HM Prison Peterhead

HM Prison Peterhead is a prison museum in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, housed within a six-acre complex from the Victorian era. Visitors explore cells, a hospital wing, exercise yards, and staff quarters, all preserved in their original granite construction.

The detention facility opened in 1888 and remained operational until 2013 as the only state-run convict institution in Scotland. Inmates worked in local quarries and helped expand the harbor in the region.

Former prison officers guide visitors through the facility and share their experiences behind the walls of the Scottish detention center. Their accounts give insight into daily routines and challenges of working with inmates over several decades.

Audio headsets provide explanations during the self-guided tour, which lasts about two hours and runs daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for many stairs and uneven floors.

In 1987 a riot led to the only deployment of the Special Air Service in a civilian operation on mainland Britain. The forces ended the hostage situation after five days and freed a guard from captivity.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Inception: 1888

Official opening: 1888

Fee: Yes

Address: Admiralty Gateway, South Road, Peterhead, AB42 2XZ

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-16:00

Phone: +441779482200

Website: https://peterheadprisonmuseum.com

GPS coordinates: 57.49000,-1.78722

Latest update: December 23, 2025 06:26