Taunton Travel Guide
City City in England known for its history
County town flanked by Somerset Levels, Taunton brings visitors to Taunton Castle museum, artisan cider houses, and the Castle Green. Hike the Blackdown and Quantock Hills, follow river paths and tuck into Devonshire cream teas.
Why Visit Taunton? #
As Somerset’s county town, Taunton appeals to travelers seeking market‑town charm and easy access to wild landscapes. Taunton Castle houses the Museum of Somerset, and nearby Quantock Hills and Exmoor invite walkers and wildlife watchers. Pubs and cider farms around the town showcase West Country flavours, while a compact historic centre makes exploration simple on foot. The town’s arts and food scenes also reward evening strolls.
Who's Taunton For?
Taunton works well for exploring Somerset: Vivary Park and Hestercombe Gardens sit inside easy reach, while the Quantock Hills offer hiking and coastal views. It’s a practical base for countryside and seaside day trips.
Farmers’ markets, cider pubs and farm-to-table options are common around town; local producers feature at the market near the county centre. Expect hearty Somerset fare and good-value seasonal menus.
Parks, accessible gardens and nearby family attractions like wildlife sites and historic houses make Taunton child-friendly. Short drives bring you to beaches and National Trust properties suitable for all ages.
Pleasant town centre, riverside walks and nearby gardens create low-pressure romantic days; cottages and B&Bs around the Quantocks provide cosy lodging for weekend getaways. Dining options lean local and relaxed.
Top Things to Do in Taunton
All Attractions ›
- Museum of Somerset (Taunton Castle) - Extensive local history displays housed within the medieval Taunton Castle's historic rooms.
- Vivary Park - Large Victorian park with ornamental lake, tennis courts, weekly parkrun and floral displays.
- St Mary Magdalene Church - Parish church featuring medieval architecture, impressive tower and lively community services.
- Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre - Local producing theatre presenting plays, comedy nights and community arts programmes.
- Hestercombe Gardens - Georgian and Victorian gardens with Edwardian water features and celebrated landscape designs.
- Decoy Country Park - Quiet lakes, bird hides and family-friendly trails just north of Taunton town centre.
- Cooper Associates County Ground - Home of Somerset cricket; lively matchdays and a friendly local atmosphere.
- Quantock Hills AONB - Wild heathland, coastal views and peaceful walking routes favored by locals.
- Bath - Explore Roman Baths, grand Georgian crescents, museums and independent restaurants in historic Bath.
- Wells - Tiny cathedral city with Wells Cathedral, Bishop's Palace and charming medieval streets.
- Cheddar Gorge & Caves - Impressive limestone gorge with showcaves, dramatic cliffs and popular climbing routes.
- Glastonbury Tor and Abbey - Spiritual pilgrimage site with Glastonbury Tor, ruined abbey and alternative shops.
- Exmoor National Park - Wild moorland, coastal walks and traditional villages like Dunster and Minehead.
Where to Go in Taunton #
Town Centre
Taunton’s centre is compact and handy: a mix of shops, the museum at Taunton Castle, and decent cafés. It’s the practical hub for sightseeing and catching local buses or trains, with a mellow evening scene centred on a few pubs and the theatre.
Top Spots
- Taunton Castle / Museum of Somerset - local history in a castle setting.
- Coal Orchard Shopping Centre - central retail and cafés.
- Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre - evening culture and performances.
Vivary Park area
Vivary Park is Taunton’s green lung - wide lawns, a lake and family-friendly events. It’s where locals picnic, take kids and enjoy occasional festivals; a peaceful place to base a leisurely afternoon.
Top Spots
- Vivary Park - large Victorian park with seasonal events and a boating lake.
- Taunton Racecourse - regular racing and events nearby.
- Park cafés - pleasant spots for a relaxed lunch.
Station & North Taunton
The station quarter is functional and best for travellers arriving or leaving by train. Expect practical eateries, a handful of budget stays and quick access to the rest of Somerset via Taunton’s rail links.
