Taunton offers a range of reasons to stay: a medieval castle complex and a minster, a park with its own event history, a market with regular seasonal dates, and trails for walking and cycling. When planning, it is worth keeping your priorities in mind. For a market visit, the dates matter; for a tour, the route length and section are useful points of reference.

Castle, Museum and Minster

Taunton Castle is a significant medieval defensive and residential complex associated with the Bishops of Winchester. The complex includes a motte-and-bailey castle, part of the outer bailey, an artillery platform from the Civil War and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Taunton Castle is also designated as a Scheduled Monument.

The Museum of Somerset is located within the walls of 12th-century Taunton Castle. It is in the centre of Taunton at Castle Green, near the bus station. Its location provides a landmark for your journey; check current transport connections before setting off. Admission to the museum is free. Advance booking is required for tours and some activities. The museum café serves homemade Somerset specialities. If you plan to visit the café, take a tour or join an activity, check visitor information in advance.

Taunton Minster, the Church of St Mary Magdalene, also offers a historical connection of its own. Its tower is 163 feet (50 metres) high. The church’s foundations were probably laid in the early 8th century. The tower’s height and the early, uncertain dating of the foundations provide two different points of reference for the minster’s history.

Vivary Park and the Taunton Independent Market

Vivary Park covers about 7.5 hectares and is a good example of a late Victorian public park. The history of the Taunton Flower Show is also connected with the park: the first show was held there in 1851. Vivary Park therefore offers a link both to park design and to a historic event in the town.

The Taunton Independent Market showcases more than 65 independent traders from the South West. The stalls include food and drink, crafts, gifts, homewares, beauty products and fashion. The market takes place from March to December on the second Sunday of each month. There is also an event on the last Saturday of the month from March to October, except in August. The number of traders and the range of goods may change; check current market information before planning your visit.

Walking and Cycling Trails

The 15-mile canal trail between Taunton and Bridgwater is a route adapted for multiple user groups, for walking and cycling. It is also part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 3. The waterside section of the Circular Walk between Bathpool and Firepool is wheelchair accessible in both directions. This information applies specifically to that section.

One section of the Circular Walk joins the cycle path that runs parallel to the River Tone. The trails described can therefore be distinguished by their different features: the canal trail is described in terms of its length and suitability for walking and cycling; the waterside path between Bathpool and Firepool is specifically described as wheelchair accessible in both directions.

Performances and Classes

The Studio Theatre at Taunton Brewhouse is a fully equipped performance space. Workshops and classes there use a sprung floor and a mirrored wall. The theatre adds another cultural focus to the historic sites and trails when planning your stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hatch Beauchamp, Woolverton, Street, Ashwick, Highbridge, West Huntspill, Martock, Litton

For the main travel overview: Somerset.