Weekend in Taunton

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.

Tip: 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.

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

A 15th-century parish church with a striking 163ft tower and ornate fan-vaulted ceiling. Known for its painted rood screen and choir stalls.

Tip: Climb the tower on summer Saturdays for a clear view of the Quantock Hills — costs a voluntary donation of £3.

A renovated castle housing the county museum, with exhibits on local history from Roman times to the present, including the Monmouth Rebellion.

Tip: Entry is free, but special exhibitions sometimes cost a few pounds. Check the 'What's On' page online before visiting, as they sometimes host free craft workshops on weekends.

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

Tip: 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.

Tip: 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

Tip: 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.

Tip: 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.

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 skeleton from a pea

Tip: 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.

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