
Jailer's Inn Old Nelson County Jail
Stay in a historic former jail, now a cozy B&B offering unique tours, delicious bourbon-infused breakfasts, and charming courtyard bunnies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Jailer's Inn Old Nelson County Jail
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay in a historic former jail, now a cozy B&B offering unique tours, delicious bourbon-infused breakfasts, and charming courtyard bunnies.
"It's definitely an interesting place to stay with lots of history, and the location is perfect—easily walkable to Bardstown's shops, restaurants and bars."

Book the Cell Room!
For a truly unique experience, book the actual jail cell room. It's basic but offers access to the historic prisoner area. :key:
Don't Miss the Tour
Even if you're not staying overnight, the jail tour is highly recommended for its history and fun staff. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Jail Tour
Main building
Step back in time with an engaging tour of the former jail cells, complete with staff anecdotes and 'mug shots'.

Bourbon-Infused Breakfast
Courtyard or dining area
Savor a delicious breakfast, especially the famous bourbon sauce. A true taste of Kentucky hospitality.

Courtyard Bunnies
Courtyard
Enjoy the charming presence of resident bunnies hopping around the courtyard. A sweet surprise for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History (and the Jokes!)
Location, Location, Location!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spending the day and night in Bardstown / We're open to all activities and food / Where and how should we spend our time during the day and evening?
Book the Cell Room!
For a truly unique experience, book the actual jail cell room. It's basic but offers access to the historic prisoner area. :key:
Don't Miss the Tour
Even if you're not staying overnight, the jail tour is highly recommended for its history and fun staff. :camerawithflash:
Ask for Bourbon Sauce!
The breakfast is fabulous, and the bourbon sauce is a must-try. You'll want to say 'yes' to it! :pancakes:
Walkable Location
Bardstown's downtown shops and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Leave the car parked! :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book the Cell Room!
For a truly unique experience, book the actual jail cell room. It's basic but offers access to the historic prisoner area. :key:
Don't Miss the Tour
Even if you're not staying overnight, the jail tour is highly recommended for its history and fun staff. :camerawithflash:
Ask for Bourbon Sauce!
The breakfast is fabulous, and the bourbon sauce is a must-try. You'll want to say 'yes' to it! :pancakes:
Walkable Location
Bardstown's downtown shops and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Leave the car parked! :walking:
Pet the Bunnies
The courtyard bunnies are a delightful bonus. You might even get to feed them! :rabbit:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Jailer's Inn for its unique historical charm, friendly and attentive staff, and delicious breakfasts, especially the bourbon sauce. Its prime Bardstown location is also a major plus, offering easy access to shops and dining. However, some visitors noted a persistent smoky smell and found the furniture in some rooms to be worn.
"My wife and I love this place. It is well maintained and the staff is very friendly and attentive. This place is in walking distance of downtown shops and great Dining places. Talbot Tavern is next door and Mammy's kitchen is across the street if you want good southern home style food. I highly recommend a stay in the Jailer's Inn if you like history, quality accommodations, and easy access to good food."
Rob Lawhon
"My granddaughter and I stayed in the Garden Room for 4 nights when we returned to Bardstown for my 55 th class reunion in July. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the lame jokes and tours with Paul. The entire staff was wonderful and we felt like we were visiting family - not just staying in a B&B. The breakfasts were fabulous and don’t forget to always say yes to the bourbon sauce. If you visit the Garden Room, I encourage you to pull up that loose brick and read all the notes to Joshua- a little boy that haunts the room. I can’t say enough about how wonderful our visit was here. Paul was so informative and helpful and always ready to snap your souvenir mug shot! Thank you so much Paul for making our stay so memorable!"
Barbara Moen
"Very quick stay- just one night as we were passing through — but the service was great, the tour was so fun, and breakfast was AMAZING! The staff is incredibly attentive, and it’s in a wonderful location.
Breakfast was served outside in the courtyard, which made it even more special. The entire team was so kind and welcoming, and to top it all off, the property has the cutest bunnies hopping around. I even got to feed one, such a sweet surprise!
Thank you for such a cool tour of the jail and for making our short visit so memorable!"
Christi and Taylor Lally
