48 Hours In Taunton

Whether you are looking to wind down or pack plenty in, Taunton is a perfect weekend destination

Trying to organise an itinerary on a short break to Somerset’s bustling county town is something of a tall order. There is so much to do and see in Taunton – day or night, whatever time of year and whatever the weather. So we’ve done the work for you and devised a tailormade weekend away which we think has something for everyone. Knowing Taunton, though, there is a good chance you may stumble on an undiscovered gem of a place that even we don’t know about.

FRIDAY

Why not take the afternoon off and arrive in Taunton early? After all there are plenty of things to pack in this weekend. Our choice would be to make a beeline for the centre of town and book in at the romantic Castle Hotel with its magnificent wisteria-clad façade (the-castle-hotel.com). Check your bags in and relax for a while with afternoon tea in the peaceful 12th-century rose garden before heading off to explore the town.

You needn’t go far though, as the Museum of Somerset (museumofsomerset.org.uk) is just a stone’s throw away within the castle grounds and has a fascinating collection of artefacts from Somerset’s history in prehistoric times to the present day. Handily, your historic accommodation for the night is on the Taunton Heritage Trail, so pick up a leaflet and explore some of the 44 historic sites and properties around town. These include the 1905 Art school Hunts Court with its striking neo-classical facade, Cider Press Garden and the old public library and municipal buildings, with sections built as early as 1522. Featured in the trail you’ll also find Bath Place, a picturesque narrow street with 19th-century shop fronts now brimming with independent retailers and cafés.