Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour & History Walk

Summary

Wander old cells and echoing halls at Shepton Mallet Prison

You’ll step behind the thick walls of Shepton Mallet Prison for a self-guided tour at your own pace, following maps and stories through 400 years of history. Touch cold cell doors, listen to tales on sound boxes, and chat with friendly staff ready to share odd facts or directions. Expect moments that stick with you — maybe even after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever wonder what it smells like inside a real prison?” my friend asked as we stepped through the heavy doors of Shepton Mallet Prison. I didn’t have an answer — but the first thing that hit me was this cool, slightly musty air, like old stone after rain. We picked up our visitor guide and map from a woman at the desk who smiled and told us to “just get lost — in a good way.” So we did. The place is bigger than it looks from outside, all high walls and narrow corridors that echo when you laugh (which feels weird in a prison, honestly).

I kept running my hand along the cold metal bars — there’s something oddly satisfying about how solid they feel. We wandered into one cell where someone had left a tiny paper crane on the bunk. No idea if that was part of the tour or just some kid’s prank, but it made me pause. There are sound boxes dotted around; you press a button and suddenly you’re hearing about escapes or daily routines from centuries ago. At one point, I tried reading an info board out loud in my best “serious historian” voice but ended up giggling because my friend started miming being locked up for stealing bread.

The staff were always somewhere nearby if we looked lost (which happened more than once), happy to answer questions or point out little details we’d missed — like scratches on the wall from someone counting days. It’s strange to think people lived here right up until 2013. Families with kids were exploring too, some pushing strollers over the uneven floors, everyone sort of wrapped up in their own thoughts or jokes. I still think about that silence in some corners — not spooky exactly, just… heavy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shepton Mallet Prison at leisure

• Receive visitor guide and map
• Explore the prison independently
• Use sound boxes to learn history
• Read information boards throughout
• Take photos and CELLfies
• Ask staff questions if needed

Top questions

Is Shepton Mallet Prison suitable for families with young children?

Yes, families with young children can explore at their own pace and strollers are allowed inside.

Are service animals allowed during the self-guided tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome throughout Shepton Mallet Prison.

Can I bring my dog on the prison tour?

Yes, Shepton Mallet Prison is dog friendly.

Is public transportation available near Shepton Mallet Prison?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access.

Do I need to join a group or can I explore alone?

You can explore alone; this is a self-guided tour so you set your own pace.

Are there guides available if I have questions during my visit?

Staff are always available to answer questions or help if needed.

How do I learn about the prison’s history during the visit?

You’ll use sound boxes and information boards placed throughout the prison.

Is Shepton Mallet Prison accessible for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Shepton Mallet Prison with a visitor guide and map in hand; you’ll use interactive sound boxes and information boards as you go. Friendly staff are always around to offer help or answer questions while you explore every corner at your own speed.