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Sentence Your Family to a Prison Adventure

Kids Go Free & Eat Free This Summer*

Enjoy a great-value family day out at one of Somerset's most fascinating attractions.

Wander through historic prison wings, step inside authentic cells and uncover the fascinating stories of those who once lived and worked here. Explore at your own pace and discover what life behind bars was really like.

Event Overview

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Summer 2026 Offer Kids Go Free and Eat Free!

Looking for something different to do with the kids this summer?

At Shepton Mallet Prison, up to two children aged 5–15 receive free Prison Entry with every paying adult, while children under 5 already visit free of charge. Plus, kids can enjoy a free children’s snack box in our on-site café.*

It’s a memorable, immersive family day out that’s completely unlike the usual school holiday attractions. Whether you’re planning a day out with the children or making memories with the grandchildren, Shepton Mallet Prison offers an adventure the whole family will be talking about.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Please see our Summer 2026 Offer Terms & Conditions for full details. Offer available until 1 September 2026.

Summer 2026 Offer Kids go free and eat free!

Summer 2026 Family Offer: Kids Go Free

This summer, for every paying adult, up to two children aged 5–15 can enjoy free Prison Entry as part of our Summer Family Offer.

To take advantage of this offer when booking online, simply select the Summer Family Offer ticket option during the booking process. Free child tickets must be included within the same booking as the qualifying adult ticket(s).

Additional child tickets can be purchased if required.

Children under 5 already visit free of charge.

Summer 2026 Offer Kids go free and eat free!

Kids Eat Free

After exploring the prison, visit our on-site café and enjoy a free children’s snack box.

For every £10 spent in our café in a single transaction, you can claim one free children’s snack box for an eligible child in your group, up to a maximum of one snack box per child.

The offer is available to children aged 15 and under who are visiting Shepton Mallet Prison on their booked visit date.

The perfect way to recharge before exploring even more of the prison.
Book Your Summer Adventure
A family exploring the prison

Why Visit Shepton Mallet Prison This Summer?

Unlike a traditional museum, Shepton Mallet Prison offers a truly unique family day out in Somerset, giving you the opportunity to experience history inside the walls of a real prison.

This summer, enjoy even greater value with our Kids Go Free & Eat Free offer and make memories the whole family will remember.

During your visit, you can:

  • Explore prison wings and landings at your own pace
  • Step inside authentic prison cells
  • Discover real stories of prisoners and officers
  • Learn about crime and punishment through the centuries
  • Take family photographs in unique prison locations
  • Escape the unpredictable British weather with a largely indoor attraction
  • Upgrade your visit with a Guided Tour or Escape Room experience
It’s a family day out that’s anything but ordinary.
Escape Room

Make Your Visit Even More Memorable

Want to experience even more of Shepton Mallet Prison? Enhance your visit with:

Guided Tours

Ready to uncover the stories hidden behind these walls? Join one of our expert guides as they bring the prison’s history to life through real stories and fascinating insights.

Escape Rooms

Can your family solve the clues and escape before time runs out? Step inside one of our immersive Escape Rooms and see if you have what it takes to make your escape.

Additional charges apply and availability may vary.

Booking online? Once you’ve selected your Summer Family Offer ticket, you can add Guided Tours and Escape Rooms during the next step of the booking process.

See What's On
Family exploring prison Shepton Mallet

A Great Day Out for Every Generation

Whether you’re visiting with young children, teenagers or grandchildren, Shepton Mallet Prison offers an experience that sparks curiosity and conversation.

Enjoy quality time together while uncovering remarkable stories from over 400 years of prison history.

From grandparents to grandchildren, it’s a unique family day out everyone can enjoy.
Book Your Summer Adventure

When is the offer available?

The Summer Family Offer is available until 1 September 2026.

What's included in the Summer Family Offer admission ticket?

The Summer Family Offer – 1 Adult includes Prison Entry for one adult and free Prison Entry admission for up to two children aged 5–15.

The Summer Family Offer – 2 Adults includes Prison Entry for two adults and free Prison Entry admission for up to four children aged 5–15.

The Kids Go Free offer applies to Prison Entry only. If you’d like to make your visit even more memorable, you can add a Guided Tour or Escape Room experience to your booking for an additional charge.

Do I need to book the Summer Family Offer ticket?

Yes. To receive free child admission, you must select the relevant Summer Family Offer ticket when booking online.

If you prefer, you can also purchase Summer Family Offer tickets in person on the day of your visit, subject to availability. To receive the offer, please ensure you request the appropriate Summer Family Offer ticket at the admissions desk.

How many children can go free?

Up to two children aged 5–15 can visit free with each paying adult.

Children under 5 already visit free of charge.

Can I bring more than two children?

Yes. The Summer Family Offer includes up to two free children aged 5–15 per paying adult. For example, one adult can bring up to two children free of charge, while two adults can bring up to four children free of charge.

If you are visiting with additional children beyond this allowance, Additional Child Tickets can be purchased separately.

Children under 5 already visit free of charge.

Can grandparents use the offer?

Yes. Grandparents can enjoy the Summer Family Offer too. Simply select the appropriate Summer Family Offer ticket when booking and bring your grandchildren along for an unforgettable day out behind bars.

How does the free children's snack box offer work?

You can claim one free children’s snack box for each eligible child, for every £10 spent in a single café transaction.

For example, if you spend £20 and have two eligible children, you’ll receive two free children’s snack boxes. If you spend £20 but only have one eligible child, you’ll receive one free children’s snack box, as each eligible child can claim a maximum of one snack box.

You can find further examples in our Summer 2026 Offer Terms & Conditions here.

What's included in a free children's snack box?

Each free children’s snack box typically includes:

  • A piece of fruit
  • A packet of crisps
  • A drink

Snack box contents may vary and are subject to availability.

Does the offer include Guided Tours or Escape Rooms?

The free admission element applies to Prison Entry only. Guided Tours and Escape Rooms can be added at the applicable price.

How do I add a Guided Tour or Escape Room to my Summer Family Offer?

When booking online, simply select your Summer Family Offer ticket first. During the next steps of the booking process, you’ll have the option to add a Guided Tour or Escape Room to your booking, subject to availability and the applicable additional charge.

Is Shepton Mallet Prison suitable for rainy days?

Absolutely. With historic prison wings, landings and cells to explore indoors, Shepton Mallet Prison is a great option whatever the weather. Families can easily spend the day exploring the prison, joining a Guided Tour or solving clues in our Escape Rooms.

Is Shepton Mallet Prison a good place to visit on hot summer days?

Yes. Shepton Mallet Prison is largely indoors, making it a great option when the summer temperatures rise. Explore historic prison wings, uncover fascinating stories and enjoy a break in our on-site café while escaping the heat outside.

We’re also a dog-friendly attraction, so the whole family – including your four-legged companions – can join the adventure and enjoy a cooler day out together on warmer days.

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Opening Hours

Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm