North of England
Scotland
East of England
Heart of England
South of England
South West of England
Wales | THORNEYBEES HOUSE After a mile long private lane, (a little bumpy in bad weather) you will find Thorneybees in a private and secluded spot, offering a gorgeous house filled with a mix of contemporary amenities and characterful furnishings throughout. Highlights include the lovely enclosed garden and bubbling hot tub. Bonus that it is dog friendly too! |
 | HIDEAWAY HOUSE Hideaway House is a magnificent residence with a main house, treehouse and bar resting in Kingston St Mary near Taunton, Somerset. A unique dwelling for a family of six's getaway, Hideaway House enjoys access to an orchard and walled vegetable garden. |
 | HOLGATES Situated on the Blackdown Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor, Taunton and Honiton. A beautiful cottage with a hot tub and enjoying stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys beyond, the perfect place to escape. |
Taunton is a historic town situated in West Somerset, known for its towering 10th-century monastery and scenic parks. The town has an extensive shopping district filled with quaint independent shops and is set against a backdrop of rolling green hills, perfect for walking and cycling. Taunton is a hub for Arts and Culture with its museum filled with local information about Somerset – the town even hosts a weekly Farmers’ Market, where visitors can purchase fresh local produce. Read on to discover what to do when heading to Taunton.
The Museum of Somerset
Located in the 12th century Taunton Castle, the Museum of Somerset paints a picture of the county’s rich history and recounts stories dating back to the prehistoric period. The museum is unique as it uses interactive displays, film projections and includes the voices of locals from across time.
There are numerous exciting exhibitions within the walls of Taunton Castle including a vast collection of Roman coins and an archaeological display. The museum also has multiple art galleries that would satisfy any art lover. For those that are interested in military history, the castle is also home to the Somerset Military Museum, which depicts the story of the regiments of Somerset during wartime.
The Museum of Somerset is filled with an array of exciting exhibitions and makes for a great day out. Even better, the museum is free to enter so there’s no need to break the bank.
Vivary Park
With over 18 acres of stunning land, Vivary Park is just a few steps away from the town centre and has a long history dating back to the medieval period. Originally the park was used as a vivarium for Taunton castle, giving it the name ‘Vivary.’ Due to its close proximity to the town centre, the land has been utilised for public events from as early as 1851 and was later sold to the council in 1894. The Park now contains a bandstand, shelter and fountain and is a great example of the beautiful nature of Victorian parks.
With a children’s adventure playground, a High Ropes Centre, golf course and café, visitors will not be bored when exploring Vivary Park. There is no entry fee and it would be a fun trip out for all the family.
St Mary Magdalene Church
St Mary Magdalene Church is a magnificent church in the heart of Taunton and dates back to the 8th century. The church is renowned for its magnificent Gothic tower that stands at around 163 feet high and is a marvel in early modern architecture. The building is steeped in history, having been originally built in the Saxon period by King Ine, who established Christianity in Somerset. The current church was largely built in the 15th century and stands as an iconic building in Taunton. St Mary Magdalene Church still runs services every day, and sightseers can visit the impressive building for free.
Sheppy’s Cider Farm
One of the oldest cider companies in Britain, Sheppy’s Cider Farm is an exciting place to visit for those that enjoy crafted cider. With over 70 acres of orchards there is so much to explore, and the farm air is scented with a delicious cider smell. The site is also home to Old English Longhorn Cattle who graze within the orchard throughout the summer months. Their delicious meat, as well as fresh cider, can be purchased in Sheppy’s farm shop.
Sheppy’s farm also offers a guided tour of the orchard and a cider tasting session, with mouth-watering meals provided. The tour takes around two hours, and we recommend booking a tour for a rewarding experience.
Taunton is a bustling town with a sprawling shopping district, beautiful parkland and a museum filled with historical Somerset artifacts. Visitors should consider stopping in Taunton for an unforgettable cider tasting experience, as well as a relaxed day in the park.
Lodges with Hot Tubs
Now that you have read all about what Taunton has to offer the next stage is to choose a base for your holiday. Camping, glamping and more luxury lodge holidays are a great way to holiday and if you want the ultimate stylish break choose a lodge with a hot tub. You can see all of our lodges with hot tubs in Somerset here.