Taunton 3-Day Itinerary

Large medieval parish church with a striking 163-foot spire visible across the county. Inside: carved wooden screen, fan-vaulted ceiling and a peace garden outside.

🕐 Monday to Saturday 09:00–17:00; Sunday 12:00–16:00

💡 Go mid-afternoon on a weekday when the light hits the stained glass above the chancel. The church often has free leaflets detailing the 16th-century monuments — ask at the welcome desk.

Open-air market held three days a week in the High Street and nearby car parks. Sells fruit, veg, flowers, and secondhand goods. Not huge but good for a wander.

🕐 Wed & Sat 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–14:00

💡 Go on Saturday for the biggest selection—the fish van from Brixham has excellent crab. Prices drop around 1pm as stallholders pack up.

Cosy Club Taunton · ££

Wildwood · ££

Historic 12th-century castle with a surviving gatehouse and curtain walls. The exterior and grounds are free to explore; you can walk right around the outside and see the medieval architecture up clos

🕐 Grounds accessible at all times; castle interior (Museum of Somerset) free but has its own hours

💡 The castle’s south side has the best preserved Norman stonework. Come on a Saturday morning to catch the small outdoor market in the castle courtyard.

15th-century church with one of England’s tallest spires. Inside, fine carved wooden roof and medieval tombs.

🕐 Daily 9am-5pm (limited hours winter)

💡 Check the noticeboard by the door for free lunchtime concerts held occasionally in the summer.

A medieval castle in the town centre housing the Museum of Somerset. Exhibits cover local history, the Monmouth Rebellion, and a spectacular Roman mosaic. The grounds and castle exterior are free; the

🕐 Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–16:00, closed Sunday and Monday

💡 Head to the top floor for the best view of the castle's Great Hall and the surrounding park. The cafe serves decent tea at reasonable prices.

Local history museum inside Taunton Castle, covering 400 million years from fossilised seas to the Monmouth Rebellion. Spacious, well-lit galleries with hands-on bits for kids.

🕐 Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–16:30; closed Sunday and Monday

💡 Pick up a free trail sheet from the desk — keeps children occupied without costing a penny. The castle café garden is a solid spot for lunch if you have your own sandwiches.

Ginger & Pink

Marks & Spencer Cafe

County museum inside Taunton Castle, covering local history from the Jurassic to the Civil War. Highlights include the Frome Hoard of Roman coins and a gruesome

💡 Head upstairs to the second gallery first—it's quieter and has a good display on the Battle of Sedgemoor. The cafe does a decent scone for £3.

A 12th-century castle housing the county museum with local archaeology, wildlife displays, and a medieval hall. Entry is free but donations accepted.

💡 Go on Saturday morning for the outdoor market right outside the castle gate — cheaper coffee than the museum cafe.

A striking 15th-century church with a tall, decorated tower visible across the town. Inside, see the carved wooden pulpit and medieval brass effigies.

💡 Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Taunton — it costs £5 but is well worth it for the vista over the Vale of Taunton. Book ahead via the church website as slots are limited.

A medieval parish church with the tallest tower in Somerset (163 feet). The interior features a painted wooden ceiling, medieval carved misericords, and a wealt

💡 Listen for the bells on practice night (usually Thursdays). Climb the tower on special open days—great for a small fee, but free for the view alone. Check the noticeboard for dates.

Costa

Morrisons Cafe