Shepton Mallet Prison

A Victorian prison still standing in Shepton Mallet, just south of Wells, feels like stepping into a proper time machine. The Grade II listed building dates back to 1625 - making it one of England's oldest working prisons until it closed in 2022. Walking around the exterior, you clock the austere stone walls and narrow windows that once housed inmates for nearly four centuries. It's the kind of place that makes you think about how punishment and justice have evolved.

Inside, the atmosphere is heavy. You'll see the cell blocks, exercise yards, and the gallows where executions took place. It's not cheerful - it's genuinely sobering - which is precisely why it matters as a historical site. School groups and history enthusiasts will find plenty to absorb here, though younger children might find it a bit grim. Adults with an interest in criminal history or Victorian Britain will get the most from a visit.

The town of Wells itself is charming - the cathedral is magnificent and worth a proper morning - so you could easily pair this with other local attractions. If you're staying at Cathedral View Glamping or Wells Touring Park nearby, the prison makes a compelling half-day detour. Check opening times and admission fees before you go, as details weren't confirmed at time of writing. Allow 90 minutes minimum if the tour includes the wings and yard.