Inveraray Jail

The basics

Inveraray Jail is more than just a museum, it’s an experience. Discover the true tales of the men, women, and children once sentenced to time at the jail as you visit the prisons and grounds, and uncover its dark past in the Torture, Death and Damnation exhibition.

Visitors can explore the site independently with an audio guide or join a guided ghost tour—the jail is said to be one of Scotland’s most haunted buildings. Along the way, meet the warden, matron, and prisoners played by costumed actors, test out the hammocks and wooden beds in the jail cells, and peer inside the Jail Kitchen, Airing Yards, and County Courtroom.

Things to know before you go

• Despite the criminal subject matter, Inveraray Jail is an interactive attraction suitable for the whole family.

• Admission includes an audio guide available in six languages. Entrance is free for children under five.

• Parts of the historic buildings may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility, and strollers are not permitted within the jail. Admission is free for wheelchair users, but only the ground floor is accessible.

How to get there

Inveraray Jail is located in the small town of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. It’s 37 miles (60 kilometers) southeast of Oban, about an hour’s drive, or 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow, about a 1.5-hour drive. Limited parking is available in front of the jail, but you can park in the town, just a few minutes walk away.

When to get there

The prison is open daily year-round except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Opening hours are typically 10am to 5pm, with the last entry an hour prior to closing. As with most family attractions, the jail is generally busiest on weekends and over school holidays, but it rarely gets overcrowded. Advance bookings aren’t typically necessary except for large groups.

The ghosts of Inveraray Jail

Inveraray Jail is believed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland and has a long history of reported ghost sightings and paranormal activity. The jail has been featured on the TV series Most Haunted, and now serves as a popular venue for overnight ghost hunts. Among the so-called spooky happenings are icy breezes, echoing footsteps at night, lights that won’t turn off, and photographs with unexplained shadows. Eek!