A Rainy Day Adventure: Exploring Shrewsbury Prison

Our family trip to Shrewsbury was met with the typical British weather—rainy and overcast. As we pondered over what to do, we stumbled upon the intriguing Shrewsbury Prison tour. The idea of exploring a historic prison seemed like the perfect way to spend a gloomy day, and the fact that it was dog-friendly sealed the deal for us.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff, who handed us a map and explained the layout of the prison. The self-guided tour allowed us to explore at our own pace, which was ideal for our family. The kids were fascinated by the sound boxes scattered throughout the prison, which provided snippets of history and stories from the past. The information boards were equally engaging, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited these walls.

Immersive History and Chilling Atmosphere

As we wandered through the corridors of Shrewsbury Prison, the atmosphere was both chilling and captivating. The prison, with its cold stone walls and iron bars, offered a stark reminder of the harsh realities of prison life. Our children, usually full of energy, were surprisingly quiet as they absorbed the gravity of the place.

The prison’s history spans over two centuries, and the exhibits did a fantastic job of bringing that history to life. From the Georgian era to modern times, each section of the prison told a different story. The lack of gimmicks meant that the experience felt authentic, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the history of the place.

We were particularly intrigued by the mention of the Georgian prison lying beneath the current structure. Although we didn’t book the tunnel tour, the idea of exploring the underground passages added an element of mystery to our visit. We did, however, catch a glimpse of a group in orange boiler suits, presumably heading down to the tunnels, which piqued our curiosity even further.

A Family-Friendly Experience

One of the highlights of our visit was the accessibility of the prison. Nearly all areas were open for exploration, allowing us to touch and experience the environment firsthand. This level of access made the visit particularly engaging for our children, who loved the freedom to roam and discover.

The prison also offers a variety of other tours and experiences, such as escape rooms and ghost tours, which we noted for a future visit. While we didn’t partake in these additional activities, they certainly sounded exciting and would be perfect for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Overall, our visit to Shrewsbury Prison was a memorable and educational experience. It provided a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a significant piece of history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an engaging family activity, Shrewsbury Prison offers something for everyone. Just remember to dress warmly, as the prison can be quite chilly!