Taunton: Castle, Park and Canal Paths

If you’re looking for a hotel in Taunton, the reason for your trip can help you decide what to focus on: medieval heritage, a visit to the Museum of Somerset, a market date, or walking and cycling routes.

Heritage at the Castle and Minster

Taunton Castle is a Scheduled Monument and an important medieval defensive and residential complex associated with the Bishops of Winchester. Its features include a motte-and-bailey castle, part of the outer bailey, a Civil War artillery platform and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. The complex therefore contains evidence from different periods of its history.

The Museum of Somerset is housed within the walls of 12th-century Taunton Castle. It is in central Taunton, on Castle Green, near the bus station. Admission is free. Advance booking is required for tours and some activities; check the details in advance. The museum café serves homemade Somerset specialities. You should also check the visitor information about the café before your trip.

Another prominent landmark is Taunton Minster, the Church of St Mary Magdalene. Its tower is 163 feet (50 metres) high. The church’s foundations were probably laid in the early 8th century.

Vivary Park and Taunton’s market

Vivary Park covers about 7.5 hectares and is a good example of a public park from the late Victorian period. The history of the Taunton Flower Show is also linked to the park: the first show was held there in 1851.

Taunton Independent Market takes place on the second Sunday of each month from March to December. It is also scheduled for the last Saturday of the month from March to October, except August. The market features more than 65 artisan traders from the South West. The selection includes food and drink, arts and crafts, gifts, homewares, beauty and fashion. The number of traders and the selection may change; check the date that suits your trip in advance.

Getting around on foot and by bike

The canal path between Taunton and Bridgwater is 15 miles long. It is a multi-user route for walking and cycling and forms part of Sustrans National Cycle Route 3. This lets you plan your stay around a specific route rather than focusing solely on attractions in the town.

On the Taunton Circular Walk, the riverside path section between Bathpool and Firepool is designated as wheelchair accessible in both directions. One section of the Circular Walk joins the cycle path that runs alongside the River Tone. This information applies to the specified routes; check the current route before setting out, especially if you rely on accessibility.

Taunton Brewhouse

At Taunton Brewhouse, the Studio Theatre is a fully equipped performance space. A sprung floor and mirrored wall are used there for workshops and classes. This gives you a clear idea of how the space is used if, when planning your trip, you’re interested in performance and workshop spaces as well as historic architecture.

Discover more destinations: Exford, Crewkerne, Baltonsborough, Queen Camel, Wells, Kingsbury Episcopi, Yeovil, Wellington.

For the overview of the wider area: Somerset.