If you’re curious about what life behind bars was like in one of the UK’s oldest prisons, the Shepton Mallet Prison guided tour offers an intriguing peek into over 400 years of incarceration history. Nestled in Somerset, this experience is priced at around $29.63 per person and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Led by knowledgeable guides like Jeremy and Jason, it covers key areas such as Victorian wings, the hard labour yard, the execution room, and even secret rooms uncovered in recent years.
What we love about this tour is how it balances informative storytelling with authentic access. The guides’ wealth of knowledge shines through as they share real-life tales, including stories of inmates, executions, and wartime secrets. We particularly appreciated the opportunity to walk through the very corridors and yards that once held prisoners, giving us a tangible sense of history. The inclusion of a self-guided element also means you can linger over favorite spots or revisit details later.
One possible consideration is that the site is quite cold and damp in places—so dressing warmly is a good idea. Also, the tour is quite popular, so booking in advance helps secure a spot at your preferred time. This experience will appeal most to history buffs, those interested in criminal justice, and anyone curious about the darker side of Britain’s past. It’s especially suited for older children and adults who can handle the somber and sometimes gruesome stories.
Key Points
- Authentic Access: Walk through Victorian wings, the hard labour yard, and the execution room with guided commentary.
- Rich Stories: Guides share detailed tales of prison life, executions, and wartime secrets, making history come alive.
- Self-Guided Flexibility: After the guided tour, explore the site at your own pace, including uncovering hidden cells.
- Historical Preservation: The prison’s ongoing restoration offers a mix of raw authenticity and future improvements like a cafe and shop.
- Engaging for All Ages: Suitable for older children and adults interested in history, crime, or architecture.
- Popular Booking: Tours run weekdays at 2pm and weekends during school holidays, so early reservations are recommended.
An In-Depth Look at the Shepton Mallet Prison Guided Tour
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Setting the Scene: An Old Prison with a Living Past
Shepton Mallet Prison is one of the UK’s oldest, with parts dating back to the 1600s. Its long history has seen it serve as a place of confinement, punishment, and even secret wartime operations. Today, it’s open to visitors eager to understand what prison life was like through the ages. The guided tours offer a rare chance to step behind the steel doors and into a space that has seen over four centuries of stories.
Starting at the visitor centre on Frithfield Lane, you’ll meet your guide—someone like Jeremy or Jason—who’s eager to reveal the secrets of this historic site. The cost of around $29.63 makes it a worthwhile investment for an hour and a half of detailed storytelling and exploration. The tour is designed to give you both context and visceral impressions of what it was like to be a prisoner, officer, or even a visitor.
The Guided Tour: What’s Included?
The tour covers several key areas, each offering its own insights. You’ll visit two Victorian wings, with the largest, B Wing, capable of holding nearly 100 prisoners at its height. This wing is notorious for overcrowding, and that history still echoes in the way the space feels today. There’s also C Wing, built specifically for women and children, which played a secret role during WWII that remains largely unknown to many visitors.
Your guide will bring history to life with stories about prisoners’ daily routines, hard labour practices, and notable executions. Notable stops include:
- The Hard Labour Yard: Learn how prisoners were forced into physically demanding, often futile, tasks like working the Tread Wheel.
- The Gate Lodge and Governors’ Office: Explore some of the building’s oldest sections, including a recently uncovered original cell—an authentic example of prison life.
- The Exercise Yard: Overlooked by multiple wings, this open space was where prisoners spent time outside their cells.
- The Execution Room and Condemned Cell: Walk in the footsteps of those who faced their last days here, with stories about Albert Pierrepoint, a famous hangman, and the 25 executions carried out on-site.
The Darker Side of the Prison’s History
The tour doesn’t shy away from the grim realities. You’ll hear about notorious executions and learn that the prison was active into the 20th century, with the last executions taking place in 1945. Visiting the final resting places of some of the executed adds an emotional layer to the experience, illustrating the human side of justice and punishment.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Authenticity and Atmosphere
Despite its age, the prison’s physical state is part of its charm. As one reviewer noted, “the site is quite eerie in its raw state,” which adds to the feeling of walking through history. The damp, cold corridors and old cells provide a visceral sense of what life was like for inmates, especially when combined with tales of overcrowding and harsh labor.
The Guide’s Role: Knowledge and Stories
Our guides, like Jason and Jeremy, are praised for their wealth of knowledge and storytelling skills. As Amanda pointed out, “our tour guide Jason was fantastic, full of lots of stories and facts.” They not only recount facts but also share personal stories and inmate anecdotes, creating a more engaging and memorable experience. This personal touch makes the tour stand out from mere self-guided visits.
Practicalities and Value
At $29.63, the tour is a good value, considering the access to restricted areas, the expertise of guides, and the multi-layered stories. The self-guided element allows some flexibility, and the on-site café and gift shop add convenience. The tour’s timing—weekday at 2 pm or weekend during holidays—means securing a spot well in advance is wise, especially during busy periods.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, families with older children, and anyone curious about the criminal justice system or Victorian life. The detailed stories of executions and prison routines can be intense but are presented tastefully, making it suitable for those comfortable with darker historical topics. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes the experience both educational and captivating.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
The Shepton Mallet Prison guided tour offers a fascinating journey into the darker chapters of Britain’s past. It’s a well-balanced mix of expert storytelling, authentic spaces, and tangible history. The guided element ensures you understand the significance of each area, while the self-guided part lets you take your time.
For those interested in Victorian penal history, wartime secrets, or dark tourism, this is a compelling stop. The guides’ enthusiasm and detailed knowledge shine through, making the experience both informative and occasionally haunting. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value authentic access over polished presentations and are prepared for some chilly, damp corridors.
If you’re visiting Somerset and want a thought-provoking, historically rich experience, the Shepton Mallet Prison tour should be high on your list. Just be sure to dress warmly, book ahead, and brace yourself for stories that might leave a lasting impression.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children and adults, especially those interested in history, but beware that some stories about executions and prison life can be intense.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, allowing enough time for detailed exploration and storytelling.
What is included in the tour?
You’ll get access to the prison’s Victorian wings, the hard labour yard, execution room, and other historic areas, led by an expert guide. A self-guided exploration is also included.
Can I explore the site after the guided tour?
Yes, the self-guided element allows you to linger or revisit parts of the prison at your own pace.
What are the tour times?
Tours run at 2 pm Monday to Friday, and at 11 am and 2 pm during weekends and school holidays.
Is there parking or public transport nearby?
While not explicitly stated, the tour starts at the visitor centre on Frithfield Lane, suggesting easy access by local transport or car.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
This isn’t specified, so it’s wise to contact the provider directly if accessibility is a concern.
Will I get to see the original cells?
Yes, the tour includes a recently uncovered original cell, offering a rare glimpse into historic incarceration conditions.
Are there additional attractions on site?
Yes, the prison has a café, gift shop, and even an escape room, which could be an interesting addition if time allows.
How do I book?
It’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy periods, via the provided booking platform.
This comprehensive look at the Shepton Mallet Prison guided tour aims to equip you with all the practical details and honest insights you need to decide if this hauntingly authentic experience fits your travel plans. Whether you’re drawn by history, true crime, or simply the allure of an old prison, it’s a visit that promises both education and a touch of the eerie.
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