Growing up not too far from here I have know about this place for a long time. Since it closed its always been on the list, but its always the ones on my door step that get brushed aside. I don't get back up north as much as I would like to so its always the new places or the ones that don't have long left that take priority.
I first visited some time last year, late in the day after another explore and did the most half assed recce ever. I went back in January after one of my many visits to Sunnyside and thought it was my lucky day. Lots of open doors! The light was fading so got some externals, went to have a look inside the buildings - all locked up! Very strange. I eventually realised someone was walking around the site and decided to bail. Fast forward to June and I am back again with prettyvacant71 and we decided to swing by for a look on our way to do the bits of Sunnyside we have both missed. Sometimes it just takes a second pair of eyes but we managed to get in eventually, with great difficulty. I didn't think we would be long there, but we were both pretty shocked at how nice this place was inside.
I have tried to look up the history but its all a bit patchy. The main admin block, Noranside House, is believed to date back to the 1830's. The site wasn't always a prison, it has been both a borstal and a sanatorium at some point. The prison closed in 2011.
Some externals taken in January just before sunset:
Main cell block in June:
Gym hall:
Various workshops and teaching rooms. The metal fairy crew had been in part of it, so only a few pics:
And now Noranside House, a most pleasant surprise inside!
The only graffiti in the place. I started editing it out but gave up.
The place has since been sealed up tight and has regular patrols now, so I am told by some locals. We helped some other explorers get in but people have failed since. Just saying in case you fancy a trip. The site has been sold now and I have heard rumours of a hotel project on the cards, but I have yet to see that confirmed.
Thanks for looking!
I first visited some time last year, late in the day after another explore and did the most half assed recce ever. I went back in January after one of my many visits to Sunnyside and thought it was my lucky day. Lots of open doors! The light was fading so got some externals, went to have a look inside the buildings - all locked up! Very strange. I eventually realised someone was walking around the site and decided to bail. Fast forward to June and I am back again with prettyvacant71 and we decided to swing by for a look on our way to do the bits of Sunnyside we have both missed. Sometimes it just takes a second pair of eyes but we managed to get in eventually, with great difficulty. I didn't think we would be long there, but we were both pretty shocked at how nice this place was inside.
I have tried to look up the history but its all a bit patchy. The main admin block, Noranside House, is believed to date back to the 1830's. The site wasn't always a prison, it has been both a borstal and a sanatorium at some point. The prison closed in 2011.
Some externals taken in January just before sunset:
Main cell block in June:
Gym hall:
Various workshops and teaching rooms. The metal fairy crew had been in part of it, so only a few pics:
And now Noranside House, a most pleasant surprise inside!
The only graffiti in the place. I started editing it out but gave up.
The place has since been sealed up tight and has regular patrols now, so I am told by some locals. We helped some other explorers get in but people have failed since. Just saying in case you fancy a trip. The site has been sold now and I have heard rumours of a hotel project on the cards, but I have yet to see that confirmed.
Thanks for looking!
