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Shepton Mallet Prison Self-Guided Tour

4.8 (270)

Shepton Mallet, GB

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Discover the secrets of the past and immerse yourself in the gripping history of Shepton Mallet Prison. This self-guided tour offers a unique and immersive prison experience that will leave you captivated from start to finish. Built in 1625, this heritage site is the oldest prison in the country, with over 400 years of stories to tell. Step behind its imposing walls and experience prison life from the Jacobean era to the modern day. As you explore the cells and corridors, you'll be transported back in time, gaining a fascinating insight into the lives of those who were once incarcerated here. With first-class customer service and a mission to preserve and promote the prison's history, Shepton Mallet Prison is a must-see for any history enthusiast or curious traveler.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
1 hours - 5 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Immersive prison experience
World Class tourism experience
400 years of history
Unique behind bars journey
First class customer service

Included

All fees and taxes

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the captivating history of Shepton Mallet Prison with the self-guided tour experience. This World Class tourism attraction takes visitors on a journey behind bars, immersing them in the fascinating stories and heritage of this unique site. Built in 1625, Shepton Mallet Prison holds over 400 years of history within its imposing walls, making it the oldest prison in the country.

What to Expect?

By embarking on the Shepton Mallet Prison self-guided tour, visitors can expect an immersive and educational experience like no other. Step into the shoes of prisoners from the Jacobean era to the modern day as you explore the cells, corridors, and exercise yards of this historic site. Learn about the daily routines, hardships, and notorious inmates that have inhabited this prison throughout its long history. The tour provides a deep understanding of the prison system and its impact on society over the centuries.

Who is this for?

The Shepton Mallet Prison self-guided tour is suitable for anyone with an interest in history, crime, or heritage sites. History enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to delve into the captivating stories of this centuries-old prison. It is also a thought-provoking experience for those interested in the criminal justice system and its evolution. Families can engage in a unique educational outing, providing children with a glimpse into the past. The tour is accessible to all, offering an inclusive experience for individuals of different abilities.

Why Book This?

Embarking on the Shepton Mallet Prison self-guided tour offers a remarkable opportunity to step back in time and experience the realities of prison life. The immersive nature of the tour allows visitors to truly connect with the history and stories of the inmates who once called this prison home. The knowledgeable staff provide excellent customer service and ensure a memorable visit. By booking this tour, visitors contribute to the preservation and promotion of Shepton Mallet Prison's history and heritage.

Good to Know

During the self-guided tour, visitors should wear comfortable footwear as they explore the various areas of the prison. The tour is suitable for all ages, but parental guidance is advised for younger children due to the nature of the subject matter. Photography is permitted in designated areas, allowing visitors to capture their experience and share it with others. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the gift shop, where you can find unique souvenirs and mementos to remember your visit to Shepton Mallet Prison.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the Shepton Mallet Prison self-guided tour have praised its immersive nature and the depth of historical information provided. Many have found the experience thought-provoking and educational, gaining a newfound understanding of prison life throughout the centuries. The knowledgeable staff have been commended for their friendly and helpful approach, ensuring a memorable visit for all. Overall, reviews emphasize the unique and captivating nature of this heritage site, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Your Itinerary

Shepton Mallet Prison

If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, you’re in the right place. Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing 400-year-old prison. An ideal day out for families with young children who would like to investigate at their own pace. You will be given a visitor guide and map, as you explore around the prison use the sound boxes to learn the facts and history of the prison. The information boards add a fascinating background detail to your visit with staff always available to point you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.

Admission Included

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We are dog friendly

Reviews

(270)

4.8 (270)

D5430QRdavidd

Interesting visit but a grim reminder of the dark days of the penal system in the UK. Lots of stairs so not great if you have mobility issues.

Travel25097967606

A brilliant day out. We are two friends who did the self-guided tour, having been given a map on arrival - after a very warm welcome - and all the info we needed to set off on our tour. It was so interesting. Yes, a bit gruesome in places (the firing wall and execution room) but that is all part of it and is an important part of it’s and everyone’s history. We shouldn’t shirk away from those things. A very informative and interesting visit. Would thoroughly recommend.

andyfov

We hadn't planned to spend long in Shepton Mallet, it was just meant to be a quick stretch of the legs between Weymouth and Bristol. We found the prison by accident and bought tickets on a whim. We're so glad we did, it was two hours so well spent. It was an unguided tour, we were essentially given a map, and followed the arrows on the floor. I liked doing it that way, we could spend as long as we liked in the areas that fascinated us and flit through the bits that weren't for us. The staff we encountered at the kiosk, and during the course of our wander, were all very friendly and helpful. It's fascinating being somewhere that tells the story of incarceration over such a lenghty period, the 1600s till as recently as 2013. There's a lot to learn, and it's quite entertaining seeing which tv shows have been filmed there, and learning of the various, and often botched, escape attempts that occurred. £15 per ticket. In my opinion that was money very well spent.

Gary_R

We spent two hours here & found it fascinating, we did a self guided tour rather than a guided one, but there is enough signage to tell you what's what.

Q9273STsarahc

Loved this prison staff so friendly and helpful. A wing gave me the creeps wouldn’t like to be there at night on my own. Great day out lots to see and plenty of punishments to try oakum picking turning the crank. 16th century cells looked amazing but chose not to crawl in. Prisoners art on display were great I came home with an oil painting - brilliant idea for prisoners to be able to do something with their time inside & learn new skill.

Sandyadey

Amazing, interesting worth every penny. Well laid out information sheets telling you all You need to know. Very small cafe but lady very knowledgeable and helpful.

843babsj

Absolutely brilliant. The prison was very interesting and lots to see. Some of it was chilling but we both thought it very good. I have told a few people what an interesting place it is.

U4263CSmichellem

What an amazing experience. Please visit Shepton Mallet and keep this prison museum open for many years to come. We mustn’t lose this piece of history. It’s so eerie walking around thinking about what must have happened here and the lives that were lost. A very informative visit. Staff on the desk when we arrived at the prison were very friendly and helpful. A great day out!

B4259DValanw

Great trip and very educational, fantastic to see all the cells and how the prison was run. It was only closed ten years ago and it was one of the oldest prisons in the UK

daydreamer135

I wasn’t sure what to expect but approaching the prison was quite a surreal experience. We would have liked to do a guided tour but unfortunately they only run on Saturdays, so we did the self guided tour instead. I imagine it’s a very different experience. Almost every door was open and there was very few areas which were out of bounds. We were able to wander round at our own pace, reading all the info, going through doors and up stair cases. This could have been made really touristy but it’s been left as it was. Walking round was not like anything I have done before. Such an experience. Would absolutely go back to do the guided tour and the paranormal nights.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-19 22:33