Old Town Jail Stirling
Step into Victorian Scotland at Stirling Old Town Jail, with immersive tours, stunning views, and thrilling escape rooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tours run frequently
Old Town Jail Stirling
Best Time
Tours run frequently
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Victorian Scotland at Stirling Old Town Jail, with immersive tours, stunning views, and thrilling escape rooms.
"Absolutely amazing experience! Our guide was incredible! Such a great performer and you really could feel history coming to life."
🎭 Engaging Tour Guides
Guides are fantastic performers! Ask questions and participate for a richer experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially to the tower. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Prison Performance Tours
Immersive tours with actors bringing Victorian prison life and inmate stories to life. Engaging and educational!

Observation Tower Views
Panoramic 360-degree views of Stirling Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding countryside from the rooftop. Breathtaking!

Escape Rooms
Challenge your wits with themed escape rooms offering a modern, interactive twist on the historic jail setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Live Performances
Consider the Stirling City Pass
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎭 Engaging Tour Guides
Guides are fantastic performers! Ask questions and participate for a richer experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially to the tower. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Amazing Photo Ops
The views from the tower are incredible. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
👻 Ghost Walks Available
Check for evening ghost walks for a spooky, historical perspective. :ghost:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎭 Engaging Tour Guides
Guides are fantastic performers! Ask questions and participate for a richer experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially to the tower. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Amazing Photo Ops
The views from the tower are incredible. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
👻 Ghost Walks Available
Check for evening ghost walks for a spooky, historical perspective. :ghost:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Great for families with engaging performances and escape rooms. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Stirling Old Town Jail for its highly engaging and entertaining live performance tours, with guides often highlighted for their captivating storytelling. The breathtaking panoramic views from the observation tower are another major draw, offering stunning vistas of Stirling Castle and the surrounding landscape. The addition of escape rooms provides a fun, modern twist to the historical experience, making it a well-rounded attraction.
"We bought the Stirling City Pass for a day, and were able to get a tour on a Sunday for our family of 8. It was a surprisingly amazing experience and highly recommend. Our tour guide was a great performer and very animated. He provided excellent insights to the history of the jail in a captivating way. He promoted audience participation. It was worth going up the tower for the view of the city center."
Catherine Hunt
"Absolutely amazing experience ! Our guide was Adam and he was incredible ! Such a great performer and you really could feel history coming to life. He was also very kind to me after the tour, when he saw I was disabled and came to explain to me where the elevators where to make my visit easier for my mobility issues. The views from the tower are spectacular. Really worth a visit !"
Isabel r
"Such a great afternoon at Stirling Old Town Jail. It was really interesting touring the building and then doing both escape rooms. The staff were amazing. Adam and Sydney are really talented and added to the experience. Thoroughly recommend and a lot more affordable than other experiences.
The 360 degree views of Stirling from the roof top are unbelievable!
Also visited the newly opened shop which was really well decorated and stocked. An amazing day!"
Douglas Sherriffs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Town Jail is conveniently located in Stirling's historic core, a short walk from Stirling Castle and the city center. It's easily accessible on foot from most central Stirling locations. If arriving by car, there are several car parks nearby.
Yes, there are several public car parks within walking distance of the Old Town Jail. Some are pay-and-display. Check local signage for the most convenient options.
Stirling has a main train station and bus station, both within a reasonable walking distance of the Old Town Jail. Local buses also serve the city center.
While the historic nature of the jail presents some challenges, the staff are very accommodating. Elevators are available to assist with mobility issues, particularly for accessing the observation tower.
The Old Town Jail is situated just a short walk downhill from Stirling Castle, making it easy to combine visits to both historic sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are required for entry to the Old Town Jail and its tours. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for the live performance tours, to guarantee your spot.
The Old Town Jail is typically open daily, with live prison performance tours running every 30 minutes. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour times.
While tickets can often be purchased on the day, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.
Consider the Stirling City Pass for potential discounts if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Family tickets and group rates may also be available.
A standard ticket usually includes access to the jail's historic cells and the immersive live performance tours. Access to the observation tower and escape rooms may be separate or part of a package.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tours are highly immersive, featuring actors who bring the history of the jail and its inmates to life. Expect engaging storytelling and interactive elements.
Absolutely! The observation tower offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Stirling Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding countryside. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Yes, the escape rooms are a popular addition, offering a fun and challenging experience that complements the historical setting. They are often praised for their design and engagement.
Photography is generally permitted in most areas, but always check for any specific restrictions. The views from the tower are particularly photogenic.
Built in 1847 to replace the overcrowded Tolbooth prison, it was designed on the 'Separate System' for isolation and reflection. It later served as a military detention barracks before becoming a visitor attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the jail itself may have limited food options, there is a newly opened shop that is well-decorated and stocked. You'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Old Town and city center.
The 'Birds and the Bees' is a recommended spot for lunch by Reddit users. Many other cafes and pubs are available in the nearby Old Town and city center.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the attraction itself, but it's always best to check their specific policy. There are often picnic areas nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers unparalleled 360-degree views, making it the prime spot for panoramic shots. The exterior architecture and historic cells also provide great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted at historical sites and attractions due to safety and privacy concerns. It's advisable to check with the venue directly before attempting to fly a drone.
While specific photography tours might not be advertised, the site's historical significance and stunning views make it a photographer's delight. Consider visiting during golden hour for the best light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For an extra dose of fun, consider booking one of the escape rooms. These offer a collaborative challenge that kids and adults can enjoy together. The observation tower also provides a thrilling experience with its incredible views, which children often find exciting. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair bit of walking involved.
👻 Ghost Walk Enthusiasts
These walks provide a different kind of immersion, focusing on the eerie stories and historical accounts of hauntings. It's a perfect activity for those who enjoy a good ghost story and a bit of a thrill in a genuinely historic setting.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the historic cells, learn about the notorious Tolbooth prison it replaced, and understand the jail's role as a military detention barracks. The observation tower also offers a historical perspective on Stirling's strategic layout and its significance throughout history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Stirling Old Town Jail
The jail served as a county prison until 1888, after which it transitioned into Scotland's sole Military Detention Barracks, continuing its custodial role until its closure in 1935. Following a period of neglect, the building underwent significant refurbishment in the 1990s, reopening its doors as a popular visitor attraction that now educates and entertains.
Today, the jail offers a unique blend of historical immersion and modern entertainment. Visitors can step back in time with actor-led tours that vividly recount the grim realities of Victorian prison life, the strict regimes, and the stories of those incarcerated within its walls. The site also features escape room experiences, adding a contemporary challenge to its storied past.
Experiencing the Jail: Tours and Views
A major highlight for many visitors is the observation tower. Ascending this structure rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Stirling. You can clearly see Stirling Castle perched majestically on its rock, the charming Old Town with its cobbled streets, and the expansive surrounding countryside. It's an ideal spot for photography and gaining a true sense of Stirling's strategic importance.
Beyond the tours and views, the jail also offers escape room challenges. These themed rooms provide a fun, interactive way to test your problem-solving skills within the unique atmosphere of the historic prison. It's a great option for groups looking for an engaging activity after exploring the jail's history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit