned cell
- Everyday life of prisoners: food, work and punishment
- The story of the Welsh Houdini and of William Hughes, the last man hanged here
- Halloween week with family trails and After Dark evenings
Permanent exhibitions
- The Victorian prison – Cells, corridors and the punishment, dark and condemned cells show how prisoners lived, what they ate, how they worked and how they were punished.
- The Welsh Houdini and the last hanging – Stories of an escape artist known as the Welsh Houdini and of William Hughes, the last man hanged at the gaol.
- Founded
- 2004
- Operated by
- Denbighshire County Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £9 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £7free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 16. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free |
| Groups (15+ people) | £7.50 per personMinimum group size 15; an additional fee of £50 applies during the closed season. |
| Families | £25Two adults and up to three children. |
| Family ticket, one adult and up to three children | £16 |
| School group, per child | £5An additional fee of £50 applies during the closed season. |
Halloween activities and After Dark evenings are included in the standard admission price. Visitors who pay full price at either Ruthin Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre can show their receipt to get 20% off admission to the other site for the rest of the season. Gift vouchers are available.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
On-site parking is for disabled drivers only; Blue Badge holders should use the marked bays. Dogs are welcome. The museum page gives no details on step-free access.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £25 · Two adults and up to three children. |
- Family tours & workshops
The site has signed the Kids in Museums Manifesto and describes itself as child friendly. During Halloween week there are family-oriented torchlight trails and craft activities with no actors or scares; the lights in the basement are lowered, so a torch is useful.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The council recommends the Traveline Cymru journey planner.
By car
Parking available
On-site parking is for disabled drivers only. The nearest council car parks are Park Road and Crispin Yard (Cae Ddol).
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is a gaol shop where gift vouchers can be bought when the site is open.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The gaol is offered for room hire, television and film shoots, paranormal investigations and events, including during the closed season.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School and group visits are possible throughout the year; enquiries go through the heritage contact address or the telephone number given on the museum page. |
