There has been a prison on the Ruthin Gaol site since the seventeenth century. It is one of the most impressive buldings in North Wales and the only purpopse-built Pentonville style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. Since its reopening in May 2002 after a two million pounds restoration project, people can spend time exploring its nooks and crannies and learn about life in the Victorian prison system.

See how the prisoners lived their daily lives: what they ate, how they worked, and the punishments they suffered. Explore the cells including the punishment, 'dark' and condemned cell. Find out about the Welsh Houdini and William Hughes the last man to be hanged there.

Learn how the prison worked - its ingenious Victorian heating, ventilation and communication systems, the kitchen, bread ovens, well, and spy holes. Bring yourself up to date - from wartime munitions factory to its present imaginative conversion.

Audio tours included in admission price; children's activity drawers; schools activities and teacher's information packs; souvenir shop; tea rooms/cafes within walking distance; commitment ceremonies and children's birthday parties available. Click on the link for on the left for Ruthin Gaol's own website.

Admission prices: Adult £3.50.child (5-16) £2.50.senior citizen £2.50. family £10. pre-booked groups (15+) 10% discount. Public car park nearby. Opening times: March - October 2009, 10am -5pm daily. Nov 2009 - Feb 2010, 10am-5pm, weekend and school holidays. Evening opening for groups by appointment. Last admission 1 hour before closing. Click on the What's On link to see what's happening at the moment.

Pre-booked touch tours and sign tours available. Access statement available. Parking for disabled badge-holders on site. Booking for groups, including education: Susan Dalloe Tel 01824 708281. Fax 01824 708258. e-mail: susan.dalloe@denbighshire.gov.uk. general enquiries: Ruthin Gaol, Clwyd Street Ruthin Denbighshire LL15 1HP. Tel 01824 708281