Night Behind Bars Experience

Will you take a chance and spend a whole night in a haunted prison?

Choose from Shrewsbury Prison in Shropshire or Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset.

This rare experience allows you to spend 12 hours locked in overnight, sleeping in a real prison cell, with an evening no-holds-barred guided tour led by an ex prison Officer who can shed a real light on what life was like for the prisoners, officers and visitors. You'll learn what prison life was like for the former prisoners who served their sentences here, touring the cells, healthcare rooms, executioner’s bedroom, and even the Condemned prisoner’s cell.

You’ll be released at 7am, after you’ve been woken up to a hot and hearty breakfast meal.

A fantastic experience for couples, groups of friends and those with an interest in the paranormal.

What happens on the day?

At 8pm, you'll be met by the prison staff and let in through the big wooden gates and shown to your cell for the night.

You'll be given a tour of the prison, visiting all areas including two Victorian wings, a number of themed cells, the segregation unit and the execution room. After the tour, you are free to explore the site.

The original prison kitchen now serving as a restaurant provides hot meals and snacks and there is a licensed bar – all open ‘till 10pm.

For the night owls amongst you the prison staff are on-site all-night checking for good behaviour and also available to answer any questions you may have.

You are woken early in the morning, no tardiness in prison, to the smell of fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast. We open the giant security gates at 7am when we release you back into the world with your memories of a very unusual night and, we are confident, many tales to tell.

Shrewsbury Prison

Do I need to bring bedding? You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bags, pillows and blankets as the prison can get chilly at night. Each cell has 2 beds with mattresses however you can bring your mattress or camp bed if you prefer.

What's in the cell? Each cell contains 2 beds (most are bunk beds, some are single frame beds) with mattresses, working power sockets and lights. There is a toilet in the cell but it is not operational so not to be used.

Are there shower facilities? No, only toilets which are located across the site including 7 close to the wing.

I'm booking by myself, will I have to share a cell? Visitors who book alone will be allocated a cell of their own.

Can dietary requirements be catered for in the restaurant? The prison restaurant can cater for all allergies and dietary requirements. The restaurant provides hot meals and snacks and there is a licensed bar, all open until 10pm. Hot drinks will be available for guests to help themselves to throughout the night. In the morning, visitors will be awakened to the smell of fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast.

Car parking There is a small car park opposite the prison. Additional parking can be found at the train station pay & display, which is located 50 meters away from the prison entrance on Howard Street (SY1 2LF) charged at £5.40 per day.

Shepton Mallet Prison

Do I need to bring bedding? You will need to bring your own bedding and a matt/mattress for your bed.

What's in the cell? Each cell has either one or two single bed frames. There are no additional facilities in the cell.

Are there shower facilities? No, only toilets which are located in the visitor centre and at limited locations around the prison.

I'm booking by myself, will I have to share a cell? Visitors who book alone will be allocated a cell of their own.

Can dietary requirements be catered for in the restaurant? A selection of breakfast items are provided and are suitable for most dietary requirements. Snack items are available throughout the night, again suitable for most dietary requirements.

Car parking There is a small prison car park (charge £3.50) and Great Ospry pay and display car park is nearby.