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Shepton Mallet self- guided tours
If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, you’re in the right place. Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELL-fies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing 400-year-old prison during our self-guided tour!
What to expect:
- You will be given a visitor guide and map. As you explore around the prison, don’t forget to use the sound boxes to learn the facts and history of the prison.
- The information boards and interpretation spaces add fascinating background details to your visit with staff always available to point you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.
- After you arrive in Visits, make your way to the recently renovated kitchens where you can see where the preparation and cooking of meals for the prisoners took place.
- The graves of seven executed men can be found against the perimeter wall as well as the site of two Military Firing Squad Executions.
- Around the Treadwheel building, learn about the various forms of Victorian hard labour and the types of diseases prisoners suffered from whilst inside the infirmary above.
- Features of the original 1600s prison can be discovered in the Old Gate Lodge as well as the Governor’s office.
- Surrounding the exercise yard are three of the prison’s Victorian wings with the fourth just a short distance away.
- Head to the execution room to follow in the footsteps of the many condemned men who would be hanged within the prison.
Good to know:
Visitors can visit at any time between 10am and 5pm, 7 days a week.
Tickets are valid for entry from 10am – 4pm.
Frithfield Ln,
Shepton Mallet,
Somerset BA4 5FQ
How To Find Us
By car:
There is a car park on-site, so if you’re driving, you can park there.
Detailed instructions are usually emailed to visitors before arrival, including rules, cell allocation, and specific evening arrival times.
By train:
If you’re arriving by train, the nearest station is Shepton Mallet. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the prison.
Taxi services like Swift Taxis, Regal Taxis, and Mum’s Taxis operate between the station and the prison.
By bus:
The bus service runs hourly, and you can catch buses numbered 1, 1A, or 1C1.
- Toilets
The Guided Tour lasts for approx. 1.5 hours. During this time, you are welcome to spend time before, after or both exploring the site.
For our Self Guided Tours, we recommend you allow between 1.5 and 2 hours but you are welcome to spend as long as you like exploring the prison!
Yes, there is a small prison car park (charge £3.50) and Great Ospry pay and display car park is nearby.