Peterhead Prison Museum Self Guided Tour for Two

Take a journey through 130 years of enthralling history at the Peterhead Prison Museum. Scotland’s only high-security prison is filled with fascinating stories that you’ll hear in an award-winning audio where past officers discuss their experiences. It was also home to the first state-owned railway; on display you’ll see a carriage that carried the inmates to their work at the quarry. Visit cell blocks, court room, punishment block and silent cell, before concluding the tour in the former hospital.

During your visit, you’ll meet a former officer who was held hostage on the prison rooftops for four days in 1987 before rescue. Now 88 years old, you’ll hear first-hand his inspiring account of the only time the SAS ended a domestic siege on mainland UK.

What's Included?

• Self-guided tour for two of the Peterhead Prison Museum
• Explore the grounds of Scotland’s only high-security prison
• Award-winning audio headset
• Visit cell blocks, punishment blocks, court room and more
• See a prison carriage from Britain’s first state-owned railway
• Meet an inspiring former officer who was held hostage and rescued by the SAS
• Experience gift pack
• Cancellation indemnity

What happens on the day?

On arrival you’ll be provided with your audio headset, which provides an immersive insight into what happened during the prison’s day-to-day running, as well as fascinating tales from former officers at key locations throughout the route. Wander the six-acre site and see the development over the years, visiting the former kitchens, laundry and shower blocks, as well as the reception, court room, punishment block and silent cell. You’ll conclude the tour in the former hospital.

As part of your day, you’ll get to meet the inspiring former officer who was rescued by the SAS after being held hostage for four days on the prison rooftops. At 88 years of age, he still volunteers six days a week to speak to visitors, and many consider it the highlight of their day.

Participant guidelines

Children under the age of 5 are not charged entry but will not be permitted a headset due to the challenging content of the tour

Children aged 6 to 16 require parental approval for headsets

Under 18s must be accompanied by a full paying adult

The tour contains some adult content so children may attend at their parents' discretion

The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary

Availability

Peterhead Prison Museum is open seven days a week (except 25 and 26 December, 1 and 2 January)

Please allow 1 hour 30m minutes to 2 hours for the tour, however once inside the attraction visitors can spend the whole day if they wish.

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather.

What about the weather?

Only ice may close the museum, but visitors are advised to check the website on the day of their proposed travel, or call between 10.00 to 16.00. No response will indicate the museum has been closed, but only during icy periods.

Additional information

The onsite café is open daily 11.00 to 16.30 in the Summer and 11.00 to 15.30 in the Winter and is located at the end of the tour offering great views of the town of Peterhead, the bay and marina areas.

What about insurance?

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

A cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher.

How it works

All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we’ll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.

Locations

Scotland - Aberdeenshire

Please Note: If you’re purchasing a NEW Experience you will be entitled to the validity stated within this description. If/when you are within 3 months of the voucher expiry date and there are still restrictions in place, Virgin Experience Days are offering free extensions to allow the customer to use at a later date. They are reviewing this regularly in line with Government advice and updates.