About Peterhead Prison Museum

Peterhead Prison Museum is a 5* VisitScotland attraction on Scotland’s north-east coast, approximately 45 minutes from Aberdeen City Centre. Visitors can explore 125 years of history at “Scotland’s Toughest Jail,” which operated from 1888 until its closure in 2013. The museum offers an immersive experience, sharing stories from the perspective of the prison guards and providing insight into life behind the prison walls.

On Site:

  • Café (35 covers)
  • Coach and car parking
  • Gift shop
  • Fully accessible
  • Written information available in German, French, and Spanish

Opening Times:

  • 1st April – 31st October: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30)
  • 1st November – 31st March: 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 14:30)

Group Tour

Travel Trade Exclusive: N

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Availability: Year-round
  • Group Size: 10–50

Includes:

  • Guided tour through the 6-acre prison site
  • Stories about prison guards and prisoners
  • Experience of real prison life

Night Tour

Travel Trade Exclusive: N

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Availability: January – February
  • Group Size: 10–20

Includes:

  • Guided tour of the 6-acre prison site focusing on the history and mystery of the prison
  • Insight into life in the prison after lights out

FIT (Flexible Independent Traveller):

  • Self-guided audio tours available for individuals or small groups of fewer than 10
  • Tickets can be booked online or via FareHarbor API

Peterhead Prison Museum offers a unique, immersive experience of Scottish penal history, suitable for FITs, school groups, and private group tours.

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Craigievar Castle 142 DS 31 2