Things To Do
in Taunton
Taunton is a historic town located in the county of Somerset, United Kingdom. It is known for its picturesque countryside surroundings and charming architecture, including the Taunton Castle dating back to the 12th century. The town boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Somerset and Vivary Park.
Taunton serves as a hub for leisure activities, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and boating along the River Tone.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Taunton Castle, where you can learn about the rich history of the area. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds and take photos of the impressive architecture.
Head over to the Museum of Somerset to delve deeper into local heritage. The exhibitions are engaging and cater to all ages, making it a fun experience.
Enjoy dinner at one of the local pubs, sampling traditional British cuisine. Afterwards, take a nighttime walk through Vivary Park to soak in its tranquil atmosphere.
Spend your morning at Nesharick along the River Tone, where the scenic views offer a perfect backdrop for a refreshing walk. Bring along a picnic to enjoy by the water.
Visit the nearby Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for more exploration. There are numerous trails to discover, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife.
Return to Taunton for a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant. Enjoy the sunset as you dine, reflecting on the beauty of the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and heritage, including medieval architecture and historical sites.
- Beautiful surrounding countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
- A strong sense of community and local events.
- Affordable housing compared to larger cities in the UK.
- Good transport links to nearby cities like Exeter and Bristol.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger urban areas.
- Public transport options can be less frequent and less comprehensive.
- Some may find it lacking in nightlife and entertainment compared to bigger cities.
- Potential for slower pace of life, which may not suit everyone.
- The weather can be quite wet and gloomy at times.
Best Activities in Taunton
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, feed the ducks, or have a picnic in this beautiful park located in the heart of Taunton.
Explore the stunning gardens, walk along the peaceful trails, and admire the unique landscape at Hestercombe.
Embark on a hike or mountain biking adventure in the scenic Quantock Hills, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
Take a tranquil walk or bike ride along the picturesque Taunton to Bridgwater Canal, and enjoy the serene waterside scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Taunton with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Taunton
Visit one of these nice places.
Vivary Park offers beautiful scenery and scenic spots for capturing stunning photographs, including the Vivary Park Lake and gardens.
The Somerset County Cricket Club provides a unique perspective of Taunton and its surroundings, making it an excellent location for photography enthusiasts.
Taunton Castle provides a historic backdrop and picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for capturing memorable images.
Food in Taunton
Taunton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Taunton is known for its excellent Somerset ciders, which can be enjoyed at many local pubs and cider houses such as The Apple Tree and Sheppy's Cider.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the quintessentially English tradition of cream tea, featuring scones, clotted cream, and jam. The Hidden Treasure Tea Room is highly recommended for an authentic experience.
Head to the independent delis and local markets to savor the finest Somerset Cheddar, a classic local delicacy.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Taunton better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly Farmers' Market offers a fantastic array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and street food stalls serving global cuisines.
Another excellent market showcasing a variety of local and organic food, including street food vendors offering dishes from around the world.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Taunton, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Taunton. It is important to say 'please' and 'thank you', and to greet others with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning'.
Queuing is taken very seriously in the UK, including Taunton. Always join the back of the line and wait your turn when queuing for services or public transportation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Taunton with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Taunton
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Taunton, United Kingdom, is not mandatory as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, it is common to leave a gratuity of 10-15% for exceptional service.
In Taunton, United Kingdom, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payments are increasingly popular, and most establishments also accept mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Taunton.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Taunton is in spring when the weather is mild and the countryside is blooming with colorful flowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Summer is another popular time to visit Taunton, with longer days and warmer temperatures. It's the perfect time for festivals, outdoor events, and enjoying the parks and gardens in the area.
In autumn, Taunton is beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves and the harvest season. It's a great time for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the local food and drink scene.
Winter in Taunton is a quieter time, with the potential for some cold and wet weather. However, it's a good time to experience the festive atmosphere, visit cozy pubs, and explore the historic indoor attractions.
Taunton at Night
Hiking in Taunton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The Quantock Hills offer a range of scenic trails with stunning views, variety of wildlife, and diverse landscapes, perfect for both novice and experienced hikers.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features rolling hills and woodlands, providing many walking paths and opportunities for exploration.
Exmoor offers rugged moorlands, ancient woodlands, and stunning coastline trails, making it a fantastic location for hiking enthusiasts.
A unique area with limestone hills and caves, featuring a variety of trails, including those that offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
A flat wetland area with various walking paths that explore the unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes of the region.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Taunton through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Taunton by plane.
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Taunton, Exeter Airport serves domestic and international flights.
Situated around 35 miles northeast of Taunton, Bristol Airport is one of the busiest airports in the southwest of England, offering a wide range of flights.
Located about 70 miles southwest of Taunton, Newquay Airport primarily serves flights to domestic and seasonal European destinations.
Approximately 150 miles east of Taunton, Heathrow is the largest international airport in the UK, offering extensive global connectivity.
Located about 160 miles east of Taunton, Gatwick is another major international airport serving numerous international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, encompassing individuals who identify as White British.
Includes individuals of White European descent not classified as White British.
A diverse group including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian ethnicities.
Represents individuals from African, Caribbean, or other Black backgrounds.
Individuals identifying with two or more ethnic backgrounds.
Includes individuals from other backgrounds not specifically categorized elsewhere, including Arabic and Gypsy or Traveller communities.
The Soul of Taunton
Discover the essence of Taunton through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular summer sport with a long-standing tradition in Taunton, featuring local clubs and the county team at the County Ground.
Rugby is well-supported in Taunton, with several clubs and a strong following for both local teams and national competitions.
Football enjoys a strong community presence in Taunton, with numerous clubs and youth leagues promoting the sport.
Netball is actively played in schools and clubs throughout Taunton, with both competitive and recreational opportunities available.
Athletics is popular in Taunton, supported by local clubs and events, focusing on a range of track and field disciplines.
Cycling is a favored activity for both leisure and sport, with various routes around Taunton and events taking place regularly.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taunton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Taunton caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with numerous restaurants and cafes offering dedicated menus and plant-based options.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find accommodating menus at many eateries, including dedicated gluten-free bakeries and cafes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Taunton with these cultural adventures.
