Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
The well-maintained towpath and interesting lock structures of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal make for idyllic walking and peaceful boating.
Attractions
Explore Taunton’s Rich Heritage
From historic houses and a heritage railway to a centre showcasing one of the oldest rural crafts, Taunton offers plenty of attractions to explore and enjoy.
CICCIC Creative Innovation Centre
CICCIC is an independent arts centre house is an amazing early Victorian hall providing all forms of arts and culture. From live music, comedy, art exhibitions, poetry nights, music and art clubs, film and documentaries, Sunday jazz and world music, piano cocktail nights, and touring arts and music projects. With a licensed bar and café your visit is always welcome to our many events.
Coates English Willow
Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is the home of P. H. Coate & Son, founded by willow grower and merchant Robert Coate in 1819, and still run by the Coate family today.
Continue Arcade
The Most Fun On The High Street
County Classics Motor Museum
Britain’s newest Motor Museum!
Fyne Court
Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills. You can explore this wild garden and discover pieces of its history hiding in the undergrowth.
Hestercombe House and Gardens
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Sheppy's Cider
Sheppy's Cider, Somerset is one of the longest established cider companies in the UK.
Activities
The are range of activities for all the family to enjoy
Discover a wide range of family-friendly activities in Taunton. Whether you’re passionate about the great outdoors, love exploring, or simply want to relax, Taunton has something for everyone.
Parks and Gardens
Wherever you go in Taunton you’re never far from a park
Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council are responsible for maintaining more than 109 hectares of public open spaces, including three major Green Flag Award parks and 102 play areas.
Goodland Gardens
Goodland Gardens boasts an three sections of parkland and has both hard-standing and grassed areas. It is the perfect location to take that much needed time out.
Hudson Way Open Space
Hudson Way is an increasingly popular family park in Taunton with a fun pirate-themed play area as well as a skate park.
Longrun Meadow & French Weir Park
Longrun Meadow & the connecting French Weir Park are beautiful and tranquil green spaces for the people of Taunton to enjoy.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is open parkland of around 5.7 hectares.
Shopping
Discover Taunton’s Diverse Retail Options
Explore Taunton’s wide range of retail options. Alongside popular High Street names, Taunton boasts numerous independent shops, many of which are long-established. Discover unique finds in the historic Bath Place and the St James Street Riverside area.
Explore
The Wider Area Around Taunton
Discover the beautiful countryside, unspoilt villages, and characterful market towns as you explore the wider area around Taunton. This fascinating region offers a wealth of scenic and cultural experiences.
Bishops Lydeard
Nestled at the foot of the Quantock Hills, Bishops Lydeard is a vibrant village with an wonderful mixture of local attractions and ammenties.
Blackdown Hills
A National Landscape, a wide expanse of uplands offering constantly changing and surprising views; and a place where progress has apparently made but little impact: these are the Blackdown Hills
Minehead
Discover hidden treasure in Minehead! With a range of things to do for all ages, Minehead is a fantastic seaside holiday destination for families, couples and those with a sense for adventure.
Netherclay Community Woodland
An area of improved pasture land on the banks of the River Tone planted with broadleaved trees north of Bishop's Hull great for riverside wildlife.
Quantock Hills
The Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquillity. Panoramic views lead you through coast, heath and combe. Explore and you will find rocky Jurassic coastline, exposed heathland summits, deep wooded combes, undulating farmland and attractive villages all within this protected landscape.
Thurlbear Wood
Thurlbear Wood is an ancient woodland just a few miles to the south-east of Taunton with many open glades and rides allowing the woodland flora to flourish. The reserve has good all year round interest.
Wiveliscombe
Wiveliscombe is situated at the foot of the Brendon Hills at the gateway to Exmoor.
What's On
Discover Taunton’s Events Listings
You're spoilt for choice with a wealth of shows, festivals, markets, carnivals, fairs and fetes - there's an event for all ages and tastes!
19 Sept 2026
And Finally…Phil Collins
And Finally… Phil Collins celebrates the music of Phil Collins and Genesis in a live tribute show featuring a nine-piece band, classic hits and the distinctive sound that made Collins one of the world's most successful artists.
19 Sept 2026
Somerset Coast Walk – Day 1: County Gate to Porlock
Join walkers taking part in the 80 Miles in Eight Days Challenge for a spectacular guided walk along the Somerset coast, travelling from County Gate to Porlock via ancient woodland, dramatic coastal scenery and historic landmarks.
19 Sept 2026Free
St James Church Taunton: Heritage Open Days
At St James Church, research is ongoing into the 850-year history of the church and the people who have been part of parish life. Discover the stories of soldiers, sailors, tinkers, tailors, teachers, preachers, sextons, sweeps and many more, including some Monmouth rebels who are believed to be buried somewhere within our churchyard.
20 Sept 2026
Three Counties Swing Band - Sunday Big Band Jazz
Enjoy an afternoon of swing, jazz and big band favourites with special guests The Three Counties Swing Band. Featuring classic tunes, stage and screen favourites, and original arrangements, this Sunday daytime concert promises great music performed by talented musicians.
Next: 21 Sept 2026
Monday Markets at Taunton’s Antique Centre & Craft Store
Step into one of Taunton’s longest‑running traditions with the Monday Markets, a vibrant weekly event rooted in local history.
22 Sept 2026
Caroline Quentin - Drawn to Nature
Join Caroline Quentin as she celebrates Drawn to Nature, an uplifting exploration of the restorative power of the natural world. Through personal stories and reflections, she shares the people, places and gardens that have shaped her lifelong love of nature.
22 Sept 2026
Caroline Quentin – Drawn to Nature
The Taunton Literary Festival returns for 2026 with a varied programme of author talks, poetry events, conversations and guest speakers. Hosted by Brendon Books, the festival brings together well-known writers, poets, broadcasters and historians for a celebration of literature, storytelling and ideas.
22 Sept 2026
Taunton Town vs Bath City
Support the Peacocks at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium this season as Taunton Town FC take on teams from across the Southern League Premier South. Enjoy competitive football, a great matchday atmosphere and the chance to cheer on one of Somerset's leading football clubs.
Food and Drink
You’ll find wonderful local produce reflected in our pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels...
Spotlight
The Museum of Somerset
The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th century great hall of Taunton Castle.
More about The Museum of Somerset