Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour with Ex-Officers & History

Summary

Walk Shepton Mallet’s prison wings with ex-officers, hear real stories

You’ll walk through 400 years of Shepton Mallet Prison history with an ex-officer guide who knows every story behind those locked doors. Feel the chill of old cells, stand where executions happened, and hear honest tales from someone who lived it. Admission is included—and yes, you can bring your dog along if they’re braver than mine.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the echo — footsteps bouncing off stone corridors in Shepton Mallet Prison, like the place was still half-listening for old secrets. Our guide, Pete (he ran these wings for years), handed us a ring of keys just to feel the weight. He laughed when mine clanged against the bars — “That’s how you know you’re not sneaking out,” he said. It smelled faintly of cold metal and something older, like damp paper or maybe just history itself.

I didn’t expect to be so drawn in by the details — chipped paint on cell doors, names scratched into wood from decades ago. Pete told us about prisoners who’d watched those same walls for centuries, some never leaving. He pointed out the spot where executions happened (I got a chill, honestly) but didn’t make it theatrical. Just facts and a pause — he let us fill in the silence ourselves. There was this moment in one of the yards where I caught sunlight through broken glass and thought about how many people had stood right here, waiting for something.

Two hours went fast. People asked questions about escapes and daily routines; Pete had stories for all of it — some funny, some not so much. I liked that he didn’t sugarcoat anything about Shepton Mallet Prison’s history, or pretend it was just another museum. I still think about that heavy quiet after we left the execution room. If you’re near Somerset and want something real (and yeah, dogs can come too), this day trip sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Shepton Mallet Prison

• Meet ex-prison officer guide
• Walk prisoner wings
• Explore behind high walls
• Learn about capital punishment
• See execution sites
• View historic prison buildings
• Discover prison history since 1610

Top questions

How long is the Shepton Mallet Prison guided tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately two hours.

Who leads the tours at Shepton Mallet Prison?

Tours are run by ex-prison officers who once managed these prisons.

Is admission included in the tour price?

Yes, your ticket includes admission to Shepton Mallet Prison.

Can I bring my dog on the tour?

Yes, Shepton Mallet Prison is dog friendly.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can attend and may use a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Shepton Mallet Prison.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed at Shepton Mallet Prison.

What’s included

Your visit includes admission to Shepton Mallet Prison for a two-hour guided walking tour led by an ex-prison officer; strollers and service animals are welcome, and dogs can join too—public transport is nearby so getting there isn’t a headache either.