South West England is a region that practically invites exploration. With its mix of ancient sites, rugged coastlines, and quirky local traditions, it’s a traveler’s playground. We love how easy it is to combine history, nature, and a bit of the mystical here. For example, exploring Shepton Mallet Prison can be as spooky or as educational as you’d like, especially if you enjoy self-guided tours that let you soak in the atmosphere at your own pace []. Or, for those who prefer a hands-on challenge, the Shepton Mallet Prison Escape Rooms add an adrenaline rush—think problem-solving in a real historical setting.
Beyond prisons, South West England offers opportunities for walking with purpose—like the guided tour of Glastonbury, guided by the trees, which connects you with the land’s spiritual and natural stories []. And if you’re craving coastal scenery and ancient monuments, a full-day trip to Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, and Lulworth will give you stunning views and tangible history without feeling rushed.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours: historic self-guided explorations, thrilling escape rooms, enchanting nature walks, and full-day coach trips. Whether you’re interested in mystical sites, family adventures, or coastal beauty, this guide helps you choose the perfect experience.
1. Shepton Mallet Prison Self-Guided Tour
Rated 5.0/5 with 415 reviews, this self-guided tour offers a flexible way to explore England’s oldest prison, built in 1625. The tour allows you to go at your own pace, making it ideal for families, history enthusiasts, or curious travelers wanting to avoid rushed group tours. The prison’s architecture, cells, and execution areas provide a visceral sense of the past, with audio sound boxes and informational boards enhancing the experience. Pre-booking guarantees smooth entry, and with a price of just over $20 per person, it offers excellent value.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You can spend 1 hour or up to 5 hours wandering its corridors—perfect if you want a relaxed, immersive experience. The staff is friendly and available to answer questions, adding a personal touch. Many reviews praise the depth of information and the opportunity to discover lesser-known aspects of British penal history. It’s especially good for families who want to explore at their own pace or anyone interested in the darker chapters of Britain’s past.
Bottom Line: A fascinating, affordable, and flexible way to step into history and explore the architecture and stories of one of England’s most historic prisons.
2. Shepton Mallet Prison Escape Room – The Cell
At number 2, this escape room builds on the prison theme, offering a chance to work as a team to escape from a real cell in the old prison. For around $35 per person, you team up to solve puzzles and find your way out within about 75 minutes. It’s a lively mix of history and fun, perfect for families, friends, or work groups looking for a memorable challenge.
What makes this experience special is its authentic setting. It takes place in Shepton Mallet Prison itself, making the escape feel real. The challenge is designed to test problem-solving and teamwork skills, with the added bonus of continuing your visit with a self-guided tour of the site afterward. Several reviews praise the activity as “great fun” and highlight how the dark, atmospheric environment adds to the thrill.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who enjoy puzzles and want a hands-on experience in a historic setting. It combines fun with a bit of adrenaline, all in a unique location.
3. A Tour of Glastonbury, Guided by the Trees
Rated 5.0/5, this private walking tour offers a quiet, nature-focused experience that reveals Glastonbury’s natural beauty and spiritual energy. Your guide, a local resident, takes you on a 2-hour journey through the countryside, pointing out significant trees, hidden spots, and views of Glastonbury Tor. You’ll hear stories and poetry, accompanied by folk tunes, that deepen your connection with the land.
The tour’s uniqueness lies in its focus on trees—each one has a story, legend, or spiritual significance. You’ll visit the healing waters at White Spring and the Chalice Well Gardens, with optional climbs of the Tor. The guide’s storytelling and acoustic music make this more than just a walk, turning it into a meditative experience. Reviews highlight how educational and inspiring it is, with many noting the personal touch and authentic knowledge shared.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers and those interested in the mystical side of Glastonbury. It’s a peaceful, enriching way to connect with the land and its stories.
4. Shepton Mallet Prison Escape Room – The Hole
This escape room experience in Shepton Mallet Prison challenges you to escape from the shadowy “Hole” in about 75 minutes. Priced similarly to The Cell, it focuses on solving puzzles to evade the prison governor. The activity fits well into a day of exploration—after the escape, you can tour the prison itself.
What makes it stand out is the atmospheric environment; it’s the real prison, making the game more immersive. The challenge is suited for groups of up to five people, and reviews consistently praise it as “a lot of fun” and “well thought out.” Weather isn’t a concern here—indoor activity with a focus on teamwork and problem-solving.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking an engaging, indoor activity that combines history with a competitive element.
5. Avalon Adventure
Topping our list for spiritual explorers, the Avalon Adventure is a guided walking tour that takes you down the sacred paths of Glastonbury, including the Holy Thorn Tree and the Chalice Well. At around $82, it’s a bit more premium, but the experience includes poetry, folk music, and insights from a local guide, making it a memorable journey through myth and reality.
