LAURA BRIGGS seeks out some (perhaps) lesser known highlights in the county town.
Taunton, County Town of Somerset, home to 40 Commando, Somerset Cricket Club and the Somerset County Museum, is a thriving town with plenty to offer. We’ve picked our 20 hidden gems to visit there and in surrounding areas so you can get the very best out of your visit.
BATH PLACE
Once the main entrance to Taunton from Exeter in the middle ages, the quaint and narrow Bath Place offers a number of independent shops and cafés for the visitor to enjoy. The street features on Taunton’s heritage trail. Brendan Books, Bath Place Music, Ginger Fig and Alpha Frog Vintage all call this pretty street home.
TAUNTON AND BRIDGWATER CANAL
Connecting Bridgwater and Taunton, the canal is mainly rural and a welcome idyll for nature lovers. At Maunsel Lock, a scale model of the sun makes up part of the Somerset Space Walk where planets are set along the canal for six miles each way to demonstrate the enormity of space. Maunsel Lock also boasts the canal centre which offers boat trips and refreshment. Narrow-boats, wildlife and a towpath that runs the length of the canal make this a perfect getaway.
HESTERCOMBE HOUSE & GARDENS
Boasting three centuries of world class garden design, and one of the most highly regarded collaborations between garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and architect Edwin Lutyens, Hestercombe is a gem which offers a full day out for any visitor. A contemporary art gallery, formal and landscape gardens, the Stables Café and Column Room Restaurant mean there is literally something for everyone in this piece of paradise nestled in the shadow of the Blackdown Hills.
TRULL WATERFALL, AMBERD LANE, TRULL
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Somerset Life.
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This story is from the October 2017 edition of Somerset Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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