Shepton Mallet Town in Somerset
Location
Shepton Mallet is a market town in the Mendip District of east Somerset. It lies on the River Sheppey, some 5 miles east of the city of Wells and about 18 miles south of Bristol.
The town of Shepton Mallet grew up along the Roman Fosse Way and there are arcaeological finds of this period. The town contains a fine parish church and has a considerable number of listed buildings. Shepton Mallet Prison is England's oldest prison still in use.
The town dates from Neolithic Times but is first recorded as "Scoep-tun", meaning "the sheep enclosure". In 1086, the Domesday Book records it as "Sceaptun". The second part of the name derives from that of the Norman Malet family who took a lease from Glastonbury Abbey around 1100.
Shepton Mallet was an important centre for the wool trade from medieval times and when this declined in the 18th century it was replaced by brewing and cider making.
Today Shepton Mallet is excellently placed to visit Glastonbury and its festival, the Royal Bath and West Agricultural Show and the whole of Somerset, Wiltshire and northern Dorset. Shepton Mallet currently has a population of just under 10,000.
Tourist Information
The nearest source of local information is available from Shepton Mallet Tourist Information Centre.
Events near Shepton Mallet
Dining out near Shepton Mallet
Goodfellows, Wells
Beah, Wells
The Natterjack Inn, Shepton Mallet
Glencot House, Wookey Hole
Abbey Tea Rooms, Glastonbury
The Who'd A Thought It Inn Restaurant, Glastonbury
Panborough Inn, Wells
The Blue Bowl Inn, Bristol
The Carpenters Arms, Pensford
Frank's Restaurant, Cheddar
Local Accommodation
Cottages
There is a great choice of cottages for rent in the local area. Take a look at the beautiful cottages in Shepton Mallet, Wells, Midsomer Norton and Bruton.
Holiday Parks
Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:
Hotels
Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:
Caravans
In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Frome.
Nearby Attractions
There's plenty more to explore in this area, too! Find more attractions and things to do nearby:
Shepton Mallet
Wells
Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill
Bruton
Castle Cary