Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour

Visiting a historic prison might not be everyone’s idea of a fun day out, but if you’re curious about the darker corners of history, this tour at Shepton Mallet Prison could be fascinating. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-crafted experience that offers a genuine peek into over 400 years of prison life—complete with gritty stories and authentic sights.

What we especially like is the knowledgeable guides who bring the place to life—not just reciting facts but sharing stories that leave you intrigued or even a little shocked. Also, the balance of guided and self-guided exploration means you can absorb the history at your own pace, making it feel less like a tour and more like an authentic walk through history.

One thing to keep in mind is that the site is still somewhat in a state of flux, with ongoing work planned. The current raw and somewhat eerie condition adds to the atmosphere, but it also means you should dress warmly and be prepared for a less polished experience.

This tour appeals especially to history buffs, those interested in crime or punishment history, and anyone curious about the UK’s lesser-known stories. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with older kids or teens who can handle the more grisly tales.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: The tour takes you through real Victorian prison wings, including historic areas like C Wing built for women and children.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Jason and Jeremy are praised for their storytelling, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Balanced Exploration: Includes a guided tour and the option of a self-guided walk, so you can take your time exploring.
• Historical Depth: Learn about the hard labour practices, the secret WWII role of C Wing, and the execution room where 25 men were executed.
• Unique Sights: Walk through the large exercise yard, see the old Gate Lodge, and even visit the cell of a recently uncovered original prison cell.
• Current State & Future Plans: The site is raw and somewhat weathered but is scheduled for renovations, which will enhance visitor facilities like cafes and heating.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Arrival and Meeting Point

The journey begins at the visitor centre on Frithfield Lane, where you check in and meet your guide. The location is straightforward, and the tour runs at set times—2 pm on weekdays and both 11 am and 2 pm during weekends and school holidays. Booking ahead is recommended, given the popularity, and the tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

What the Guided Tour Covers

From the outset, your guide will set a vivid scene, describing what prison life was like through the ages. Expect a no-holds-barred approach as you walk through two Victorian wings, each with its own story. The B Wing was once the largest, holding up to 94 prisoners, but overcrowding was common back in the day. You’ll learn how those conditions affected inmates and officers alike.

Moving into C Wing, built in 1848 for women and children, you’ll discover its secret WWII role. It’s intriguing to think this part of the prison was involved in covert activities during wartime, adding an extra layer of mystery beyond just the penal history. The guide will probably share tales of the prisoners’ daily lives, some gruesome facts, and the harsh realities of incarceration from those eras.

The Hard Labour Yard and Tread Wheel

Next, you’ll move to the Hard Labour Yard, where the focus shifts to the physically demanding and often pointless chores prisoners endured. The Tread Wheel building is a highlight; it’s a stark reminder of Victorian punitive methods—imposing, exhausting, and often ineffective. The guide will explain that these forms of hard labour served as punishment but also as a way to keep prisoners busy and away from idle mischief.

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Exploring the Oldest Parts

The tour takes you around some of the oldest sections, including the Gate Lodge and Governors Office, dating back to the 1600s. Here, a recently uncovered original cell can be explored—if you’re okay getting down and dirty. The area offers a tangible link to the earliest days of the prison, with its weathered walls and worn stone floors adding to the atmosphere.

The Exercise Yard & the Old Governors House

A walk through the large exercise yard offers views over the three wings and the old Governor’s House, giving a sense of the prison’s scale. It’s a surprisingly open space in such an old site, and standing here, you can imagine the routines and punishments that once unfolded.

The Execution Room

Perhaps the most sobering part of the tour is visiting the execution room, where 25 men—most under the supervision of the famous hangman Albert Pierrepoint—met their end. The guide discusses their crimes, the controversies surrounding some convictions, and the macabre history of executions on-site. You can even visit the final resting places of some of those men, adding a poignant note to the visit.

The On-site Amenities

After your tour, if you’re craving a break, the on-site cafe provides hot drinks and snacks. There’s also a gift shop with souvenirs, making it easy to pick up something memorable of your experience. While the site isn’t currently fully modernized, future plans include a cafe, restaurant, and heating—so a visit now feels like experiencing a piece of history in a slightly raw but authentic state.

The Value for Money

At about $29.63 per person, the tour is quite reasonable considering the depth of access and the engaging guide-led experience. The combination of a guided tour and the self-guided option offers flexibility, and the detailed storytelling adds significant value, especially for history enthusiasts. Several reviews mention guides like Jason and Jeremy as highlights—people who bring their stories vividly to life, making the visit well worth the price.

What Visitors Are Saying

Amanda raves about Jason, describing him as “fantastic,” with a wealth of stories and facts, particularly appreciating the personal stories shared by ex-inmates. Michelle highlights the importance of the guided tour to fully grasp the site’s history and praises the knowledge of her guide Jeremy. Brian also mentions the “interesting” nature of the entire experience and the guide’s expertise.

Practical Considerations

Since the site is still quite weathered and in need of some maintenance, dressing warmly is advised. The site is also dog-friendly, which is a nice touch for visitors wanting to bring their furry friends. Keep in mind that the tour might be a bit intense for very young children due to the nature of stories and the setting, but older kids and teens who are comfortable with history and slightly grisly stories should find it engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This isn’t a casual, superficial sightseeing experience. It’s well-suited for history buffs, crime enthusiasts, or those interested in Victorian penal practices. The guides’ storytelling skills make it especially enjoyable for visitors who love engaging narratives, and the fact that you can explore at your own pace after the guided part is a bonus. If you’re curious about the darker side of UK history or want an authentic, unfiltered look at a working prison from the past, this tour will satisfy.

However, if you’re after a more polished, modern museum experience, you might find the site’s current condition a bit rustic. It’s also worth noting that the experience is quite atmospheric—damp, cold, and raw—so come prepared.

Final Thoughts

Shepton Mallet Prison’s guided tour offers a rare glimpse into over four centuries of incarceration history. The combination of knowledgeable guides and the chance to see real Victorian wings makes it stand out from typical history walks. The site’s current state adds a slightly eerie charm, making it feel like stepping back into a different era.

If you’re interested in history, enjoy stories of crime and punishment, or are simply curious about what prison life was really like, this tour provides a compelling mix of facts, stories, and authentic sights. The reasonably priced ticket, coupled with the insights of expert guides, makes it a good value for a half-day outing in Somerset.

Just remember, come dressed warmly, and be prepared for a somewhat raw but atmospheric experience. It’s definitely a place that leaves an impression—whether haunting, fascinating, or both.

FAQs

Is the Shepton Mallet Prison tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally older children-friendly, the stories can be quite grisly, and the atmosphere is somewhat eerie, so it’s best for kids who are comfortable with that kind of setting.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to see the key sights and hear the stories without feeling rushed.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is offered in English, and the live guide will communicate in this language. Audio guides are also provided in English.

Can I explore the prison on my own after the guided tour?
Yes, a self-guided tour is included, so you can wander at your own pace to revisit areas or explore parts that particularly interest you.

What facilities are available on-site?
There’s an on-site cafe for snacks and drinks, and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs. The site is currently in a more raw state, but future developments are planned.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The available information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to check in advance, especially considering the age and condition of the site.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, guided tours are very popular, so booking ahead is strongly advised to secure your preferred time slot.

In the end, if you’re after a tour that combines history, storytelling, and a bit of the chilling, Shepton Mallet Prison is a compelling choice—worthy of a visit if you’re in Somerset.

You can check availability for your dates here: