Taunton Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in the heart of Somerset, Taunton is a picturesque town in the southwest of England. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Taunton offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day attractions.
One of the town's most iconic landmarks is Taunton Castle, a Norman fortress that dates back to the 12th century. Today, it houses the Museum of Somerset, where visitors can explore the region's fascinating past through a range of interactive exhibits and displays. From Roman mosaics to Anglo-Saxon treasures, the museum offers a glimpse into Taunton's diverse heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, Taunton boasts an abundance of green spaces and parks. Vivary Park, located near the town center, is a tranquil oasis with beautifully manicured gardens, a boating lake, and a popular cafe. The park is also home to the Somerset County Cricket Club, making it the perfect spot to catch a game of cricket on a sunny afternoon.
Food lovers will delight in Taunton's thriving culinary scene. The town offers a wide range of quaint cafes, traditional pubs, and fine dining establishments, serving up everything from hearty pub classics to international cuisine. The Farmers Market, held twice a week, showcases the region's finest local produce, allowing visitors to sample delicious homemade treats and pick up unique souvenirs.
For those seeking retail therapy, Taunton's bustling town center is home to an array of shops, boutiques, and independent stores. From high-street brands to hidden gems, there is something to suit every taste and budget. The town also hosts regular markets and fairs, where visitors can browse for antiques, crafts, and vintage treasures.
With its close proximity to the stunning countryside of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills, Taunton serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Hiking trails, cycling routes, and picturesque villages are just a short drive away, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Taunton Attractions - What to See and Explore
Taunton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: County Ground, Hestercombe House, St Mary Magdalene, Church of St Peter and St Paul. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Taunton by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Taunton.
Active
County Ground
TauntonArenas and stadiums Cricket Sport 
Somerset Space Walk
TauntonHiking trail Hiking Vernacular architecture 
Taunton Vale Sports Club Ground
TauntonSport Sport venue 
Taunton Racecourse
TauntonSport Sport venue
Other categories
ChurchMuseumTaunton – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Taunton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cheddar Gorge (Cheddar), Ebbor Gorge (Wells), Stourhead.
Best Time To Visit Taunton
Learn when is the best time to travel to Taunton weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Ale
Ale is a type of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied and fruity taste. Historically, the term referred to a drink brewed without hops. As with...
Type of beer
Stew
A stew is a combination of solid food ingredients that have been cooked in liquid and served in the resultant gravy. Ingredients in a stew can include any combination of vegetables and may...
Fishcake
A fishcake is a culinary dish consisting of filleted fish or other seafood minced or ground, mixed with a starchy food, and fried. Asian-style fishcakes usually contain fish with salt...
Food
Parkin
Parkin is a gingerbread cake traditionally made with oatmeal and black treacle, which originated in northern England. Often associated with Yorkshire, particularly the Leeds area, it is...
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is an English dessert consisting of a very moist sponge cake, covered in a toffee sauce and often served with a vanilla custard or vanilla ice-cream.
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Frome Hoard
The Frome Hoard is a hoard of 52,503 Roman coins found in April 2010 by metal detectorist Dave Crisp near Frome in Somerset, England. The coins were contained in a ceramic pot 45 cm in...
Shapwick Hoard
The Shapwick Hoard is a hoard of 9,262 Roman coins found at Shapwick, Somerset, England in September 1998. The coins dated from as early as 31-30 BC up until 224 AD.
West Bagborough Hoard
The West Bagborough Hoard is a hoard of 670 Roman coins and 72 pieces of hacksilver found in October 2001 by metal detectorist James Hawkesworth near West Bagborough in Somerset, England.
England