The tour covers key sites like Glastonbury Tor, White Spring Well, and Silbury Hill. It’s suitable for those interested in spiritual or mystical traditions, with paths that can be muddy—trail shoes are recommended. Several reviews praise the guide’s wisdom and the personal touches that make the experience special. It’s the perfect choice if you want a meaningful, contemplative experience.
Bottom Line: Great for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts who appreciate storytelling and scenic walks in a historically rich area.
6. The Big One 150ft Abseiling Experience
For adrenaline junkies, this abseiling adventure in Weston-Super-Mare offers a 150-foot descent down the main quarry wall. The tour lasts about 3 hours, including preparation and a practice rappel, and costs around $69. Small groups of six ensure personal attention.
What makes this climb special is the setting—impressive views of the Severn Channel and the city skyline. The professional kit includes helmets and harnesses, and experienced guides provide clear instructions. Many reviews emphasize how thrilling and well-organized the experience is, with some calling it “a true test of nerve.” It’s best suited for those in good physical shape with a desire for a memorable, physical challenge.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers craving a high-adrenaline experience with stunning views.
7. Full-Day Stonehenge and Avebury Tour from Glastonbury
A classic day trip, this tour combines Stonehenge, Avebury, and Silbury Hill. For about $212, you get hotel pickup, transportation, and expert commentary. The tour’s highlights include walking among the massive stones of Avebury, exploring the Neolithic site, and learning about their possible astronomical alignments from your guide [].
This tour is perfect for history and archaeology lovers, with detailed stories and a robust itinerary. The visit to Stonehenge is particularly special, with some reviewers noting the guide’s vivid storytelling. The included pub lunch adds local flavor, making this a full, satisfying day.
Bottom Line: Best for those interested in ancient monuments with a guided, well-organized day that mixes history and mysticism.
8. Full-Day Tour of Glastonbury
This 7-hour tour is perfect for understanding Glastonbury’s legendary links to King Arthur, Druid traditions, and mystical sites. It includes visits to Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well, and Glastonbury Tor. Your guide shares stories about the region’s legends, along with historical insights, bringing the town’s myths to life.
The tour emphasizes experiential learning—walking through the abbey ruins, drinking healing waters, and climbing the Tor for panoramic views. Reviewers appreciate the personal stories and the careful pacing. It’s suited for those who want a rundown that combines myth and history in a manageable day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to explore Glastonbury’s legends and landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.
9. Guided Ghost Tour of Frome
Rated 5.0/5, this 70-minute ghost tour features “Rev. Joseph Glanvill,” a real historical figure and expert in witch-finding, leading you through Frome’s haunted spots. You’ll hear about executions, apparitions, and the eerie tunnels of Frome, making it a perfect choice for those intrigued by supernatural stories.
The tour visits sites like Christ Church, the haunted Gibbet Hill, and historic pubs with ghostly tales. It’s a lively, storytelling experience that combines history with a touch of the spooky—ideal for a fun evening. Reviews praise the engaging storytelling and the authenticity of the encounters.
Bottom Line: Great for history buffs who enjoy a spooky twist, or for anyone looking to add a little thrill to their visit.
10. Tour of East Dorset – Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, Lulworth & more
This full-day, small-group tour offers a laid-back way to see Dorset’s famous coast. For about $200, you visit Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle, and more. The tour emphasizes personal attention, with guides sharing stories about each location’s natural and historical significance [].
Traveling in a V-class vehicle makes the journey comfortable, and reviews mention the flexibility and the quality of the guide’s commentary. The stop at The Square and Compass offers a genuine pub experience, and the scenic walks along the coast provide memorable moments.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic coastal day with expert local insights and smaller group sizes.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and time available. For a deep dive into history and archaeology, the Full-Day Stonehenge and Avebury trip is hard to beat. If you prefer a more spiritual or mystical experience, then the Glastonbury tours—either the guided walk or Avalon Adventure—will resonate. For families or groups seeking fun and problem-solving, the escape rooms offer both indoor excitement and a sense of adventure.
If you’re after coastal scenery, the East Dorset tour provides a lovely, relaxed way to see Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. And for a thrilling challenge, the abseiling in Weston-Super-Mare is unmatched.
Booking early is recommended for popular tours, especially in peak seasons. Check the individual tour websites for discounts or special packages. Tailor your choice to your interests—history, nature, adventure, or mysticism—and you’ll have a memorable experience in South West England.
Final Thoughts
South West England offers a broad palette of tours—from historic prisons and mystical walks to coastal adventures and adrenaline rushes. Whether you’re a history buff eager to explore Shepton Mallet Prison, a spiritual seeker interested in Glastonbury’s legends, or a family looking for fun escape rooms, there’s something here for everyone.
Two or three tours stand out as particularly compelling choices depending on your interests: the full-day Stonehenge and Avebury tour for rich historical discovery, the A Tour of Glastonbury, guided by the trees for a peaceful, natural connection, and the abseiling experience for thrill-seekers. Remember to book early and choose based on what excites you most. South West England’s diverse offerings promise experiences that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
