Ruthin Gaol - Carchar Rhuthun

Ruthin Gaol - Carchar Rhuthun Profiad unigryw o garchar Fictoraidd! | A unique Victorian prison experience! Our museum and shop is open from 10:30 to 16:30 every day (except Tuesday).

Cynlluniwch eich ymweliad: www.sirddinbych.gov.uk/carchar-rhuthun

Plan your visit:
www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ruthin-gaol Ruthin Gaol is the only purpose-built Pentonville style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. Visitors can explore the gaol's nooks and crannies, and learn about life in the Victorian system. See how the prisoners lived their daily lives: what they ate, how they wo

rked, and the punishments they suffered. Explore the prison cells and uncover the stories of the prisoners who were kept at the gaol, including the "Welsh Houdini" and William Hughes, the last man to be hanged here. Last admission is at 15:30.

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Yn y gell cludiant, gwahoddir ymwelwyr i ddychmygu beth y byddent yn ei ysgrif...
23/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Yn y gell cludiant, gwahoddir ymwelwyr i ddychmygu beth y byddent yn ei ysgrifennu yn eu llythyr olaf at anwylyn cyn iddynt gael eu halltudio i Awstralia.

At bwy fyddech chi’n ysgrifennu?

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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In the transportation cell, visitors are invited to imagine what they would write in a last letter to a loved one before being deported to Australia.

Who would you write to?

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

We’re recruiting!We are looking for new members to join our Heritage Assistant team based in Ruthin, working at both Rut...
22/06/2026

We’re recruiting!

We are looking for new members to join our Heritage Assistant team based in Ruthin, working at both Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens.

If you have a passion for the past and enjoy working with people, then you could be just who we’re looking for!

Please click here for full details:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/jobs-and-employees.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawSl04lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFVG1kd3hTUk1WUWVlcjB1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrtN4S9qIVa4dKlprFWSEzUIK5_FLObaLyj7fRqpUcObrnBNxDWNgf7Hm0rp_aem_LNnpN9-WI3ithdDPQJURyQ

Rydym yn recriwtio!Rydym yn chwilio am aelodau newydd i ymuno â thîm Cynorthwywyr Treftadaeth yn Rhuthun, gan weithio yn...
22/06/2026

Rydym yn recriwtio!

Rydym yn chwilio am aelodau newydd i ymuno â thîm Cynorthwywyr Treftadaeth yn Rhuthun, gan weithio yng Ngharchar Rhuthun a thŷ hanesyddol a gerddi Nantclwyd y Dre.

Os oes gennych chi angerdd am y gorffennol ac yn mwynhau gweithio gyda phobl, yna efallai mai chi rydym ni’n chwilio amdano!
Cliciwch yma i gael y manylion yn llawn:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/cy/swyddi-a-gweithwyr/swyddi-a-gweithwyr.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawSl06JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFVG1kd3hTUk1WUWVlcjB1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvsKibpFwrpriz06UFjedA8HbQsnS2N88IGfaj6hVWGYy9oM3n97DKNqjkbx_aem_w8FgXsdt4sQIn-I6eVu5UQ

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)👨‍👧‍👦 Chwilio am weithgaredd Sul y Tadau unigryw?Mae Carchar Rhuthun yn llawn ...
18/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

👨‍👧‍👦 Chwilio am weithgaredd Sul y Tadau unigryw?

Mae Carchar Rhuthun yn llawn hwyl i’r teulu:

🔎 Llwybr Dianc o’r Carchar
📸 Gwepluniau o’r teulu
👕 Gwisgo fel carcharor

Mae'n ddiwrnod allan arbennig o dda i dadau, teidiau a'r teulu cyfan.

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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👨‍👧‍👦 Looking for a Father’s Day activity with a difference?

Ruthin Gaol is packed with family fun:

🔎 Escape the Gaol trail
📸 Family mugshots
👕 Prisoner dress-up

It’s a criminally good day out for dads, grandads and the whole family.

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Drysau’r celloedd Adeiladwyd y drysau y tu fewn i Garchar Rhuthun at ddau ddib...
16/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Drysau’r celloedd

Adeiladwyd y drysau y tu fewn i Garchar Rhuthun at ddau ddiben, cryfder a gwyliadwriaeth.

Roedd y drysau pren trwm, ffitiadau haearn, cloeon, ac agoriadau archwilio, o gymorth i staff allu monitro carcharorion a gwneud yn siŵr eu bod wedi’u cyfyngu’n ddiogel.

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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The cell doors

The doors inside Ruthin Gaol were built for two purposes, strength and surveillance.

Heavy timber construction, iron fittings, locks, and inspection openings helped staff monitor prisoners while keeping them securely confined.

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Ar ddiwrnod Sul y Tadau eleni… anfonwch Dad i’r Carchar.Beth am archwilio Carc...
14/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Ar ddiwrnod Sul y Tadau eleni… anfonwch Dad i’r Carchar.

