Somerset’s Most Chilling Historic Experience
Step inside over 400 years of crime, punishment and real-life stories at Shepton Mallet Prison – one of the UK’s most atmospheric and unforgettable visitor attractions.
Visit the cells that were home to notorious inmates like the Krays
Once home to notorious inmates, including the infamous Kray twins, this former jail is now a fully immersive experience where history isn’t behind glass – it surrounds you.
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This is not a static museum – it’s a fully immersive prison experience. As you explore, you will:
- Discover the harsh realities of prison life, from hard labour to “slopping out”
- Step inside original prison cells
- Walk the wings and narrow corridors used for centuries
- Enter the exercise yard where inmates spent their days
- Visit the execution block and learn about capital punishment
Guided tours bring these spaces to life, revealing the real stories of those who lived and died here.
A 400-Year Journey Behind Bars
First opening in 1625, Shepton Mallet Prison operated for nearly four centuries before closing in 2013, making it the oldest working prison in Britain at the time of its closure.
Across the centuries, it evolved from a brutal House of Correction to a lifer prison, holding everyone from petty criminals to some of the country’s most dangerous offenders.
During the Second World War, it even served as a US military prison – and safeguarded priceless national treasures including the Domesday Book.
Raw, Real and Unforgettable
Shepton Mallet Prison stands apart because of its authenticity. The atmosphere is unmistakable: cold stone walls, worn doors and echoes of the past at every turn.
There’s no glossy interpretation – this is history exactly as it was. That realism has made it a sought-after filming location, as well as one of the UK’s most compelling heritage attractions.
One of the UK’s Most Haunted Prisons
For those drawn to the darker side of history, Shepton Mallet has built a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Britain.
Paranormal events and ghost stories have been reported for years, and the prison regularly hosts ghost tours and night-time investigations. Visitors often describe unexplained noises, sudden chills and an eerie sense of being watched.
As one visitor shared online:
“We heard voices… but the room was empty.”
Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it adds another layer to an already unforgettable experience.
Tours, Experiences and Things to Do
There are multiple ways to explore the prison, making it ideal for a wide range of visitors:
- Guided tours – the most immersive way to uncover the prison’s history
- Self-guided visits – explore at your own pace
- Escape rooms – solve puzzles inside a real prison cell
- Ghost tours and paranormal nights – after-dark experiences for thrill-seekers
- Living history events – bringing the past vividly to life
Each visit offers something different, blending education, entertainment and atmosphere.
Spend the night Behind Bars… If You Dare
For the ultimate experience, you can even spend the night inside the prison itself.
Sleep in a former cell, explore the corridors after dark and experience the building when it’s at its most atmospheric. It’s a unique overnight stay that’s equal parts history and adrenaline – and not for the faint-hearted.
Plan Your Visit
Located less than an hour from Weston-super-Mare, Shepton Mallet Prison is one of Somerset’s best attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for the history, the stories, or the spine-tingling atmosphere, this is a day out that leaves a lasting impression.