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jailer's Inn is located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky. It's easily accessible by car, and once you're there, most of Bardstown's attractions, including shops and restaurants, are within walking distance. If you're arriving from further afield, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is the closest major airport, about an hour's drive away.
Yes, parking is generally available for guests. Given its central location, it's convenient to park and explore Bardstown on foot.
Absolutely! The Jailer's Inn boasts a prime location, making it easy to walk to downtown shops, dining establishments like Talbot Tavern and Mammy's Kitchen, and other historic sites in Bardstown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While staying at the Inn includes access to its historical aspects, a dedicated tour of the jail portion is often offered and highly recommended. It's best to inquire directly with the Inn about tour availability and any associated fees.
Tour availability can vary, especially if you're not a guest. It's advisable to contact the Jailer's Inn directly to confirm tour times and book in advance, as some visitors have noted tours being late in the evening.
Yes, the Jailer's Inn offers various rooms. For a unique experience, consider the 'cell room,' which is one of the actual former jail cells. Other rooms, like the Garden Room, are also available.
While the Inn is known for its resident bunnies in the courtyard, it's not explicitly stated as a pet-friendly accommodation for guest pets. It's best to confirm their pet policy directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is a unique blend of historical intrigue and cozy B&B comfort. Expect playful 'mug shots,' jail-themed jokes, and a friendly staff that makes you feel like family.
Some guests have reported a 'paranormal experience,' particularly if staying in the cell room, with mentions of a little boy named Joshua haunting the Garden Room.
The courtyard is a charming spot, often used for breakfast service. It's also home to the Inn's resident bunnies, adding a delightful touch to the ambiance.
Yes, families often enjoy the unique historical aspect and the playful nature of the staff. The bunnies in the courtyard are also a hit with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A full breakfast is included and highly praised by guests. It often features Southern home-style cooking, and the bourbon sauce is a standout item.
The Jailer's Inn is surrounded by excellent dining options. Talbot Tavern is next door, and Mammy's Kitchen is across the street, both offering delicious Southern cuisine.
Yes, breakfast is sometimes served outside in the courtyard, especially during pleasant weather, which guests find makes the experience even more special.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique jail cell interiors, the charming courtyard with its bunnies, and don't forget a 'mug shot' taken by the staff! The historic architecture of Bardstown itself also offers great photo ops.
Yes, guests often take photos during the tour, especially of the jail cells and during their 'mug shot' session. It's a fun way to document your unique stay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the jail tour, the resident bunnies in the courtyard offer a delightful surprise and a chance for gentle interaction. The convenient location also means easy access to other family-friendly activities and dining in Bardstown, making it a great base for exploring the area.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
This historical building provides a rich backdrop for ghost stories and unexplained phenomena. If you're looking for a stay with a touch of the eerie and a chance to explore local legends, the Jailer's Inn is a destination that might just send shivers down your spine.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the Inn itself, Bardstown is a treasure trove of historical sites, distilleries, and preserved architecture. The central location allows history buffs to easily immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Kentucky, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stay Steeped in History
Beyond the jail itself, the Inn is situated in Bardstown, a town rich with its own historical significance. This prime location means that guests are often within walking distance of other historical sites, charming shops, and renowned dining establishments. The juxtaposition of the former jail's austere past with the warm hospitality of a B&B creates a memorable and unique atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking an unconventional getaway.
Culinary Delights and Courtyard Charm
The courtyard itself is a delightful space, made even more special by the presence of resident bunnies. These charming creatures add a whimsical touch to the stay, and some guests have even had the opportunity to feed them. This blend of delicious food and a serene, animal-friendly environment contributes significantly to the overall positive guest experience, making it a place where simple pleasures are celebrated.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit