Taunton Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Taunton

    Taunton, the county town of Somerset, has always been regarded as an important market town. Since the mid-13th century, Taunton has been famous for its wool production. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Taunton wool exports first expanded to France, and later to as far as Africa. The production of wool declined towards the end of the 16th century, however production of silk grew....Read more Taunton and Southern England in general has been renowned for the typical thatched-roof architecture around these areas; but these thatched-roof buildings invited constant fire hazards! The town of Taunton was one of many subject to the bloody uprising of the Wars of the Roses in 1451; Taunton Castle was a central area in which anti royalist controversy grew. By 1600, the Castle was a ruin, however it was resurrected during the Civil War. It now stands, heavily reconstructed, in what is thought to be its former structure. The décor however is no longer in its original Norman state, but repaired in a Georgian style by the reparation architect Sir Benjamin Hammet. Taunton Castle is now the setting of two hotels, which have remained furnished with crenelations to be in keeping with the history of the castle. Read less

  • 2. Now in Taunton

    Preserving its name as a traditional English market town, Taunton thrives on its custom and tourism. Home to an array of historical attributes, including its heritage and archaeology, it is also very well accustomed to modern day with its strong County cricket team, horse racing and theatre events.

  • 3. Events in Taunton

    Attracting around 24,000 visitors over the two-day period, Taunton Flower Show has been deemed ‘The Chelsea of the West'. Held annually since 1866 with the exception of the years of the Second World War, the show is situated in Vivary Park. Taunton is a town that partakes in The West Country Carnival Circuit, which consists of an elaborate parade of illuminated floats gracing...Read more the streets of South West England during the festival. The carnival was supposedly linked with religion originally; however this tradition has seemingly faded. The aim of the carnival is to raise money for local charities. The Annual Midsummer Garden Party at Taunton Castle proves a huge success every year, with a delightfully sumptuous summer lunch menu offering a locally sourced seafood platter and Californian style barbecue, whilst customers dine to the fruitful tones of Taunton Castle's resident jazz band. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Taunton

    Hestercombe Gardens in Taunton are beautifully situated in the West Country and have been appropriately reviewed as ‘paradise restored', with the fifty acre stretch of a culmination of picturesque history, combining Georgian and Edwardian gardens with the addition of a Victorian terrace. Hestercombe Gardens have featured on the BBC series "Gardens Through Time" and provide th...Read moree perfect location for a family day out. Taunton's St Mary Magdalene Church is the largest parish in Somerset seating 800 people with its own bookshop and coffee shop. The church offers intricate interior to marvel at dating back to the 14th century. Fancy a skyride? Visit Britain's popular hot air ballooning company Go Ballooning! at their Taunton base and enjoy the sights of the West Country in all its glory. An ideal attraction for those who enjoy getting their feet off the ground! Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Taunton

    Cedar Health Farm is the location of luxury and relaxation in Taunton. An idyllic place to relax your mind, body and soul, Cedar Health Farm promises a rejuvenating break to nourish and indulge the pleasures of life, tailored specifically for a well earned rest. Located approximately 10 minutes out of Taunton, Sheppy's Cider Farm caters for all ages. You can look around the orc...Read morehards and the farm as well as learning about the process of making cider, and the rural heritage in the area. School trips from nursery ages are welcome. The Willows and Wetland Visitor Centre in Taunton offers an insight into the history and art of willow growing and basket making. This is relevant to the history and culture of Taunton. At the centre, you are able to buy baskets handcrafted using the willow owned by the centre and made by resident basket weavers. There is also a tea shop for light refreshments. Read less

  • 6. Business in Taunton

    Taunton is perhaps most famous for its production of cider. It is also the home to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, an organisation within the Ministry of Defence regarding the provision of hydrographic information. Also, Taunton is the home to one of the head offices of Debenhams. Taunton is renowned for its industries including the manufacturing of textiles, shirts, g...Read moreloves and precision instruments. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Taunton

    Rail transport is efficient in Taunton as the station is on the Bristol to Exeter line, the Reading to Taunton line and the Cross-Country route. Taunton is also conveniently close to the junctions 25 and 26 of the M5 motorway which is a useful route when commuting to London and the South East. Bus services are also regular, provided by First Avon and Somerset.

  • 8. Entertainment in Taunton

    In an ideal location, The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton promises a night of enjoyment with a variety of entertainment on offer. It's proved a popular location for theatrical performances such as George Orwell's 1984 and tribute nights including Take That. A guaranteed good night out! Yevelton Barn is a beautiful 16th century building, offering ornate medieval interior perfect f...Read moreor medieval banqueting and murder mystery nights. Nightlife in Taunton is plentiful! Be sure to visit Café Mambo for a truly authentic Thai experience. Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Taunton

    Gray's Almhouses are unique to Taunton. Founded by Robert Gray in 1615, the building housed poor single women. It was formerly a leper colony. It is a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building. Taunton Castle is a poignant landmark dating back to the Middle Ages preserving history related with the anti royalist movements in this area.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Taunton

    Taunton was the first English town to be lit by electric street lighting in 1881.

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