Plan Your Visit

Location

Stirling's Old Town Jail is located on St. John Street - the main route to Stirling Castle.

Road directions to Old Town Jail

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Group Visit Information

For group reservations, or further information - contact:

Stirling Old Town Jail
St. John Street
Stirling FK8 1EA
Tel. 01786 450050

Some frequently asked questions about Group Visits:

1. What is the significance of Stirling Old Town Jail? »

In 1847 Stirling's Old Town Jail was opened as a 'model prison' - to replace the old Tolbooth Jail, with its problems of chronic overcrowding, and appalling conditions for the inmates. It is a perfect example of a Victorian prison - and following a complete refurbishment in 1996 it opened as one of the most intriguing attractions for visitors to Stirling.

2. For what type of group is Stirling Old Town Jail a suitable visit?

Whilst groups with an interest in life in Scotland during the early Victorian period will find the Jail particularly fascinating - it is such a unique attraction that it appeals to groups of all types. The Jail has a strong appeal to educational groups of all levels. The Rooftop Viewpoint is accessed by a spiral staircase from the top floor of the Jail.

3. How long should a group spend at The Jail?

For groups and parties it is recommended that between 1 and ¼hours should be allowed to fully enjoy a visit to the Jail.

4. When is the best time to visit The Jail?

The early morning period is very often when visibility from the Rooftop Viewpoint is at its best, and a group can enjoy the outstanding views to the full. For groups spending a full day in Stirling, the Jail is recommended as an excellent starting point - visitors can appreciate the setting of the city, before proceeding to visit other attractions such as Stirling Castle.

5. What is the normal procedure for a group visit to The Jail?

The main entrance to The Old Town Jail is on St. John Street. (Coaches can stop only to set down passengers at this point).

Admission tickets can be pre-purchased in advance, or obtained from the Ticket Sales Desk (immediately inside the entrance to the main building). Groups are advised to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to the tour time, to enable tickets to be purchased, etc.

The Jail visit comprises an interactive prison tour (with costumed actors), as well as the opportunity for visitors to view the themed exhibition areas and the Rooftop Viewpoint at leisure. Parties comprising more than 25 visitors are normally handled as two separate groups, so that one group can experience a prison tour, while the other group views the exhibition areas (and vice-versa).

6. Are advance reservations recommended for group visits?

Because of the unique nature of the Jail advance reservations are strongly recommended for groups of 10 or more visitors. Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 10 or more visitors.

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School Parties and Educational Groups

Stirling Old Town Jail - a classroom with a difference!

Stirling Old Town Jail provides educational groups with a unique insight into life during the Victorian era - a period of immense change in Scotland’s towns and cities.

Stirling Old Town Jail can easily be linked with other attractions (including Argyll’s Lodging, Cowane’s Hospital, Stirling Castle, and The Church of the Holy Rude) and activities (including walking tours of the historic city) to provide an intriguing experience for groups at all levels.

A visit to the Jail provides groups with a unique insight into:

• Life in Victorian Scotland - including living conditions and social reform
• Stirling in the 19th Century
• Crime and Punishment in Victorian Scotland - and the treatment of juvenile offenders
• Engineering and Innovation in Victorian Scotland
• Crime and Justice in Scotland today

Booking Your Visit

Advance reservations are essential for educational groups visiting Stirling Old Town Jail - to ensure that your party can arrive at a time which will enable them to enjoy their visit to the full.

To make your reservation, call Stirling Old Town Jail on (01786) 450050. To assist in making your reservation, please have the following information available:

• The name and address of your school (including the post code), and contact details (telephone/fax numbers, and e-mail address)
• The name (and contact details, if different) for the teacher who is organising or leading the visit
• The preferred date and time for your visit
• The number of pupils, teachers, and accompanying adults in the group
• Details of any special needs or requirements (e.g. pupils with special physical needs, etc.)

Helpful Notes

To ensure that your group has a safe and enjoyable visit to Stirling Old Town Jail:

• You should plan for a minimum period of 1½ hours for a visit to The Jail - allowing time to complete the live prison tour (which takes place with an actor), visit all the displays and exhibition areas (including the Rooftop Viewpoint), and visit the Souvenir and Gift Shop.
• If you have more than 25 pupils - then the best way of visiting The Jail is to split the party into smaller groups, each of which will undertake a different activity simultaneously. For example - one group can go directly to The Rooftop Viewpoint, then visit each of the exhibition areas before the live prison tour, whilst the other group can start their visit with the live prison tour. Each group must be accompanied by at least one adult or teacher.
• The different areas of The Jail are accessed by a lift, and by a spiral staircase leading from the upper exhibition area and terrace to The Rooftop Viewpoint.
• The safety of all visitors to The Jail is important - and pupils must be supervised at all times, especially when they visit The Rooftop Viewpoint. Items must not be thrown from here - as they could be a danger to people below.
• The Souvenir and Gift Shop is situated just inside the main entrance, and has a wide range of items available for purchase. Pupils must be supervised when visiting this area.
• Toilet facilities are available within The Jail.

The personnel at Stirling Old Town Jail will do all they can to make sure that your group enjoys its time at The Jail to the full, and they will be happy to deal with any enquiries, either beforehand or during your visit.