Top Spots
- Taunton Railway Station - regional rail connections.
- Local inns and B&Bs - practical accommodation near transport.
- Nearby supermarkets - useful for self-catering stays.
Plan Your Visit to Taunton #
Best Time to Visit Taunton #
Visit Taunton from late spring through summer (May-September) for the warmest, sunniest weather, outdoor markets and easy access to the Quantock Hills. Winters are mild but often wet, so aim for May-August for the best conditions.
Best Time to Visit Taunton #
Taunton's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (907 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Taunton
Taunton is easiest to reach by train - Taunton railway station is on the Great Western line with regular services to London, Bristol and Exeter. For air travel the nearest airports are Exeter Airport (EXT) and Bristol Airport (BRS), while Heathrow and other London airports offer wider international connections.
Exeter Airport (EXT): Exeter is the closest regional airport to Taunton. From the terminal take the bus/shuttle to Exeter St Davids (about 15-20 minutes) then a Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Taunton (~40-45 minutes). Expect the bus to cost roughly £2-£4 and the train around £8-£18 depending on advance purchase and time of travel.
Bristol Airport (BRS): Bristol Airport is another convenient option with more flight choices. Take the Airport Flyer to Bristol Temple Meads (approx 30-35 minutes, about £8-£11) and then a GWR train to Taunton (roughly 50-75 minutes); total journey time typically 1 hour 30 minutes-2 hours including transfer. A taxi direct from Bristol Airport to Taunton takes about 50-70 minutes and will usually cost in the region of £60-£90.
London Heathrow (LHR): For international services, Heathrow offers the most connections. Options are Heathrow Express to London Paddington (15-20 minutes), then a direct GWR train to Taunton (around 2-2.5 hours); combined travel time typically 3-4 hours and costs vary widely (Heathrow Express ~£25-£30, GWR fares from ~£25+ when booked in advance). Alternatively, National Express runs direct coaches from London (including airport connections) to Taunton taking roughly 3.5-4.5 hours with fares commonly between £15-£35.
Train: Taunton railway station is on the GWR mainline (London Paddington - Penzance) and is served by Great Western Railway. Direct trains to London Paddington take about 2-2.5 hours; journeys to Exeter St Davids are around 40-45 minutes and to Bristol Temple Meads about 50-75 minutes. Advance single fares to London typically start from around £20-£30 if booked early, with shorter regional trips commonly in the £7-£20 range.
Bus / Coach: National Express and regional coach operators serve Taunton (Taunton bus/coach stops are in the town centre). National Express runs services to/from London, Plymouth and other regional hubs; coach journeys from London take roughly 3.5-4.5 hours with fares often between £15-£35. Local buses are run mainly by Stagecoach South West and serve the town and surrounding villages; single fares within Taunton are typically around £2-£4, with day tickets available for frequent travel.
How to Get Around Taunton
For most visitors the train is the best way to reach and move between major destinations - reliable, reasonably fast and well connected. For exploring rural Somerset or visiting small villages, hire a car or use local buses; inside the town centre walking or cycling works well for short trips.
- Great Western Railway (Trains) (£7-£50) - Trains are the most reliable way to get to and from Taunton for intercity travel. Direct GWR services connect Taunton with London Paddington (about 2-2.5 hours), Exeter St Davids (~40-45 minutes) and other West Country destinations. Book advance fares early for the best prices and allow time for connections at larger hubs; trains are generally comfortable and faster than coaches for longer distances.
- National Express (Coaches) (£10-£35) - National Express provides direct coach services to Taunton from London and other cities; coaches are a cheaper, if slower, alternative to trains. Journey times to London are typically 3.5-4.5 hours depending on route and traffic. Coaches are a good option if you have heavy luggage or want a low-cost through service-book in advance for lowest fares.
