Shepton Mallet Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Shepton Mallet with this comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, activities, food scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Shepton Mallet

Located in Somerset, Shepton Mallet is a small historic town in the West Country region of England. Known for its wool trade and cider production, the town boasts a rich history and charming character. A popular destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs, Shepton Mallet offers plenty of attractions and activities. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to Shepton Mallet.

List of Places to Visit in Shepton Mallet

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Royal Bath and West Showground: This 240-acre showground is home to some of the biggest events and exhibitions in the region, including the Royal Bath and West Show.

  • Shepton Mallet Prison: A former prison that has been converted into a museum, offering guided tours to visitors wanting to explore the prison’s history and architecture.

  • West Pennard Court Barn: A restored medieval tithe barn, this monument is the perfect place to learn more about the town’s agricultural past.

  • Kilver Court Gardens: A picturesque garden and designer outlet shopping village, complete with a newly opened hotel and cafe.

  • St. Peter and St. Paul Church: A beautiful church with original Norman features, dating back to the 12th century.

Natural Attractions of Shepton Mallet: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mendip Hills: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Mendip Hills offer breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding.

  • Cadbury Castle: An Iron Age hillfort with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, Cadbury Castle is said to be the site of the legendary King Arthur’s mythical castle, Camelot.

  • Greenbank Pool: A popular outdoor swimming pool in the summer months that is fed by a natural spring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shepton Mallet

  • Mendip Way: This long-distance footpath is 33 miles long, stretching from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. The route takes in stunning views of the Mendip Hills and passes through Shepton Mallet.

  • Mendip Cycle Route: A 36-mile circular route for cyclists, taking in some of the best scenery and attractions in the Mendip Hills. The route starts and finishes in Shepton Mallet.

Best Things to Do in Shepton Mallet: Activities and Tours

  • Cider Tasting: Somerset is famous for its cider, and Shepton Mallet is no exception. Take a tour of one of the local cider farms and sample some of the best cider in the country.

  • Glastonbury Abbey: Just a short drive from Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury Abbey is one of England’s most important religious sites and has links to King Arthur and the Holy Grail.

  • Cheddar Gorge: Known as the UK’s Grand Canyon, Cheddar Gorge is a stunning natural wonder and a popular tourist spot. Explore the caves, go rock climbing, or simply take in the stunning views of the gorge.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shepton Mallet

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Shepton Mallet Prison museum and take a guided tour
Day 2 Explore the historic town centre and visit the St. Peter and St. Paul Church
Day 3 Hike the Mendip Way footpath and visit Cadbury Castle
Day 4 Take a tour of a local cider farm and taste some Somerset cider
Day 5 Visit the Kilver Court Gardens designer outlet shopping village
Day 6 Go swimming at Greenbank Pool and enjoy the natural spring-fed waters
Day 7 Take a day trip to Glastonbury Abbey and Cheddar Gorge

Food and Drink Scene of Shepton Mallet

Must-Try Dishes

  • Somerset Cider Cake: A traditional cake made with cider-soaked raisins and a delicious crumbly topping.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Named after the nearby town of Cheddar, this cheese has been made in the Somerset area for over 800 years.

Local Beverages

  • Somerset Cider: Made with locally grown apples, Somerset is famous for its cider. Try a traditional scrumpy or a lighter sparkling cider.

  • West Country Ale: A variety of ales are brewed in the West Country region, including Butcombe and Wadworth. Sample a pint of real ale in a local pub.

Where to Stay in Shepton Mallet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Oakhill Inn: A cosy and welcoming pub with rooms, serving locally sourced food and drink.

  • Longbridge House: This elegant guesthouse is situated near the town centre and offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.

  • The George Inn: Dating back to the 14th century, The George Inn is a beautiful and historic hotel with comfortable rooms and a popular restaurant serving local fare.

What to Buy in Shepton Mallet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Somerset Cider: Bring home a bottle of locally produced cider as a tasty souvenir.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Take home a wedge of authentic Cheddar cheese from one of the local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Shepton Mallet

  • Wassailing: A traditional cider-drinking ceremony that takes place in January to bless the apple trees and ensure a good harvest.

  • Shepton Mallet Sunday Market: A weekly market that has been running for over 750 years, selling fresh produce and local crafts.

Best Time to Visit Shepton Mallet

The best time to visit Shepton Mallet is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shepton Mallet

Do:

  • Do take a tour of a local cider farm and sample some of the delicious Somerset cider.

  • Do go for a hike on the Mendip Way footpath and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to try some of the locally produced Cheddar cheese.

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Shepton Mallet Prison museum.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet is generally a safe town, with a low crime rate. However, it is always advisable to take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Shepton Mallet

There is a local medical centre in Shepton Mallet, and nearest hospital is located in nearby Bath.

Getting to Shepton Mallet: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shepton Mallet

The nearest airport to Shepton Mallet is Bristol Airport, which is approximately 20 miles away. The airport has regular flights to destinations across the UK and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet has a bus station located in the town centre, with regular services to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

The town is served by Shepton Mallet railway station, which has regular trains to Bristol and Bath.

How to Get Around in Shepton Mallet

The town is relatively compact, and it is easy to walk around the town centre. Taxis are also available, and there is a local bus service that connects Shepton Mallet to nearby towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from Shepton Mallet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Wells: A picturesque medieval city with a stunning cathedral and a beautiful market square, just a short drive from Shepton Mallet.

  • Bath: A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs, located just 16 miles from Shepton Mallet.

  • Cheddar: A typical English village famous for its cheese, gorge, and caves, located just 8 miles from Shepton Mallet.

Conclusion

Shepton Mallet is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors, from historic attractions to outdoor adventures and tasty local produce. Whether you’re wanting to explore the Mendip Hills or learn more about the town’s cider-making heritage, Shepton Mallet is a great destination for a weekend break or longer stay.

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