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There are some people who get spooked by even the tamest of ghost stories - but there are others who love nothing more than being scared senseless.

If you fall into the latter of those two categories, this will most definitely be of interest to you.

A prison which is widely reported to be the most haunted in the UK is letting people explore its terrifying cells - before staying the night in one of them.

Shepton Mallet Prison, less than an hour’s drive from Bristol, was home to some truly hardened criminals including child killers, rapists and notorious gangs - including the Kray Twins - who were moved there from the Tower of London.

Before closing in 2013, the Somerset lock-up was the oldest operating prison in the country and held a total of 189 high-risk prisoners at its peak.

Now, six years on from its closure, the empty corridors and lifeless cells are crying out to be investigated by those who have a fascination for what life must have been like in such a desolate and unforgiving existence.

And thanks to events company Bump In The Night, we can do just that with a series of overnight tours and sleepovers, which are just as terrifying as you would expect.

The tours have proved hugely popular since being launched two years ago and there's a string of new dates coming up which will give people a horrific insight into prison life.

Brave souls will be able to explore the terrifying penitentiary, supplied with snacks and ghost hunting equipment to see them through the night, with other like-minded thrillseekers.

What to expect

The ghosts that are said to reside in the formidable building are vast and varied.

With links back to the early 17th century and with so many thousands of unnamed victims that lie within the grounds, it is not a place where you would ever want to be alone.

Cell doors are regularly heard opening and slamming shut for no reason, footsteps are heard on the walkways and along the corridors and ghostly figures are also seen moving around the prison in the dead of night. So it's definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Someone who works for Bump In The Night who wanted to remain anonymous said: "Since I started working for Bump In The Night I've been on quite a few night-time tours of the prison and they really are terrifying.

"I wasn't convinced it would be that scary before my first one but that has definitely changed now. I've seen and heard all sorts including shadows when nobody is around, doors slamming shut and footsteps only to see nobody there.

"When we were in the prison once my colleague leapt up from his seat and ran across the room. I asked what happened and he said he heard a loud growling sound in his ear, but we were the only two people in there."

Don't forget, not only will you have to put up with sharing the space with ghosts of former inmates, you'll also be sleeping on a very uncomfortable bed and using the most basic facilities during your stay.

Dates and how to book

Do you think you could stomach a night locked up there? There’s only one way to find out.

The upcoming tour dates are on Saturday, August 31, Friday, October 4, Thursday and October 24.

You have the option of staying in the prison until 2am or 6.30am if you want to sleep over and really earn bragging points among your friends.

And don't forget you can also explore the prison in daylight if you'd rather. Visit Shepton Mallet Prison's website to arrange a daytime tour.

For more information and tickets, visit Bump In The Night's website.

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