Description
Beaumaris Gaol is a remarkably preserved Victorian prison that offers a somber yet fascinating look into the harsh realities of 19th-century justice on the Isle of Anglesey. As one of the best things to do with kids in Beaumaris, this historic museum allows families to step back in time and explore a world of spartan cells, dark punishment rooms, and original penal machinery. It is a rare example of a prison that remains largely unchanged since its closure in 1878, providing an atmospheric and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Admission to the gaol is often part of a combined "Beaumaris Passport" which includes the nearby Courthouse, with prices starting from £7.50 for children and £10.50 for adults for the 2026/27 season. These tickets offer a complete historical journey from the site of the trial to the place of punishment. For families, a joint ticket for two adults and up to three children is available for £35.00, making it a well-priced educational day out.
If you are looking for a day out that combines mystery, history, and interactive learning, Beaumaris Gaol is a standout choice. The museum provides "discovery sheets" to keep younger visitors engaged as they search for clues across the dimly lit corridors. Whether you are fascinated by ghost stories or curious about the daily lives of Victorian inmates, this site offers a unique perspective on local heritage.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Beaumaris Gaol unique?
- Working Penal Treadmill: The gaol features one of the few remaining Victorian treadmills in Britain that actually pumped water to the top of the building.
- Interactive Discovery: Children can take part in a "detective trail" using question sheets that help them spot specific historical details.
- The Condemned Cell Legend: Visitors can stand in the very cell where Richard Rowlands spent his final nights before famously "cursing" the town clock.
- Original Victorian Layout: Unlike many modernised museums, the corridors and cells remain largely in their original 1829 state, including the heavy iron doors.
- Multi-Period History: The site served as a gaol, a police station, and even a children's clinic before becoming a museum, with an original Cold War air raid siren still on display.
Detailed Inventory
- The Penal Treadmill: A large wooden wheel used for hard labour.
- Richard Rowlands' Condemned Cell: The final home of the gaol's most famous inmate.
- The Dark Punishment Cell: A cell designed for total sensory deprivation.
- The Whipping Room: A grim reminder of the corporal punishments used in the 1800s.
- The Stone Breaking Yard: An outdoor area where prisoners performed manual labour.
- The Cold War Air Raid Siren: A loud remnant of the building's 20th-century history.
- The Disordered Chapel Pews: Sourced from another location and installed out of sequence.
- Original Iron Gate Pins: Visible from the street, these held the gallows in place for executions.
- Juvenile Detention Cells: Small rooms highlighting the harsh fact that children were often imprisoned here.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Beaumaris Courthouse: Use your "Passport" ticket to visit the historic dock where prisoners were sentenced.
- Beaumaris Castle: A short walk away, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for medieval history fans.
- The Green and Pier: Perfect for a post-museum runaround or a boat trip to Puffin Island.
15.85 miles
