- Taunton was the site of the infamous 'Bloody Assizes' in 1685, held by Judge Jeffreys following the Monmouth Rebellion.
- The town received its first royal charter in 1158, establishing its importance as a center for the local wool trade.
- Taunton is home to a unique tradition known as the 'Taunton Flower Show', which has been held in various forms since 1831 and is one of the oldest events of its kind in the UK.
- The town was a strategic stronghold during the English Civil War, enduring two major sieges before being held by Parliamentary forces.
- Taunton is one of the few towns in the UK that serves as a regional center for both cricket, housing the Somerset County Cricket Club, and military administration.
About Taunton
Taunton serves as the county town of Somerset, historically significant as a Saxon settlement situated on the River Tone. The town is dominated by the medieval architecture of Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene church, and holds a rich military history centered around the Museum of Somerset located within the grounds of Taunton Castle. Visitors can explore extensive green spaces like Vivary Park or escape to the formal landscapes of Hestercombe House & Gardens. It acts as a gateway to the Quantock Hills and provides a central hub for exploring the Somerset levels.
Highlights of Taunton
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Walk through the ornamental flower beds and rose gardens that form the historic heart of the town's public parkland.
Parks
Explore the contrasting styles of Georgian landscape design and Victorian formal gardens spread across fifty acres.
Museums
View the massive 'Somerset Dragon' and extensive medieval collections housed inside the twelfth-century Taunton Castle.
Museums
Board a vintage steam locomotive for a scenic journey through the Quantock Hills from the nearby station.
Museums
Examine a curated collection of classic British vehicles and automotive memorabilia spanning several decades.
Temples
Observe the intricate Tudor-style square tower that stands as one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in the region.
Venues
Catch a contemporary theatre performance or live music event at this repurposed historic venue.
Places of interest
Discover the wild woodland trails and historic landscape of this serene National Trust estate.
Top things to do in Taunton
The 122 highest-rated places in Taunton, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Vivary Park is a historic 21-acre green space located in the center of Taunton, historically known as the site of the to...
2
Beaches and ponds
Watchet Harbour Marina is a tidal facility located on the Bristol Channel in Somerset, distinguished by its unique lock...
3
Parks
Hestercombe House & Gardens features three distinct garden styles spanning three centuries of design history. The site i...
4
Museums
The Museum of Somerset is housed within the restored 12th-century Taunton Castle, a scheduled ancient monument. Its gall...
5
Zoos
Tropiquaria Zoo is a family-oriented wildlife park housed within a former 1930s BBC radio transmitter station. The facil...
6
Places of interest
Fyne Court is a former country estate near Bridgwater, Somerset, featuring a mix of wild gardens, woodland, and parkland...
7
Parks
French Weir Park is a riverside green space located along the River Tone in Taunton, serving as a primary link in the to...
8
Venues
Taunton Brewhouse is a multi-purpose arts venue situated in a repurposed 1970s brewery building. It features a 350-seat...
9
Museums
Bishops Lydeard is the southern terminus and primary operational hub of the West Somerset Railway, the longest standard-...
10
Historical places
Burrow Mump is an isolated, 79-foot-tall natural hill in the Somerset Levels topped by the ruins of a 15th-century churc...
11
Beaches and ponds
Kilve Beach is a rocky shoreline located on the Somerset coast, renowned for its extensive exposure of Blue Lias limesto...
12
Historical places
Cleeve Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval Cistercian monastic sites in England, situated near the village of Wa...
13
Parks
14
Museums
15
Natural attractions
16
Venues
17
Natural attractions
18
Natural attractions
19
Places of interest
20
Temples
21
Parks
22
Places of interest
23
Museums
24
Temples
25
Parks
26
Museums
27
Venues
28
Parks
29
Parks
30
Natural attractions
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Taunton on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Taunton
Late spring through early autumn, particularly May to September, when the botanical displays at Hestercombe House & Gardens are in full bloom and regional outdoor events are most frequent.
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the central historical sites, local museums, and one day-trip to the surrounding Somerset countryside.
The town center is compact and walkable, with reliable local bus services connecting the outer suburbs and nearby rural railway stations.
The area surrounding the town center and Vivary Park offers the best access to historical landmarks and local amenities. Staying near the station provides convenient transport links for those exploring the wider Somerset region.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs in Taunton are generally lower than in major nearby tourist hubs like Bath or Bristol.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 122 curated attractions in and around Taunton, ranked by traveller ratings.
Vivary Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Taunton right now.
The largest category is temples, with 53 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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