Shepton Mallet Prison Self-Guided Tour: Explore Over 400 Years of History and Heritage
4.8
255 Ratings
Shepton Mallet
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:
1 day
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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 given a visitor guide and map, as you explore around the prison use the sound boxes to learn the facts and history of the prison. The information boards add a fascinating background detail to your visit with staff always available to point you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.
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 period to contemporary times. Visitors enjoy a distinct incarceration experience melded with superior customer service. Originally established in 1625 and in operation until 2013, Shepton Mallet Prison is Britain’s most long-standing prison. Housing over four centuries of history within its towering walls, it is an essential visit for heritage enthusiasts.
- We are dog friendly
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
(255 Ratings)
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Q9273stsarahc
May 28, 2024
Great day out - and they let you go 🤣 - Loved this prison staff so friendly and helpful. A wing gave me the creeps wouldn’t like to be there at night on my own. Great day out lots to see and plenty of punishments to try oakum picking turning the crank. 16th century cells looked amazing but chose not to crawl in. Prisoners art on display were great I came home with an oil painting - brilliant idea for prisoners to be able to do something with their time inside & learn new skill.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandyadey
May 24, 2024
Must do day out - Amazing, interesting worth every penny.
Well laid out information sheets telling you all You need to know. Very small cafe but lady very knowledgeable and helpful.
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843babsj
May 22, 2024
Brilliant - Absolutely brilliant. The prison was very interesting and lots to see. Some of it was chilling but we both thought it very good. I have told a few people what an interesting place it is.
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U4263csmichellem
May 19, 2024
A definite must visit!!! - What an amazing experience. Please visit Shepton Mallet and keep this prison museum open for many years to come. We mustn’t lose this piece of history. It’s so eerie walking around thinking about what must have happened here and the lives that were lost. A very informative visit. Staff on the desk when we arrived at the prison were very friendly and helpful. A great day out!
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B4259dvalanw
May 19, 2024
Great trip to the gail - Great trip and very educational, fantastic to see all the cells and how the prison was run. It was only closed ten years ago and it was one of the oldest prisons in the UK
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Daydreamer135
May 16, 2024
Like nothing I have ever experienced - I wasn’t sure what to expect but approaching the prison was quite a surreal experience. We would have liked to do a guided tour but unfortunately they only run on Saturdays, so we did the self guided tour instead. I imagine it’s a very different experience. Almost every door was open and there was very few areas which were out of bounds. We were able to wander round at our own pace, reading all the info, going through doors and up stair cases. This could have been made really touristy but it’s been left as it was. Walking round was not like anything I have done before. Such an experience. Would absolutely go back to do the guided tour and the paranormal nights.
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Pioneer47312953271
May 7, 2024
Shepton Mallet prison - We had a great time at Shepton Mallet prison. We opted for the self guided tour and found it very informative with plenty to learn.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessw253
May 6, 2024
Guided tour with Jason - Guided tour recommended for crime stories enthusiasts! Jason is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the prison, we learnt so much in the 90 min tour! We upgraded our self guided tickets at the last moment and boy were we glad!
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Jasonjs8354hn
Apr 15, 2024
Educational - We visited with a large group and enjoyed exploring the prison. Very educational and the kids loved seeing where paddington 2 had been filmed.
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Bobbysophie1912
Apr 14, 2024
A brilliant place to visit! - So fascinating and the children loved it. As the place is so big we barely came across other people so could really explore properly and take our time.
Would highly recommend if visiting the area.
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