- Local buses (Stagecoach South West) (£2-£4) - Stagecoach and local operators run frequent bus routes around Taunton and to nearby towns and villages. Buses are the main way to reach suburban areas and are useful for short trips; services can be less frequent on evenings and Sundays. Buy tickets on the bus or use the operator's app; day tickets often offer good value for multiple trips.
- Taxis & Private hire (£6-£35) - Taxis and app-based private hires are widely available from ranks near the station and in the town centre, and are the easiest door-to-door option, especially late at night. Short inner-town fares are modest, while airport transfers are substantially more. Pre-book airport transfers if travelling at peak times or with lots of luggage to avoid waiting.
- Car hire / Driving (£30-£70 per day) - Hiring a car is useful if you plan to explore Somerset countryside, the Quantocks or Exmoor-Taunton is well placed for driving routes. Parking in the town centre is available at pay-and-display car parks and multi-storeys; check parking hours and charges. Be prepared for occasional narrow country lanes if you leave the main routes.
- Cycling (£5-£15 per day) - Taunton is compact enough for cycling for local trips and there are cycle paths to some suburbs and riverside sections. Use bike lanes where provided and be cautious on busy roads; some pubs and cafés offer bike parking. Short-term bike hire may be available locally from independent providers.
- Walking - The town centre is very walkable: most shops, museums and the castle gardens are within a 10-20 minute walk of the station. Walking is the best way to explore the central streets and riverside without parking concerns.
Where to Stay in Taunton #
Where to Eat in Taunton #
Taunton is a market town that champions Somerset produce - think cider, creamy cheeses and hearty pub fare. The Market House and local pubs are good places to try regional specialities like meat pies and ploughman’s.
The town also supports dependable international restaurants: Italian and Indian places are popular, and cafés around the centre serve modern vegetarian-friendly brunches and salads.
- Taunton Market Hall vendors - Local cheeses, meat pies and baked goods.
- The Castle Hotel dining - Traditional Somerset dishes and roast options.
- Local cider pubs - Cider with hearty pub mains and ploughman's.
- Ristorante La Locanda - Italian classics and pasta dishes.
- Sakib's Indian Restaurant - Popular curry house with traditional flavours.
- Roku Sushi Bar - Sushi and Japanese small plates.
- The Plant Café - Veg-packed brunches, salads and grain bowls.
- Market stalls - Local produce and vegetarian bakery items.
- Vegetarian-friendly pubs - Plant-based mains and veggie Sunday roasts.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Taunton's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Taunton #
Taunton’s nightlife is relaxed, leaning on cozy pubs, wine bars and a handful of cocktail spots in the town centre. The area around The Crescent and High Street is the main night hub; independent pubs dominate, and most places wind down around midnight on weekdays and later at weekends. Dress is casual but smart-casual is common in wine bars and cocktail lounges.
Best Bets
- High Street & The Crescent - Primary cluster of pubs, bars and late-night eateries.
- Town centre bars - Good mix of traditional pubs and newer cocktail spots.
- Local theatres & arts venues - Evening shows that pair well with dinner and drinks.
- Taunton station area - Handy for late arrivals - nearby pubs and cafés.
- River Tone / waterfront strolls - Nice after-dinner walks; some riverside cafés open late.
- Wine & cocktail bars - Smart-casual spots for quieter evenings out.
Shopping in Taunton #
Taunton’s shopping mixes established high-street names with a recent regeneration quarter that added eateries and modern retail. The Coal Orchard and surrounding streets are the best places for independent food shops and smaller boutiques, while traditional arcades and the central precinct cover the basics. Expect polite service; haggling isn’t common in stores.
Best Bets
- Coal Orchard - Regenerated shopping and dining quarter with boutique retailers.
- Buttermarket and pedestrianised High Street - High-street shops, cafés and market stalls on key days.
- Taunton town centre - Main concentration of national chains and independents.
- County Arcade (local arcade) - Smaller arcades with specialist stores and services.
- Taunton Farmers' Market - Regular market for regional producers and artisan foods.
- Independent boutiques and gift shops - Independent fashion, homeware and local crafts.
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