The pretty UK town with a very odd name — and a haunted prison you can stay in overnight

The Somerset town of Shepton Mallet sits just 16 miles southwest of Bath and attracts people from all over the country every year due to its beautiful scenery and storied past.

The town holds remnants of a Bronze Age settlement, evident from archaeological discoveries. In 1995, the locality revealed traces of Bronze Age dwellings and pottery. Adding to its history, Maesbury Ring, an Iron Age hill fort, stands to the north of the town.

In later times, Shepton Mallet found its place just west of the prominent Roman road, Fosse Way, attracting Roman settlement in the vicinity.

Nonetheless, the present-day village of Shepton Mallet owes its origins to the Saxons. Their conquest of eastern Somerset during the 7th century spurred the establishment of numerous villages, including Shepton Mallet.

The term "Shepton" finds its roots in the Anglo-Saxon phrase denoting a shelter for sheep, underscoring the town's initial economic foundation. The community constituted a portion of the lands bestowed upon the Mallet family by Henry I in 1100, thus accounting for the latter component of the town's unusual name.

Community Development Officer, Laura Miller, 55, was born in the area, and after initially moving to London, could not resist returning to the beautiful town - which she said was mainly down to how safe the area is.

She told Express.co.uk: “Having lived in London and deciding to come home I think Shepton is a safe, friendly community with a fantastic mix of people and some lovely local events. We have fabulous cafes, a vibrant arts scene and all in beautiful Somerset, what's not to love?

“The community is close-knit, progressive and forward-thinking, it’s accepting and inclusive of all that live here and visit.

Ms Miller, a former prisoner officer, said that one of the best things to visit in the town is the now-closed Shepton Prison. When it closed in 2013, it was the United Kingdom's oldest operating prison.

It’s said to be haunted, and visitors can even enjoy an escape room experience inside it as well as overnight stays and ghost tours. 

She said: “A must-visit for tourists? I have to say the prison, but of course, I'm biased. It’s an incredible social history museum with excellent staff and interesting exhibits. It’s a really thought-provoking and unusual day out.”

Elsewhere, visitors can expect to find an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as scenic countryside and dreamy hikes.

Local yoga teacher, Laurie Mai, said: “Collett Park is really beautiful. It’s a lovely place for a walk or a play in the new playground which my kids love.

“I also run my LEMon yoga classes in the park for free (thanks to the support of our town council) in the summer months and many others run groups and fitness classes there so it’s a real hub for the community. Shepton Mallet Prison is full of history and has tours.

“Shepton is good for young families, lots of toddler and baby groups on and we also love the library which has its own groups on for young children. There are good independent businesses like The Cheeky Bean in the high street that have become a real hub for the community. We love Collett Park day and the Mid Somerset Show that both happen here annually.”

Speaking to locals, what is clear, is that the community is close and inclusive, making it a perfect staycation destination for families that want to experience a new place no matter who they are.

Councillor and tech company owner, Claire Sully, said: “Shepton Mallet is a cool place in reality, you just need to scratch the surface to find an inclusive and exciting creative community who put on events, and festivals and run quirky clubs.

“Go and learn about the grim and ghastly tales at Shepton Prison, Britain's most haunted prison, which has over 400 years of bleak and fascinating history. Take a peaceful and tranquil stroll around the beautiful Collette Park or sip gin in the wine bar and see great contemporary art and performances at the Art Bank.”