Staying in Hotels in Taunton: A Guide
Hotels in Taunton and Things to Do
When looking for hotels in Taunton, Somerset, it's worth stopping to consider what the town has to offer visitors to this bucolic corner of southwest England. Rich in military and cultural history, Taunton is the county town of Somerset and home to some of its most noteworthy attractions. Cricket fans might recognise it as the home of the county ground of Somerset's County Cricket Club, while those with a keen grasp of military history will note it as the site of Musgrove Park Hospital, one of the major US Army General Hospitals of the Second World War. Today it is home to 40 Commando, a battalion of the Royal Marines. Whatever time of year you are looking to book hotels in Taunton, the town is invariably a bustling hive of activity. In late autumn every year, Taunton plays host to a leg of the West Country Carnival, a series of parades featuring illuminated floats that pass through towns in the area to mark the Gunpowder plot of 1605. In August, the Taunton Flower Show brings a colourful bloom to the town. Held in Vivary Park, it's considered the Chelsea flower show of the West Country. Hotels in Taunton get booked up very quickly in peak periods, so it's advisable to make arrangements well in advance.
Things to Do in Taunton
When staying at hotels in Taunton there is much to do in the immediate vicinity. Somerset is famed for its cider, and the best Taunton pubs do their utmost to promote one of the county's biggest exports. Head down to the Vivary Arms for a glimpse into Taunton's past - the town's oldest recorded inn, it lives up to its billing with low-beamed ceilings and a warm and friendly West Country welcome. Many hotels in Taunton recommend the Vivary Arms for an evening meal. Sample its well stocked bar of ciders, beers and wines, grab a bite to eat or take up residence at the pool table or darts board. In the summer head outside and enjoy its lovely beer garden. The Vivary Arms is within walking distance of several hotels in Taunton.
Hotels in Taunton: Historic Attractions
When staying at hotels in Taunton, no visit would be complete without a visit to the historic Taunton Castle in the centre of the town. The remarkable building dates back to the 12th century. Founded by William Gifford, a 12th century Bishop of Winchester the Castle was rebuilt and added to in the 13th century, before once again undergoing extensive renovations in the 16th century. In 1786, Sir Benjamin Hammet made huge changes to the buildings, most of which remain in place today. It was purchased by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society in 1874 and in 1958 the Somerset County Council took over the running of the building. There are several hotels in Taunton within walking distance of this remarkable landmark.
When looking for hotels in Taunton, Somerset, it's worth stopping to consider what the town has to offer visitors to this bucolic corner of southwest England. Rich in military and cultural history, Taunton is the county town of Somerset and home to some of its most noteworthy attractions. Cricket fans might recognise it as the home of the county ground of Somerset's County Cricket Club, while those with a keen grasp of military history will note it as the site of Musgrove Park Hospital, one of the major US Army General Hospitals of the Second World War. Today it is home to 40 Commando, a battalion of the Royal Marines. Whatever time of year you are looking to book hotels in Taunton, the town is invariably a bustling hive of activity. In late autumn every year, Taunton plays host to a leg of the West Country Carnival, a series of parades featuring illuminated floats that pass through towns in the area to mark the Gunpowder plot of 1605. In August, the Taunton Flower Show brings a colourful bloom to the town. Held in Vivary Park, it's considered the Chelsea flower show of the West Country. Hotels in Taunton get booked up very quickly in peak periods, so it's advisable to make arrangements well in advance.
Things to Do in Taunton
When staying at hotels in Taunton there is much to do in the immediate vicinity. Somerset is famed for its cider, and the best Taunton pubs do their utmost to promote one of the county's biggest exports. Head down to the Vivary Arms for a glimpse into Taunton's past - the town's oldest recorded inn, it lives up to its billing with low-beamed ceilings and a warm and friendly West Country welcome. Many hotels in Taunton recommend the Vivary Arms for an evening meal. Sample its well stocked bar of ciders, beers and wines, grab a bite to eat or take up residence at the pool table or darts board. In the summer head outside and enjoy its lovely beer garden. The Vivary Arms is within walking distance of several hotels in Taunton.
Hotels in Taunton: Historic Attractions
When staying at hotels in Taunton, no visit would be complete without a visit to the historic Taunton Castle in the centre of the town. The remarkable building dates back to the 12th century. Founded by William Gifford, a 12th century Bishop of Winchester the Castle was rebuilt and added to in the 13th century, before once again undergoing extensive renovations in the 16th century. In 1786, Sir Benjamin Hammet made huge changes to the buildings, most of which remain in place today. It was purchased by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society in 1874 and in 1958 the Somerset County Council took over the running of the building. There are several hotels in Taunton within walking distance of this remarkable landmark.