Shepton Mallet

The town of Shepton Mallet in Somerset is in a beautiful location south of the Mendip Hills, a range of limestone hills running between Weston-super-Mare and Frome with its western part designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Sheppey runs through Shepton Mallet offering the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks amidst diverse flora, fauna and wildlife. The area has been settled since at least Roman times as the town is nearby where the principal Roman road, Fosse Way passed, heading into the south west of England. The wool trade was important to the economy in medieval times trade and was then replaced by brewing and Shepton Mallet is still a major producer of cider today. The famous Glastonbury Festival brings a huge influx of visitors to Shepton Mallet each year as it is the closest town to the site.

Shepton Mallet has long been a market town and the vibrant outdoor market is still held around the Market Cross every Friday. The town has ample amenities, some shops, eateries and pubs and an incredible number of historic and listed buildings here; there are 218 listed buildings in Shepton Mallet including the hexagonal, 50 ft tall, market cross in the town centre that dates back to 1520. The market place is also home to The Shambles, a medieval market stall that has since been restored and other sites in and around town are HM Prison Shepton Mallet, which was built in 1610 and the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.