Inveraray Jail

Inveraray Jail Step back almost two centuries and discover the stories of the real people - men, women and children who were tried and served their sentences.
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Come and experience one of the finest and best preserved Jail and Courtroom complexes in the world. Explore this unique collection of historic buildings brought to life by real characters from the Jail’s past. Experience the true stories of what life was like for the men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up here all those years ago. Witness the many forms of

punishment used before the days of civilised courts. Discover how criminals were branded with hot irons or even their ears nailed to a post! Move through time and enter the spectacular courtroom. Take your seat and listen to actual trials held in this room. Walk the narrow corridors of the Old Prison. See the cramped, overcrowded cells and be shocked at the young children in a cell next to the lunatic. Compare the old prison with the new built in 1848.Try out the hammocks and the wooden beds, get strapped onto the Whipping Table or take a turn on the Crank Wheel. Discover the gripping stories of many of the prisoners held here. Explore the prison grounds, get locked up in the Airing Yards used for the prisoners exercise, visit the Jail kitchen and search over 4,000 prisoner records.

04/06/2026

The jail is obviously full of a whole host of locks to keep the prisoners secure. We have original keys from the 19th century on display too, they are massive!

03/06/2026

Our costumed guides bring Inveraray Jail to life! Meet The Matron, Warder and Prisoners during your visit and learn about prison life in a real Scottish 19th century jail! Just a 90 minute drive from Glasgow on the beautiful west coast of Scotland.

31/05/2026

Come rain or shine we have plenty to see at Inveraray Jail. Three buildings to explore and of course the Debtors of 1850 escape room to take on!

Be quick to grab an available Escape a room slot for today! Book here: www.inverarayjail.co.ukChallenge yourself and you...
31/05/2026

Be quick to grab an available Escape a room slot for today!

Book here: www.inverarayjail.co.uk

Challenge yourself and your friends to step into the shoes of the McKay family and repay your debt to escape the debtors prison before your time is up!

30/05/2026

When milk supplies ran low prisoners had to make do with water mixed with treacle for their porridge. To ensure a regular supply of fresh milk, in 1850 Governor Thomson brought a cow into the Jail. The Prison Board did not approve, and in 1851 they ordered him to remove both the cow and its byre.

That’s Archie away for the afternoon to support Inveraray ShintyClub Men’s 2nd team. He was last seen outside Ocho Inver...
30/05/2026

That’s Archie away for the afternoon to support Inveraray ShintyClub Men’s 2nd team.

He was last seen outside Ocho Inveraray checking out the delicious menu for after the game. (Spoiler alert: he’s getting the Matrons porridge)

If anyone spots him please point him to the Winterton for throw up at 1200 followed by the Men’s 1st team at 1500 💛🖤🏑

Be sure to pop up and show your support, Good luck today and good luck to the Women’s team who are playing away tomorrow! 🙌

29/05/2026

The Governor Malcolm Thompson kept Chickens in the lean to building formerly in the side of the New Prison. Fresh eggs and protein every day to keep strong! Although the prison board eventually ordered him to remove them so it was back to the Matrons porridge 🥣

Looking for one of the most unique visitor attractions in Scotland this weekend?At Inveraray Jail, history is brought vi...
29/05/2026

Looking for one of the most unique visitor attractions in Scotland this weekend?

At Inveraray Jail, history is brought vividly to life through immersive exhibits, costumed guides, authentic prison cells, and gripping stories from Scotland’s past. Visitors can also experience the Inveraray Jail Escape Room, an interactive challenge inspired by the harsh realities of 19th century imprisonment.

Complete your visit with the on-site gift shop and enjoy a family friendly day out in the heart of Argyll. Dogs are welcome too!

Open 7 days a week.

Plan your visit to one of Scotland’s leading heritage attractions: www.inverarayjail.co.uk

24/05/2026

Lunch was served at 1pm and consisted of two pints of broth and 12oz of bread all prepared by the Matron in the prison kitchen.

Address

Church Square
Inveraray
PA328TX

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441499302381

Website

https://www.inverarayjail.co.uk/escape-room, https://www.inverarayjail.co.uk/the-jail

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