Following a two year closure due to flooding, Ruthin Goal is set to reopen this week and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar paid staff a visit on Friday ahead of the big day.

Ruthin Gaol is the only purpose-built Pentonville style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction.

In January 2021, along with several businesses and homes in the town, Ruthin Gaol was hit by severe flooding as Storm Christoph badly affected the region.

As a result, the inside of the gaol was forced to close, whilst outdoor tours resumed after a few months.

On Friday, ahead of the gaol’s reopening on Saturday April 1, Darren visited the attraction.

He said:

“Ruthin Gaol offers a fantastic visitor experience, telling the history of the penal system as well as the story of local characters and villains.

“Visitors can see how the prisoners lived their daily lives: what they ate, how they worked, and the punishments they suffered.

“They can explore the cells, including the punishment, 'dark' and condemned cell, and find out about the Welsh Houdini and William Hughes who was the last man to be hanged there.

“The site was used as a munitions factory during World War II and a special exhibition is being developed to tell this aspect of its history.

“I am delighted that people will soon have the opportunity to explore this fascinating attraction once again and I encourage visitors old and new to support it.”  

Ruthin Gaol is open during the following times:

1 April to 30 September: Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays), 10:30am to 5pm

Last admission: 4.00pm

You can arrange a group visit during October to March by emailing [email protected] or calling 01824 706868 between 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.