Ruthin Gaol

To park near the Gaol, there are two large on-site blue badge parking bays. These may be inaccessible during periods of flood risk due to a flood barrier being raised. Visitors are welcome to contact staff in advance or on the day of their visit to check this.

From the nearby parking, access to the Gaol welcome desk is via a step-free, paved footpath. Walking, this takes around 1 minute from the on-site blue badge parking, or 2 minutes from the nearest local authority car parks. There is rarely a queue, but short waits are possible at the welcome desk. Audio guides are offered and included in the admission charge. There is lift access to all floors. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide further information and assistance. The Gaol basement is dimly lit and there are activities such as dress up and trails available. Cell doors are narrower than average doors. The main area of the Gaol upstairs is considerably brighter from natural light due to windows in the ceiling. Guide dogs and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome – a water bowl is located near the entrance. An accessible toilet is located on-site.

Ruthin gaol is the only purpose-built Pentonville style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. People can spend time exploring its nooks and crannies and learn about life in the Victorian prison system. See how the prisoners lived their daily lives: what they ate, how they worked, and the punishments they suffered. Explore the cells including the punishment, ‘dark’ and condemned cell.