Peterhead Prison Museum
About This Museum
People come to Peterhead Prison Museum not for a gentle day out, but to feel the weight of history in a place once known as Scotland's 'Alcatraz'. You'll walk the same bleak landings as convicts, listening to their stories through a gripping audio tour narrated by former officers and inmates. It's an unflinching look at the harsh realities of 19th-century penal life, from the claustrophobic solitary cells to the surprisingly busy prison hospital. The experience is chilling, unforgettable, and gives you a profound respect for the sheer toughness of this granite fortress by the sea.
Collection Highlights
The restored punishment block, with its stark isolation cells, is a haunting highlight. Don't miss the operational courtroom, where you can almost hear the gavel fall, and the period-correct hospital that reveals another layer of prison life.
Visitor Information
Your visit is self-guided with a compelling audio handset—just show up, grab one, and start exploring. It's all indoors, so a perfect option for one of those blustery coastal days.
Architecture & Building
A formidable complex of stark, granite buildings that epitomizes Victorian penal design—built to intimidate and endure against the harsh North Sea elements.
Contact & Location
Address: South Road, Invernettie, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Alba / Scotland, AB42 2TR, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1779 581060
Website: Visit Website
