Shepton Mallet Prison Celebrates Double Success

Shepton Mallet Prison Celebrates Double Success at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards

📸 Credit: Nick Williams

Shepton Mallet Prison is celebrating not one, but two achievements at this year’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, held at the Apex City of Bath Hotel.

A Big Night for the World’s Oldest Prison

This historical landmark, known as The World’s Oldest Prison and reputed to be the most haunted, was awarded Commended status in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

Charlie Lawson, Attraction Director of Cove Attractions, said the whole team was thrilled to receive Commended status.

‘’This honour reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team,’’ he said. ‘’We pride ourselves on offering visitors an authentic and engaging experience that brings history to life, from the Jacobean Era to modern times, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised.’’

Shepton Mallet Prison at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards

Celebrating an Unsung Hero

The celebrations didn’t stop there. One of the standout moments of the evening was the announcement that Monica Newton, Duty Manager of Heritage and Tours, had won the Unsung Hero Award. This award recognises an individual who excels in their role and demonstrates outstanding commitment to the industry.

‘’Monica’s dedication, particularly her work in the development of our Educational Behind Bars Programme, has been outstanding,’’ said Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group. ‘’The programme is nationally recognised and supported by educational institutes and police forces across the country. It has been incredibly well received by students across all Key Stage levels and is having a direct impact on the younger generations’ understanding of crime and punishment.’’

Monica Newton won the Unsung Hero Award at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards | Credit: Nick Williams

A Living Landmark with a Lasting Impact

These achievements highlight Shepton Mallet Prison’s ongoing commitment to preserve, protect and promote its rich history, while delivering engaging and meaningful experiences for all visitors. Today, the jail offers a wide range of tours, activities and events, from Guided Tours, escape rooms, ghost hunting experiences and the unique Night Behind Bars.

Want to know what all the excitement is about? Book your tickets today, or if you’re a teacher interested in arranging a school visit, simply use the form below.