Beth am archwilio Carchar Rhuthun gyda’ch gilydd i weld a fyddai Dad yn ymdopi â chyfnod dan glo.

⛓ Pa mor hir y gallai bara yn y gell dywyll?
📸 A fydd yn barod i gael tynnu gweplun?
👕 A yw’n ddigon dewr i wisgo fel carcharor?

Trip Sul y Tadau ychydig yn wahanol!

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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This Father’s Day… send Dad to Gaol.

Explore Ruthin Gaol together and discover whether your Dad would survive a stint behind Victorian bars...

⛓ How long could he last in the dark cell?
📸 Will he pose for a mugshot?
👕 Or wear the prisoner outfit?

A Father’s Day trip with a criminal twist!

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Yn swyddfa’r ceidwaid, roedd carcharorion yn cael eu mesur a’u pwyso, ac unrhy...
13/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Yn swyddfa’r ceidwaid, roedd carcharorion yn cael eu mesur a’u pwyso, ac unrhyw farciau oedd arnynt yn cael eu cofnodi.

Roedd y cofnodion yn hollbwysig pe bai rhywun yn dianc. Nodwyd bod gan un carcharor, Edward Jackson, doriadau ar ei ail a’i bedwerydd bys ar bob llaw a chreithiau ar ei fraich dde a’i law chwith. Roedd pob manylyn yn bwysig.

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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In the warder's office, prisoners were measured, weighed, and any identifying marks were recorded.

This documentation was crucial in case of escape. One inmate, Edward Jackson, was noted to have cuts on the second and fourth fingers of each hand and scars on his right arm and left hand. Every detail mattered.

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Ydych chi’n chwilio am ddiwrnodau allan i’w mwynhau efo’r plant? Mynediad am ...
11/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Ydych chi’n chwilio am ddiwrnodau allan i’w mwynhau efo’r plant?

Mynediad am ddim i blant o dan 5 oed yng Ngharchar Rhuthun!

Mae ein tocynnau teulu’n cynnig dewisiadau ardderchog i deuluoedd a grwpiau o wahanol faint:

£16 ar gyfer 1 oedolyn a hyd at 3 o blant
£25 ar gyfer 2 oedolyn a hyd at 3 o blant

Mae ein Gweithgareddau i Deuluoedd yn golygu bod digon o hwyl a chyfleoedd dysgu ar gael, hyd yn oed ar gyfer yr ymwelwyr ieuengaf yng Ngharchar Rhuthun

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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Look for days out with little ones?

Children under 5 go free at Ruthin Gaol!

And our tiered family tickets mean great options for families and groups of different sizes:

£16 for 1 adult and up to 3 children
£25 for 2 adults and up to 3 children

Our Activities for Families mean there’s plenty of fun and learning to be had for even the youngest visitors to be had at Ruthin Gaol

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Roedd y ffenestri mewn celloedd yn fach ac wedi’u gosod yn uchel yn fwriadol.R...
09/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Roedd y ffenestri mewn celloedd yn fach ac wedi’u gosod yn uchel yn fwriadol.

Roeddent yn darparu golau ac awyru i’r celloedd, ond yn cyfyngu golygfeydd i’r byd y tu allan, er hynny, roedd y synau a oedd i’w clywed drwyddynt yn atgoffa carcharorion yn gyson o’r rhyddid a oedd y tu hwnt iddynt.

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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Windows in prison cells were deliberately small and placed high.

They allowed light and ventilation into the cells, while limiting views to the outside world, although the sounds which travelled through them provided a constant reminder of the freedom that lay beyond.

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)Roedd carcharorion yng Ngharchar Rhuthun yn cael gwneud un awr o ymarfer corff...
06/06/2026

Bilingual Post (Please scroll for English)

Roedd carcharorion yng Ngharchar Rhuthun yn cael gwneud un awr o ymarfer corff bob dydd.

Byddent yn cerdded mewn tawelwch o amgylch yr iard, yn aml yn gwisgo cap a oedd yn eu hatal rhag gweld a chyfathrebu gyda charcharorion eraill.

Byddent yn dal rhaff ar gamau rheolaidd ac yn cerdded ar gyflymdra cyson, er mwyn cadw’r rhaff yn dynn. Credir bod yr ymadrodd “toeing the line” wedi dod o’r arfer hwn.

📍 Carchar Rhuthun, Rhuthun, LL15 1HP
📆 Dydd Llun - Dydd Sul (ar gau bob dydd Mawrth)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (mynediad olaf am 3.30pm)

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Prisoners at Ruthin Gaol were allowed one hour of exercise each day.

They walked in silence around the yard, often wearing a Scotch cap, which prevented them from seeing and communicating with fellow inmates.

They would hold a rope at regular intervals and walk at a steady pace, to keep the rope taut. It is thought that this is where the phrase “toeing the line” came from.

📍 Ruthin Gaol, Ruthin, LL15 1HP
📆 Mon – Sun (closed Tuesdays)
🕰 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Address

46 Clwyd Street
Ruthin
LL151HP

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

01824 708281

Website

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