October 20, 2026 - 282 views
Families in North Wales will be able to explore the darker side of local history this half term, as Ruthin Gaol opens its doors for a week of Halloween activities as part of the Welsh Museums Festival.
The historic prison will offer ghostly torchlight trails, Halloween craft activities and late-night openings, giving visitors the chance to explore its atmospheric corridors and cells in a different light.
The special programme runs from Saturday 24 October to Saturday 31 October, with the Gaol staying open until 8pm from Thursday 29 October to Saturday 31 October for its popular After Dark experience.
The event is designed for families, with no actors or jump scares. Visitors can explore at their own pace, following a self-led trail and taking part in activities included in the normal admission price. Lighting in the basement will be lower than usual, and visitors are encouraged to bring a torch.
The late openings offer an opportunity to experience the building after dark, while younger visitors can enjoy the Halloween trail and crafts during the daytime.
But there is more to Ruthin Gaol than its spooky reputation. The heritage attraction tells the story of the Victorian prison system, allowing visitors to discover how prisoners lived, what they ate, the work they carried out and the punishments they faced.
Visitors can explore the cells, including the punishment, dark and condemned cells, and learn about some of the people who passed through the prison, including William Hughes, the last man to be hanged there, and a prisoner known as the Welsh Houdini.
Ruthin Gaol is one of more than 60 museums and galleries taking part in this year's Welsh Museums Festival, which runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
Now in its 12th year, the festival is organised by Museums Federation Cymru with support from the Welsh Government. It aims to encourage families to discover the history and culture on their doorstep through a programme of free and low-cost activities.
This year's theme combines Halloween with a more sustainable approach, encouraging museums to use natural and recycled materials and reduce waste while still offering plenty of seasonal fun.
The festival also includes activities at museums elsewhere in Wales, from lantern-making on Anglesey to bat-box workshops at Rhondda Heritage Park.
Ken Griffin, President of Museums Federation Cymru, said the festival had attracted its highest number of participating museums since it began, with many offering accessible activities for families during a period of financial pressure.
He said it was an ideal opportunity to discover a local museum, while the greener Halloween theme had encouraged venues to try new ideas, including willow lanterns and bat boxes.
For Ruthin and the surrounding area, the event offers a chance to combine a half-term family outing with a closer look at one of Denbighshire's best-known historic attractions.
Ruthin Gaol will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm from Saturday 24 October to Wednesday 28 October, then from 10.30am to 8pm from Thursday 29 October to Saturday 31 October. Last entry is at 3.30pm during the daytime-only opening period and 7pm during the late openings.
Admission is £9 for adults and £7 for children aged five to 16, with under-fives admitted free. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £25. No advance booking is required for general admission.
More information about the Gaol's Halloween programme and other events taking place during the Welsh Museums Festival is available through the Denbighshire County Council website and Museums Federation Cymru.
