Located on the banks of the River Sheppey, Shepton Mallet is a picturesque market town in the English county of Somerset. It lies along the history Fosse Way, a Roman-built road that connected Isca Dumnoniorum (modern-day Exeter) with Lindum Colonia (Lincoln) in the north-east.
Things to do in Shepton Mallet
One of the town’s most famous buildings is the HM Shepton Mallet Prison, which originally opened in 1625 and was the oldest operating prison in England when it closed in 2013. Now Grade II listed, it is open to the public on guided tours, which offer insight into its storied past and the harsh conditions experienced by inmates. Ghost tours highlight the paranormal activities that have been reported here, including sights of the so-called “White Lady”.
A short walk from the HM Shepton Mallet Prison is Kilver Court Gardens, which is framed by the elegant arches of the Charlton Railway Viaduct. Created in the late 19th century by Ernest Jardine, the gardens feature a French parterre envisioned by Roger Saul and a mature rockery inspired by George Whitelegg’s gold-medal-winning design at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Train enthusiasts can ride on the East Somerset Railway, which runs on the former Cheddar Valley Line. Hauled by a steam locomotive, you’ll journey from the village of Cranmore to Mendip Vale in a heritage carriage. Learn about the history of the railway at the David Shepherd Discovery Centre or check to see the restorations currently taking place in the engine shed and workshop.
Getting around Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bath and 40 minutes from Bristol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Shepton Mallet and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.