A guide to Taunton

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Taunton was given its name due to the River Tone – Tone Town.
  • 2.
    Taunton was the first town in the country to be permanently lit by electric street lighting.
  • 3.
    There are more than 400 different varieties of cider apple grown in the area.

Taunton Area

Taunton is the county town of Somerset and was originally established during the Saxon times. Set on the River Tone, the town is surrounded by the Blackdown, Quantock and Brendon Hills. Taunton has a variety of historical buildings which leads to a pretty town centre. The area is accessible by both road and rail, especially useful for people travelling to see Somerset Cricket Club or to enjoy racing at Taunton Racecourse.

Surrounding Villages

  • Kingston St Mary
    The village is situated just 5 miles to the north of Taunton, on the southern end of the Quantock Hills. The village has a parish church, village hall and pub. There is also a primary school and the popular King’s Hall is just down the road.
  • Milverton
    Situated approximately 5 miles to the west of Taunton is the popular village of Milverton. This large village has a variety of local stores including a pub and village shop for the thriving community. Perfect for travellers who love nature as it is in a beautiful rural setting with good transport links.
  • Trull
    Trull sits just to the south of Taunton at the foot of the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), in an attractive setting close to open farmland where you can enjoy wonderful views. The community benefits from a church, community hall, primary school and shops.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Taunton has a wide variety of shops for everyday necessities.

    The high street has a range of major shops and a covered shopping centre at Crown Walk and Orchard Shopping Centre. For a more unique experience, there is Bath Place which is a charming pedestrianised shopping street with plenty of predominantly independent local shops.

  • Eating

    Augustus

    A charming and informal bistro in a quaint location in the heart of Taunton. With a focus on high quality, locally sourced ingredients.

    Woods Bar and Restaurant

    With their own farm providing most of the meat, the aim is to provide traditional English food paired with a continental twist.

    The Castle

    Originally a Norman fortress this hotel has been welcoming travellers since the 12th Century. The brasserie at this hotel serves wonderful, high quality food.

  • Drinking

    The Red Lion Inn

    Award winning 17th Century thatched pub in the heart of Babcary. With both quick food plus a larger menu there is something which caters to everyone.

    The Royal Oak Inn

    This pub is set in a valley on Exmoor and provides fresh local food with fantastic ales and a global wine list.

    Lord Poullet Arms

    This traditional yet stylish country inn is set in the heart of Hinton St George.

Travel

  • Trains

    Taunton to London, Paddington in approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes.

  • Other transport

    Access to M5 at Taunton.