Shepton Mallet Prison

Shepton Mallet Prison is known as The World’s Oldest Prison. A heritage led, world class tourism experience that began inspiring, immersing, educating and engaging visitors through a journey behind bars in 2017.

Shepton Mallet Prison housed its first inmates in 1625 and was decommissioned in 2013. Since its closure, their mission has been to preserve, protect and promote the history and heritage of this momentous, 400-year-old building by shining a light on prison life from the Jacobean era to modern day.

Today the prison offers many tours, activities and events to suit all interests and tastes.

Shepton Mallet Prison’s Guided Tours brings the prison to life with a no holds barred and are led by Prison Officers with encyclopaedic knowledge of the building and those that were incarcerated here, they can share real stories and experiences. Self-Guided Tours offer visitors the time to explore and discover at their own leisure with plenty of information points throughout the site and ‘CELLfie’ opportunities to have ‘mugshots’ taken. Learn about the dark and paranormal history from The World’s Most Haunted Prison on one of their Ghost Tours. These are the only tours where it cannot be guaranteed what you will see or hear. 400 years gathers tonnes of history and many visitors and staff alike have experienced unexplainable occurrences.

Activities provide a fun, adrenaline-charged day out in an exciting atmosphere. Choose between two different themed, state-of-the-art Escape Rooms. The Cell Escape Room is a fun-filled, puzzle-based, race against time to make your way to freedom whilst The Hole provides more of a challenge as you are handcuffed in complete darkness.

Hen parties, stag dos, birthday celebrations or just a bit of group fun have many different event options to select from and can be paired with activities, food and drink. Night Behind Bars allows guests to do the time without committing the crime. Some prefer to stay in their cells, whilst others go hunting for the paranormal in the dead of night. Officers are available 24/7 to answer any questions and look out for good behaviour.

There is even an on-site cafe offering snacks and barista-style hot and cold drinks.

Shepton Mallet Prison is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00am – 17:00pm and is located in central Shepton Mallet just 20 minutes from Wells.