Shepton Mallet Prison
Castles & Heritage Sites
Shepton Mallet Prison runs self-guided entry, guided tours and evening events, with dogs allowed on tours, no on-site parking and a cashless site.
A prison you can walk round
Shepton Mallet Prison, on Frithfield Lane in Shepton Mallet, is now a visitor attraction. The site is part of Cove Attractions, and its website promotes 400 years of history. Visitors can walk the wings, landings and cells, either on a guided tour or on the self-guided Prison Entry ticket.
Ways to visit
The prison sells self-guided Prison Entry, guided tours and Halloween ghost tours, and it also runs the Cell and Hole escape rooms. The Cell is staged inside a real prison cell. Evening events, including Halloween nights and ghost hunts, are listed on the website. Prison Entry is the simplest option if you want to set your own pace.
Children aged 5 to 15 need a child ticket, and under-fives enter free. The wings stay cool even in summer, so bring an extra layer. The site is cashless, so bring a card or phone for contactless payment.
Planning around the site
The prison is open every day, but check the website for the hours and last entry on the day you plan to go. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for Prison Entry. The prison says much of the site can be reached with a buggy, though some areas have stairs and buggies are not allowed in the escape rooms.
There is no on-site parking. Great Ostry Car Park is about 300m away and is pay and display, and Commercial Road Car Park is about 600m away. The prison’s FAQ page lists the full details, and the prison links to an accessibility page for detailed access information.
Other things to do nearby
The East Somerset Railway at Cranmore is a different kind of day out, with steam trains rather than cells. Read the East Somerset Railway page if you want to pair the two in one day.
Where to stay near Shepton Mallet Prison
Sample dates: 16 October 2026 - 18 October 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Somerset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to book Shepton Mallet Prison?
- Tickets can be bought on arrival, but the prison strongly recommends booking ahead, particularly for the escape rooms and guided tours, because spaces are limited.
- Are dogs allowed at Shepton Mallet Prison?
- Well-behaved dogs are allowed on Prison Entry and Guided Tours, kept on a lead. They are not permitted in the escape rooms or at night events.
- Is there parking at Shepton Mallet Prison?
- No. There is no on-site parking. The prison points to pay-and-display car parks nearby, including Great Ostry Car Park, about 300m away.
- How long should I allow?
- The prison suggests 1.5 to 2 hours for Prison Entry, and says the wings can stay cool even in summer, so bring an extra layer.