Shepton Mallet Prison Self-Guided Tour: Explore Over 400 Years of History and Heritage

Discover the captivating history of Shepton Mallet Prison on a self-guided tour. Immerse yourself in over 400 years of prison life and experience a world-class tourism adventure.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Shepton Mallet Prison - 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 CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing 400-year-old prison. An ideal day out for families with young children who would like to investigate at their own pace.
    You will be…
What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
Additional Information

Shepton Mallet Prison delivers a quintessential tourism encounter that enlightens individuals by providing an educational and engaging trip into its incarcerating confines. Our objective is to uphold, safeguard, and highlight the historical and cultural significance of Shepton Mallet Prison, thereby illuminating the prison lifestyle from the Jacobean…

Location
Shepton Mallet Prison
Frithfield Lane
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(339 Ratings)
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Flyer44277689729
Dec 16, 2024
Awesome - Very welcoming staff from the get go and all very knowledgeable. Chose to do a self tour so we could stop and explore things in our own time ( and get lost too ). Very interesting place not only in the fact that it’s a disused prison, but for all the stories and architecture. It was an awesome visit and shall be going again. Nice cafe too and washrooms, which is always a plus no matter what your age.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z4701bcmartins
Dec 10, 2024
Great 2 hours - well spent - Fantastic Insight to Prison conditions and life inside - we were amazed to realize this was still a functioning prison up to 2011
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariannes798
Dec 10, 2024
Something different to a stately home! - Perfect, but would love to have stayed longer for a further wander round. Courage permitting, would love to do the ghost tour next, although husband has said, I'd do it alone - but am I!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M2461ofphilipd
Dec 6, 2024
Ghost Tour 8:30pm start - We went as a group of 6 for my Sons 21st Birthday gift. Guided by Justin this was even better than i thought that it would be. Learnt lots and got to experience living as an In mate. I think its best done when it is Dark outside. Cant recommend highly enough, complete value for money.
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X3884ufkatyh
Nov 25, 2024
Well worth a visit! - We took the kids one rainy Sunday and it was well worth the visit! The kids are 5 and 9, and loved exploring a real prison! Dark, macabre and pretty damn spooky in parts… Lots to explore and read about, we didnt do a guided tour as we felt it was a little too long for the kids to pay attention - but we really enjoyed exploring the grounds none the less, and found the information on display throughout the prison fascinating. Well worth a visit and the staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Winston1011
Nov 19, 2024
Wonderful visit and friendly staff - My friend and I had been looking forward to our self guided "prison visit" and were not disappointed. Jake on reception was very enthusiastic + helpful and explained the route around the prison. It is an amazing place to visit with much to see and so authentic. The information boards are very good and we learnt the history of the 400 year old prison as we explored this extraordinary attraction. It is well worth a visit and good value. It is tricky to find but worth the effort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ebony
Nov 14, 2024
A haunting journey through time - Shepton Mallet Prison Museum offers a chilling glimpse into Britain's penal history. This former correctional facility, steeped in centuries of confinement, is now a captivating museum that transports visitors back to a darker era. As you wander through the eerie cells, chapel, and exercise yards, you'll feel the weight of the past. The museum's exhibits delve into the harsh realities of prison life, from the Victorian era to the 20th century. You'll learn about the infamous inmates, the grueling conditions, and the methods of punishment that once defined this institution. One of the most striking aspects of the museum is the palpable atmosphere. The cold, stone walls and dim lighting create a haunting ambiance that heightens the experience. It's a place where history comes alive, and the stories of those who once resided here linger in the air. Whether you're a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, Shepton Mallet Prison Museum is a must-visit. It's a place that will leave you both fascinated and disturbed, offering a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both good and evil.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosecg3248pt
Nov 6, 2024
Excellent day out at Shepton Mallet Prison. Dog Friendly! . - Such a huge amount of interesting history, I definitely need another visit to take it all in! The Kray Twins spent time in shepton prison! Part of the TV series Des was filmed there, as well as other TV series’s. I was surprised to learn that the prison had housed USA troop prisoners during WW2. Some meeting a sad end there. Excellent display highlighting the life of the babies that were born to British women and black USA troops. The excellent, realist, dummies, help historic, and more recent, prison life come alive! Well worth a visit! (The hot chocolate & cake in the cafe very good as well! 😉)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ian
Nov 6, 2024
Halloween Guided tour - I went with my partner for a guided tour on Halloween, our tour guide Esther was fantastic, the tour was filled with facts and the prison was fascinating, as we went through the prison we learnt about its history, Esther made our tour a great experience with elements of humour along the way. Great Experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L1719ahalisonb
Nov 6, 2024
Fascinating way to spend an afternoon. - Fascinating and atmospheric afternoon. Would strongly recommend anyone with an interest in history or even our modern day judicial system to visit. Staff very pleasant. Enjoyed reading the informative panels but would go with a guide a guide next time too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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