Location: Taunton
Top Things to do in Taunton
Things to do in Taunton, England: The Best Museums
Taunton /ˈtɔːntən/ is a large regional town in Somerset, England. The town currently peaks at a population of 69,570 as of 2018. The town itself has over 1,000 years of religious and military history, including a monastery dating back to the 10th century and Taunton Castle, which has origins in the Anglo Saxon period and was later the site of a priory. The Normans then built a stone structured castle, which belonged to the Bishops of Winchester. The current heavily reconstructed buildings are the inner ward, which now houses the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum.
Restaurants in Taunton
1. Hestercombe Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 989 reviews
Based near Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe House and Gardens features a unique combination of 300 years of garden design, a contemporary art gallery and award-winning visitor facilities. We’re a place where visitors can explore, learn and relax. The Gardens include Coplestone Warre Bampfylde's Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the beautiful Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. All have undergone restoration and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow and develop. As part of your visit, relax in the warm and welcoming Stables Cafe with a tasty hot or cold lunch, and a range of savoury and sweet afternoon teas. Hestercombe Gallery presents the best in contemporary art exhibitions whilst focusing on the relationship between art and landscape. Hestercombe is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, (closed on Christmas & Boxing Day). Dogs welcome. Booking online essential.
Reviewed By melsie21 - Taunton, United Kingdom
Formal gardens with scented roses, a wonderful walk through woods with a cascade, ducks on the fish ponds, follies and birdsong, a great café for coffee, tea, or lunch - and all just a couple of miles from Taunton - what more could you ask.
2. The Museum of Somerset
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 875 reviews
Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day. Within the 12th century castle walls you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all situated within the vibrant town centre. With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover. Our ‘must see’ exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc and the shoes worn by 7ft4 Joseph Sewell. The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.
Reviewed By M787PLjohnb - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
This museum was light, bright and totally interesting, great art exhibition, army history, uniforms, weapons, the rebellion, local history, from Jurassic to the present, great Roman mosaic, nicely laid out, modern, good cafe with reasonably priced food, museum, is in and old castle, great place to get away from the high street shops and it’s Free !
