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 distinguished by its sweet, full-bodied, and fruity flavor, resulting from a warm fermentation process. Originally, ale was brewed without hops, using a blend of herbs or spices known as gruit for bitterness.
Type of beer
Stew
A stew is a robust dish crafted by simmering solid food ingredients in a liquid to create a rich, flavorful gravy. These ingredients often include a diverse array of vegetables and proteins such as beef, poultry, sausages, and even seafood.
Fishcake
Fishcakes are a delectable dish crafted from minced or ground fish or seafood, combined with a starchy ingredient, and then fried to perfection. The ingredients and preparation methods can vary widely depending on the region.
Food
Parkin
Parkin is a classic gingerbread cake originating from northern England, particularly cherished in Yorkshire and Lancashire. This delightful treat is made with oatmeal and black treacle, which impart a distinctive flavor and texture.
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a cherished English dessert celebrated for its moist sponge cake enveloped in a rich toffee sauce, typically accompanied by vanilla custard or ice cream. In Australia and New Zealand, a similar delicacy known as sticky date pudding enjoys...
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Frome Hoard
The Frome Hoard is a remarkable archaeological discovery made in April 2010 by metal detector enthusiast Dave Crisp in Somerset, England. This treasure trove consists of 52,503 Roman coins dating from AD 253 to 305 and is one of the largest hoards ever found in Britain.
Shapwick Hoard
In September 1998, an extraordinary discovery was made in Shapwick, Somerset, England—a treasure trove of 9,262 Roman coins, known as the Shapwick Hoard, spanning a historical period from 31-30 BC to 224 AD. This hoard is particularly notable for including two rare...
West Bagborough Hoard
In October 2001, metal detectorist James Hawkesworth discovered an extraordinary find near West Bagborough in Somerset, England: the West Bagborough Hoard. This treasure comprises 670 Roman coins and 72 pieces of hacksilver.
England