Tourists looking for a scare were left devastated after Shepton Mallet Prison confirmed that they would be forced to close.
The closure, set to take place on January 2, was following a disagreement with the prison owners City & Country.
However, the attraction owners have confirmed that a new deal has been agreed – and it will now stay open in 2024.
Site operator Cove Group’s CEO Joel Campbell said: “We are optimistic about our forthcoming discussions with City & Country and relieved on behalf of our hard-working staff who now know that their jobs are secure into the new year.
“We would like to thank the local community for their support in recent weeks and hope that this continues as we remain open for business.”
It’s Facebook page added: “We are thrilled to announce that Shepton Mallet Prison will remain open in the new year!
“Preserving and protecting the heritage of this incredible building is close to our hearts, and we are delighted that our team will be able to welcome more visitors in 2024.”
Hundreds of people on social media praised the welcome news.
One person wrote: “That’s epic news to our UK history being kept awesome news before the years out.”
Another said: “Absolutely brilliant news, I’m so pleased to be reading this.”
A third added: “Just made my Christmas – best present I could get!”
One mum even said: “No doubt will be back for our 5th visit next year. My son loves it there!”
Having opened in the 1600s, Shepton Mallet Prison’s most famous prisoners included the Kray Twins.
The first prisoners date back to 1625, with the last in 2013.
It then opened to the public as an attraction back in 2017, and even launched overnight stays in 2020.
Brave guests could pay £49 to stay the night in one of the old cells with the attraction offering a “real experience”.
This included uncomfortable beds in the cells as well as bland porridge for breakfast.
The Sun recently experienced the haunted overnight stays – and were left terrified.
It’s even won several awards over the years – it was awarded the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Award in 2020.
ITV drama Des was filmed there too.
It’s not the only prison that has been converted into an attraction.
Back in 2020, Bodmin Jail was transformed into a hotel, with the cells becoming the main bedrooms.
3