Things to do in Shepton Mallet

Activities, attractions and tours

HMP Shepton Mallet, sometimes known as Cornhill, is a former prison located in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. When it closed in 2013, it was the United Kingdom's oldest operating prison, and had been since the closure of HMP Lancaster Castle in 2011. Before closure Shepton Mallet was a category C lifer prison holding 189 prisoners. The prison building is grade II* listed, while the former gatehouse and perimeter walls are grade II. It is also reported to be the most haunted prison in England. Take a tour around this amazing establishment steeped in history, guided by a former prison officer - certainly worth a visit.
HMP Shepton Mallet, sometimes known as Cornhill, is a former prison located in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. When it closed in 2013, it was the United Kingdom's oldest operating prison, and had been since the closure of HMP Lancaster Castle in 2011. Before closure Shepton Mallet was a category C lifer prison holding 189 prisoners. The prison building is grade II* listed, while the former gatehouse and perimeter walls are grade II. It is also reported to be the most haunted prison in England. Take a tour around this amazing establishment steeped in history, guided by a former prison officer - certainly worth a visit.
Charlton Viaduct, Shepton Mallet
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Country Side-Somerset
Photo by Kalyan Kaza (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Giant, mechanical spider... spitting out fire and lasers! Run for the hills. #festival #music #art #fire #laser #dance
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What to do in Shepton Mallet

Popular places to visit

Royal Bath and West Showground

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take the family on an outing to Royal Bath and West Showground during your trip to Doulting. Discover the beautiful countryside and lively bars in this quaint area.

Royal Bath and West Showground

Kilver Court

4/5(1 review)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Kilver Court during your visit to Shepton Mallet. Discover the beautiful countryside and stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.

Kilver Court

Avalon Vineyard

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Avalon Vineyard during your travels to East Pennard. Visit the stunning cathedral and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Avalon Vineyard

Frequently asked questions

Is Shepton Mallet worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Shepton Mallet is explore Wells Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Shepton Mallet?
Begin your day with a visit to Wookey Hole Caves and Rural Life Museum. Then, tour different areas of Shepton Mallet for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shepton Mallet?
Wells Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Shepton Mallet and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Shepton Mallet?
Three days in Shepton Mallet is plenty of time to visit the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Wells Cathedral, Wookey Hole Caves and Avalon Vineyard are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Bath.
What are some activities to do in Shepton Mallet with kids?
Deciding what to do in Shepton Mallet with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Shepton Mallet for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Shepton Mallet for adults including Avalon Vineyard and Vicar's Close.
Are there free things to do in Shepton Mallet?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Shepton Mallet. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Wells Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.