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Shepton Mallet Accommodation

The medieval Shambles and Market Cross in Shepton Mallet's centre

St Peter and St Paul's church stands grandly over the town

Shops and cafes in Shepton Mallet's town centre

Shepton Mallet's town centre has retained its historic feel

Traditional houses in Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet's library and chocolatier on the Market Place

The imposing former Anglo Bavarian Brewery on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet Tourist Information Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals

Shepton Mallet, five miles east of Wells, is a mix of ancient medieval town and industrial centre within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Shepton Mallet is a handy base from which to explore The Mendips and the surrounding towns and villages such as Radstock, Frome, Glastonbury, Castle Cary, Wells and Wookey Hole.

There is some excellent walking country around the town and the Mendip Council and Mendip Society websites (links right) have further information on walks and events in the Mendips around Shepton Mallet.

Featured Somerset Accommodation

Thatched Cottage Inn - Shepton Mallet

Thatched cottage Inn offers 8 spacious ensuite rooms in Shepton Mallet close to the Mendips & Wells. AA Rosette restaurant, spacious guest rooms

£60 to £74 Per person B&B (2 sharing)

Shepton Mallet History

Shepton Mallet has played an important role in Somerset's history having been mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.

The Romans' famous Fosse Way that stretches from Exeter in Devon up through the east side of the country to Lincoln passes by the east of Shepton Mallet. A wide range of archaeological finds have been discovered around the town including the remains of a Roman industrial town beside the Fosse Way.

Shepton Mallet became prosperous as a market town based on its woollen trade. The market cross in the town centre dates from 1500 and was the location where rebels were hanged after the Bloody Assizes trials following the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Nearby is a restored remnant of The Shambles, a fifteenth century covered market stall.

Shepton Mallet still hosts a market every Friday. The town has a rather grand church, St Peter and St Paul's Parish Church, which has been here for around 1,000 years and Shepton Mallet is also home to the country's oldest gaol dating from 1611 and is still in use as a prison today. National treasures such as The Domesday Book, a copy of the Magna Carta and the logs of Nelson's Flagship HMS Victory were all kept here during World War II and there were rumours that the Crown Jewels were also secreted within its walls at that time.

Shepton Mallet Tourist Information

At the top of High Street you'll find Shepton Mallet Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, 70 High Street, Shepton Mallet BA4 5AS.

You can get all the usual free tourist information, maps, books and postcards as well as find out more about the social and industrial history of the town. Like Frome, there is a handy town leaflet available free that has a map that shows you where the sights are and explains a little of their history. Events in and around Shepton Mallet are also listed.

Open Apr-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm; Sat 10am-3pm. Nov-Mar 10am-4pm. Sat 10am-2pm.

The Academy Theatre Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet has its own theatre the Academy (formerly known as the Amulet). It was originally gifted to the town of Shepton Mallet by the Showerings family who produced Babycham. Babycham is still produced in the town as is Blackthorn and Gaymers Cider is the second largest cider production brewery in the UK.

Bristol Academy of Performing Arts more recently acquired and the theatre has undergone a major refurbishment. Works have restored the main theatre auditorium which will make it one of the leading theatre venues in the South West for music, theatre and film.

Check the weblink right for up-to-date listings. The venue can be hired for weddings, private functions, workshops, film festivals and events too.

The Academy Theatre, Market Place, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5AZ. Tel: 01749 347984. Email: info@academytheatre.co.uk

Shepton Mallet Somerset Carnivals

Shepton Mallet is on the circuit for the Somerset Carnivals. These are usually held between September and November. It's well worth timing your visit to coincide with one of the carnivals that are held at a whole host of towns throughout the county. The Somerset Carnival tradition dates back to the 1600s when many places in Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Street entertainment, fireworks and special events throughout the town add to the fun and carnival atmosphere.

Processions gradually make their way round a predetermined route from around 7pm at night. The floats are illuminated with colouring lighting which makes a welcome splash of colour in the dark autumn nights. A huge amount of effort is put into creating carnival entries. Some are created by Carnival Clubs; some by keen individuals or groups, all work throughout the year raising the money themselves to create spectacular themed floats which are judged prior to the procession begins. Prizes are hotly contested and ensure the standards are raised year-on-year.

It's a fun night out for all the family and you can help raise funds for charities or the clubs for the next year's entry. Thousands attend carnivals, so watch out as parking can get very limited on carnival nights and town centres can often be cut off to traffic during the carnival.

Check the weblinks right for this year's carnivals and past carnival photographs.