Shepton Mallet Prison is opening its gates for a season of festive fun, offering a range of Christmas-themed activities guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to families in the local area.

The historic site will host A Creative Christmas, a free experience filled with seasonal activities for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy writing letters to Santa, snapping a festive 'CELLfie' at the photo corner, and hanging their wishes on the prison Christmas tree. Younger visitors can also get creative with arts and crafts, decorating their own felt Christmas trees and snowmen. Additional craft items will be available for purchase to make the experience extra special.

For those looking to dive deeper into the magic of the season, Shepton Mallet Prison is offering Help Save Santa, an immersive storytelling experience. In a playful twist, Santa has been "locked up" at the prison after being spotted speeding through Somerset skies, and it's up to young detectives to solve the mystery and set him free. Assisted by one of Santa's elves, children who crack the case might just receive an early Christmas gift.

Visitors can also enjoy a festive take on the prison's popular escape rooms, with a Christmas-themed challenge to break free from a real prison cell. For a more historical perspective, Christmas Behind Bars guided tours will share fascinating stories of how the festive season was marked in prison throughout the years.

The café at Shepton Mallet Prison will also be embracing the holiday spirit, serving seasonal treats including mince pies, speciality hot chocolate, mulled wine, and the much-loved cream tea.

This family-friendly Christmas experience is perfect for those seeking a unique way to celebrate the season. Whether it's solving mysteries, creating crafts, or learning about prison history with a festive twist, there's something for everyone to enjoy.