If you’re after something a little different during your visit to Somerset, the Shepton Mallet Prison escape room known as The Hole offers a surprisingly immersive challenge. While we haven’t personally tackled it (yet), the buzz around it is hard to ignore. From what we’ve seen and read from those who’ve tried it, this experience mixes the thrill of puzzle-solving with the charm of exploring a real historic prison.
What really stands out is the authentic setting—you’re literally inside a former prison, which adds a layer of realism that many escape rooms can’t match. Plus, with a stellar rating of 5.0 from 47 reviews, it’s clear that most visitors have walked away pretty pleased. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the duration is just about an hour and 15 minutes, so if you’re expecting a full-day tour, this is more of a quick, intense activity.
This experience is best suited for groups looking for a fun, team-based activity—be it friends, families, or colleagues. It’s designed to challenge your wits in a setting that’s both spooky and fascinating. If you’re interested in history combined with a puzzle, or if you simply love a good challenge, The Hole could be a highlight of your trip.
Key Points
- Authentic Prison Setting: Set inside a real historic prison, adding genuine atmosphere and scariness.
- Challenging yet Manageable: Well-designed puzzles that are tough enough to test your brain but doable within the time limit.
- Ideal for Groups: Great for friends, families, or team-building activities.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: No hidden fees—just book online and pay a fair price of around $34.29 per person.
- Additional Prison Tour: After the escape room, you can explore the prison itself, making it a full day of fun and history.
- Highly Rated: Consistently praised for staff friendliness, realism, and fun factor.
A Closer Look at the Experience
Planning more time in South West England? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What is The Hole Escape Room?
The Hole is a state-of-the-art, puzzle-based escape game set in one of the prison’s shadowy cells. The goal? Do the time (without the crime) and escape within 60 minutes. The experience begins right where the prisoners would have been—cold, dark, and foreboding, which really adds to the tension and excitement.
The challenge is designed to test your team’s collective problem-solving skills. The room has a mix of skill-based tasks and thinking puzzles, with some reviewers mentioning that it is “challenging but doable.” The dark atmosphere at the start helps set the tone for a tense, immersive experience.
What does the booking include?
Once you book online, you receive an instant confirmation and a voucher. The activity itself lasts about 75 minutes total, starting and ending at Shepton Mallet Prison. The booking fee covers everything—there are no surprise costs—so you can focus on the fun.
How is the experience structured?
Your adventure begins at the prison gate, where you meet your prison guard (played by staff), who gets into character right away. As you move into the cell, the challenges start immediately, with the environment designed to feel authentic and slightly intimidating. The puzzles are clever, family-friendly in their design, and encourage teamwork.
Participants have about an hour to outsmart the system and escape, with reviews praising the difficulty level — not too easy but not impossibly hard. Some visitors managed to escape in just 32 minutes, which is pretty impressive!
What are the highlights?
- Authentic prison atmosphere that really makes you feel like you’re in a real cell.
- Engaging staff like Georgina and Amy, who are noted for their role-playing and making the experience memorable.
- The chance to see the prison after the escape room, which many reviews say is a worthwhile addition.
- The self-guided prison tour is included in the price, allowing you to explore more at your own pace.
What about the environment and accessibility?
The prison location is near public transportation, making it easy to access. The experience is suitable for most travelers, with most reviews indicating that service animals are allowed and that the activity is accessible for many.
The value for money
At $34.29 per person, the price is reasonable considering the immersive experience and the prison tour afterward. Several reviews mention the good value for money and the fact that you’re getting both an engaging puzzle and an interesting exploration of a real historical site. The inclusion of the prison tour adds further value, turning a quick escape challenge into a full-day outing.
What Do Visitors Say?
The reviews are predominantly glowing. Many mention staff like Georgina and Amy, who are praised for their role-playing and friendliness. One reviewer says, “Amy was fantastic, really funny and assertive,” which highlights how the staff enhances the experience.
Several reviews emphasize how realistic and challenging the puzzles are. Comments like “the initial setup added to the sense of confusion and stress” show that the design intentionally creates tension, making the escape feel genuine.
The prison tour also receives high praise, with visitors appreciating the chance to walk around the historic site after the escape room, often citing it as a highlight.
Of course, some mention that the room is quite dark, especially if you’re sensitive to dim environments, so if lighting is an issue, consider that before booking.
Who Is This Experience Best For?
This escape room is perfect for groups of friends or colleagues looking for a fun, team-building challenge. It works well for families with older children who can handle the dark, spooky environment and enjoy puzzles. It’s also a solid choice if you’ve already visited Somerset and want a memorable activity that combines history, fun, and adrenaline.
If you’re someone who loves history with a twist, or just looking for a unique experience in a historic setting, The Hole offers a compelling reason to visit Shepton Mallet Prison.
Final Thoughts
The Hole escape room at Shepton Mallet Prison provides a thoroughly enjoyable, well-designed challenge inside a real historic site. Its authentic atmosphere, clever puzzles, and friendly staff make it stand out among typical escape rooms. The added prison tour makes this a full, engaging day out that combines fun with a dose of local history.
While it might be on the shorter side—just over an hour—the experience packs enough excitement to satisfy puzzle enthusiasts and history lovers alike. The price point offers good value, especially considering the immersive environment and the chance to explore the prison afterward.
Overall, if you’re visiting Somerset and looking for an activity that’s interactive, memorable, and a little spooky, The Hole is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the darker environment, and bring your teamwork game!
Shepton Mallet Prison Escape Room – The Hole
“We did the escape room [ the hole] in the dark, what a brilliant experience. The staff made it super realistic, difficult but doable. Really intere…”
FAQ
Is the escape room suitable for children? Many reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially for older children who can handle the dark and challenging puzzles. It’s a good option for groups with kids around 11 and over.
How long does the experience last? The entire activity, including the escape game and prison tour, lasts approximately 75 minutes. The escape itself is about 60 minutes.
What is the price per person? It costs around $34.29, which includes all fees and the prison tour afterward.
Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Is the experience accessible? The location is near public transportation, and most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, adding to accessibility.
What makes this escape room special? Its authentic prison setting and high praise for staff make it memorable. It’s a clever mix of history and puzzle-solving in a real historic site.
If you’re after a fun, challenging activity with a real-world twist, Shepton Mallet’s The Hole is definitely worth considering. It’s an experience that might just stick with you long after you’ve escaped the cell.
