Shepton Mallet is a surprisingly engaging spot for those interested in history, mystery, and a bit of adventure. Its historic prison stands out as a fascinating site, especially for those who love stories of the past and enjoy exploring old buildings. The town’s proximity to larger sites in Somerset also makes it a perfect base for unique tours that dive into local lore and craftsmanship. Among the options, the Shepton Mallet Prison tours stand out for their detailed storytelling and immersive experiences. Whether you’re into eerie ghost stories or just want to see a real Victorian prison, these tours deliver.
In this list, we’ll cover a mix of guided prison tours, ghost investigations, and self-guided visits. Each offers different ways to experience Shepton Mallet’s prison, catering to varying levels of curiosity and adventure. If you’re wondering which tour best suits your style, read on for a detailed breakdown of these top options.
Here’s a quick overview of the tours that made our list:
- Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour offers an in-depth look with a lively guide.
- Shepton Mallet Prison Guided Ghost Tour combines history with haunted tales.
- Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour allows you to explore at your own pace.
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to help you decide which one fits your interests and travel style.
1. Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour
At number one, the Shepton Mallet Prison Guided Tour offers a comprehensive experience with an expert guide who brings the prison’s past to life. This tour lasts about 1.5 hours and costs $29.63 per person. It’s perfect for those who want a detailed, engaging narrative along with the chance to explore this historic site firsthand. You’ll visit real prison areas, view models of prison cubicles, and learn about the lives of inmates, past and present.
What makes this tour stand out is the no-holds-barred approach—the guide shares gritty stories, gruesome facts, and fascinating anecdotes. The reviews highlight tour guide Jason’s storytelling skills, with one reviewer noting, “He was fantastic, full of stories and facts about the prison.” The tour also includes a self-guided component, so after the guide’s lively narration, you can revisit sections on your own. The prison’s current raw state adds a sense of authenticity, and the site is dog-friendly, adding to its appeal.
This tour is ideal for history buffs, families with older children, or anyone curious about prison life and the stories behind these walls. It’s a good value for the depth of insight provided, especially with the additional self-guided experience to revisit at your leisure.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, engaging tour that combines expert storytelling with independent exploration — perfect for those who want to enjoy Shepton Mallet’s prison history.
2. Shepton Mallet Prison Guided Ghost Tour
If you’re drawn to the supernatural and spooky stories, the Shepton Mallet Prison Guided Ghost Tour is a must. This 1.5-hour tour costs $33.67 per person and is rated 5/5 based on three reviews—testament to its eerie appeal. It’s designed to explore the “world’s most haunted prison,” with a focus on ghostly tales and paranormal experiences shared by guides with firsthand insights.
During this tour, you’ll hear chilling stories from a guide who has encountered the supernatural firsthand and explore the prison after dark. The tour combines the dark, atmospheric environment of the prison with tales of former inmates and unexplained phenomena. Reviewers mention Jeff’s expertise and enthusiasm, with one saying, “He was fantastic and so knowledgeable,” and others noting the possibility of ghost sightings caught on camera.
This experience is best suited for thrill-seekers, fans of ghost stories, and those interested in paranormal investigation. The focus on spooky tales makes it less about history and more about entertainment, but it still offers a respectful look at the prison’s past.
Bottom Line: A hauntingly good choice for those wanting a spooky, atmospheric experience that blends history with ghostly legends.
3. Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour
For travelers who prefer to set their own pace, the Self-Guided Tour provides flexible access to Shepton Mallet’s prison. Priced at $20.20 per person, this option allows you to explore the prison for a full day. It’s ideal for those who want to take their time, snap photos, or revisit favorite spots without a structured schedule.
During your visit, you’ll get a look behind the walls of a real Victorian prison, with plenty of photo opportunities, especially for ‘CELLfies.’ Since the tour is self-guided, you control how long you spend in each section, making it great for families, history enthusiasts, or travelers on a tight schedule. The prison’s age—around 400 years—adds to its authenticity, and the experience is highly rated by visitors who appreciate the freedom to explore at their leisure.
This tour is perfect for independent travelers or those with a keen interest in architecture and prison life. Keep in mind, you’ll need to check the availability and hours of operation beforehand.
Bottom Line: The best choice for flexible, self-paced exploration of Shepton Mallet Prison, ideal for independent-minded visitors.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Shepton Mallet
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and how you want to experience the prison. If you’re after a detailed, guided exploration full of stories, the Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour is your best bet. For those fascinated by ghost stories and supernatural phenomena, the Ghost Tour offers a spine-tingling adventure. Nature lovers and independent explorers who want to take it slow should opt for the Self-Guided Tour.
Think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer guided storytelling or autonomous wandering. Book early if you’re visiting during peak times, especially for the ghost tour, which is quite popular.
Final thoughts
Shepton Mallet offers a variety of ways to experience its historic prison—whether through guided tours that bring history to life, spooky ghost hunts, or self-guided explorations. The guided tours provide rich narratives and insight, perfect for history buffs or those who love storytelling. Meanwhile, the ghost tour caters to thrill-seekers craving a supernatural thrill, and the self-guided option gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
For travelers keen on deep-diving into local lore, the guided tours are excellent choices. If you want a fun, spooky evening, the ghost tour will not disappoint. And if you’re in a hurry or traveling solo and want flexibility, the self-guided tour offers good value and convenience.
No matter what you choose, booking early is advisable to secure your preferred time slot. These tours provide a memorable glimpse into Shepton Mallet’s dark and intriguing past—don’t miss out on experiencing it firsthand.
