Shepton Mallet Prison continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s most distinctive heritage attractions, following a year marked by national recognition, industry awards, and continued growth.
From sector recognition to global rankings, the World’s Oldest Prison is proving that heritage, when delivered with authenticity and purpose, continues to resonate with modern audiences.
Industry Recognition on a Regional Stage
At the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, Shepton Mallet Prison celebrated a major milestone, receiving Commended status in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
The recognition reflects the strength of the experience delivered on site, combining history, storytelling, and immersive engagement in a way that continues to attract and retain visitors.
Charlie Lawson, Attraction Director of Cove Attractions, said:
“This honour reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team. We pride ourselves on offering visitors an authentic and engaging experience that brings history to life, from the Jacobean era through to modern times, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised.”
Recognising the People Behind the Experience
The evening also saw a standout individual achievement, with Monica Newton, Duty Manager of Heritage and Tours, awarded the Unsung Hero Award.
The award highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment and impact within the industry, and Monica’s contribution has been central to the ongoing development of the attraction.
Her work on the Education Behind Bars programme has helped establish it as a nationally recognised initiative, working with schools, colleges, and institutions across the country to deliver meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, said:
“Monica’s dedication has been outstanding. The Education Behind Bars programme continues to grow in reach and impact, helping young people better understand the realities of crime, consequences, and decision-making. It’s a vital part of what we do.”
Global Recognition and Continued Momentum
Building on this success, Shepton Mallet Prison has also been awarded the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, marking 7 consecutive years of recognition and placing it among the top 10% of things to do worldwide.
This achievement is driven by consistently strong visitor feedback, reflecting the quality of experience delivered across tours, events, and educational programmes.
From immersive guided tours and escape rooms to ghost hunting experiences and “Night Behind Bars,” the site continues to evolve its offer while maintaining its core identity.
Preserving History, Creating Impact
At its core, Shepton Mallet Prison remains focused on preserving its 400-year history while ensuring it remains relevant, engaging, and impactful for today’s audiences.
Through initiatives like Education Behind Bars, the attraction goes beyond entertainment, creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and real-world understanding.
Alongside this, its continued use as a filming location and event space further strengthens its role as a multi-layered destination.
A Platform for the Future
These achievements are not just milestones, they are indicators of sustained growth and long-term potential. As Shepton Mallet Prison continues to develop, the focus remains on building on this success, enhancing the visitor experience, and expanding its reach while staying true to its heritage.
Joel Campbell added:
“Receiving recognition year after year reflects the hard work, determination, and passion of our team. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to every visitor who continues to support us.”
Continuing the Story
From regional awards to global recognition, Shepton Mallet Prison’s journey is one of consistent progress. What was once an historic institution is now a leading visitor destination, one that continues to evolve, grow, and deliver experiences that connect people with history in a meaningful way.