Kids go free this October half term
Join us over October half term for a great value, fun day out for all the family. Claim up to two FREE children’s tickets per paying adult on Guided and Self-Guided Tours 21st October – 5th November!
Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take plenty of ‘CELL’fies, and soak up the atmosphere. There is something for kids of all ages at Shepton Mallet Prison.
Learn More
Self-Guided Tours
What's on this half term
- Explore the whole prison at your own pace
- Discover 400 years of history
- Great for all ages
- 2 FREE children’s tickets per group
Guided Tours
- Led by Prison Officers
- Gain a wealth of knowledge
- Explore an extraordinary location
- 2 FREE children’s tickets per paying adult
Ghost Tours
- Explore the world’s most haunted prison
- Hear chilling paranormal tales
- Explore in the dead of night
- Are you brave enough?
Dive into 400 years of history
Bursting with stories
Shepton Mallet Prison is the oldest purpose-built prison in the world. Opened in 1625, the prison has housed thousands of prisoners over the centuries and while they’re long gone, their stories, and sometimes their spirits, remain!
From prison escapes to coldblooded crimes, you’ll remember these jaw-dropping tales long after half term is over!
Awesome family day out. The whole experience from entering the prison to leaving was welcome, authentic, unique and comes highly recommended.
TRIPADVISOR’S #1 DESTINATION
We’re proud to be rated the #1 tourist destination in Somerset on Tripadvisor, with an average rating of 5/5 from over 2,500 reviews. Visit us to see what we’re all about!
AS SEEN ON THE BIG SCREEN
From Hollywood blockbusters to BBC dramas, Shepton Mallet Prison has provided iconic backdrops to many films and TV series.
Most recently, the prison was used as the location for the hit drama, The Outlaws, starring Christopher Walken and Stephen Merchant.
HOME TO INFAMOUS INMATES
The Kray Twins, Reginald Kray and Ronald Kray, were called up to do their National Service with Royal Fusiliers in 1952, but attempted to leave minutes after they arrived at their depot. Ronnie punched a Corporal who tried to stop them from leaving and thus, the twins were sentenced to serve 9 months in Shepton Mallet Prison. It was here they first met future rivals Charlie Richardson and George Cornell.
Learn more about our infamous inmates on our fascinating Guided Tours!
PRISON TOURS
- Guided by Prison Officers
- Self-Guided option
- Great for all ages
01749 681862