Discover Taunton: Castle, Museum, Park and Trails

Taunton combines medieval history, public parks, regional markets and varied trails. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Taunton, you can shape your stay around culture, activity and culinary discoveries. The combination of historic buildings in the town, an extensive park and routes for walks or cycling is particularly appealing.

History around Taunton Castle and the Minster

Taunton Castle tells several chapters of the town’s history. The site includes a motte-and-bailey castle, part of the outer bailey, an artillery platform from the Civil War and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. The Castle is also a significant medieval defensive and residential complex associated with the bishops of Winchester, and is designated as a Scheduled Monument.

The Museum of Somerset is located within the walls of the 12th-century Taunton Castle. Admission to the museum is free. Advance booking is required for guided tours and some activities. The museum is in the centre of Taunton at Castle Green, near the bus station. This location provides a useful point of reference for planning your day if you would like to combine a cultural stop with other activities. The Museum of Somerset café serves homemade Somerset specialities.

Taunton Minster, the Church of St Mary Magdalene, also makes a striking impression. The tower is 163 feet, or 50 metres, high. The foundations of the Minster were probably laid in the early 8th century. Together with Taunton Castle, it forms a historic focal point where different periods and architectural functions can be seen.

Vivary Park and trails for active days

For a more relaxing or active break, Vivary Park makes a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. The park covers approximately 7.5 hectares and is considered a good example of a late Victorian public park. Its history also extends into the town’s events tradition: the first Taunton Flower Show was held in Vivary Park in 1851. If you are travelling with children, you can plan a visit to the park as a contrast to the historic interiors and exhibitions, without limiting the day to a single theme.

For longer outings, the 15-mile canal path between Taunton and Bridgwater is available. The route, developed for several user groups, is suitable for walking and cycling and forms part of Sustrans National Cycle Route 3. Take the full length into account when planning your day. Shorter options are also possible: the towpath section between Bathpool and Firepool on Taunton’s Circular Walk is wheelchair accessible in both directions. One section of this Circular Walk joins the cycle path running parallel to the River Tone.

Market, theatre and regional impressions

The Taunton Independent Market brings together more than 65 craft traders from the South West. Products include food and drink, arts and crafts, gifts, household goods, beauty products and fashion. The market takes place from March to December on every second Sunday. It also takes place from March to October, except in August, on the last Saturday of the month. Check the relevant date when planning your trip if you would like to include regional products and handmade goods in your stay.

Another cultural side of Taunton can be found at the Studio Theatre of Taunton Brewhouse. It is a fully equipped performance space. Workshops and classes benefit from a sprung floor and a mirrored wall. This means Taunton can be discovered not only through historic sights, but also through contemporary performance and learning spaces.

Which accommodation location suits your trip?

When looking for holiday accommodation in Taunton, you can first decide which focus will shape your stay: historic sightseeing around the Castle and Minster, a park and market day, a longer route for walking and cycling, or a cultural event at the Brewhouse. For trips involving different interests, it may be sensible not to squeeze culture, the park, the market and the trails into a single day, but to combine several elements of your trip.

If you would like to consider other places for your accommodation search in addition to Taunton, you can find North Petherton, Winsford, Tolland, Hornblotton, Bishops Lydeard, Clatworthy, Wincanton and Bridgwater here.

For the overarching travel overview: Somerset.