Things To Do
in Taunton

Regular market in the town centre with stalls selling produce, baked goods, cheeses and seasonal treats — great for sampling local specialties and buying picnic supplies.

Monthly farmers’ market featuring local growers, butchers and artisan producers — excellent for seasonal fruit, meat and dairy.

People generally queue in an orderly way and expect polite behavior. Saying please and thank you goes a long way.

Casual dress is common in town and countryside; for church services, modest clothing is appropriate. Respect private farmland and stick to public footpaths.

Be reasonably punctual for bookings and events; public transport runs on schedules though rural services can be less frequent.

Locals are friendly but may appreciate a reserved tone with strangers at first; small talk about weather and local sports (especially cricket) is common.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, 10–12% is normal if service isn't included; for pubs, you can round up or leave small change. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up, and hotel porters often receive a small tip for heavy luggage.

Contactless and chip-and-PIN cards are widely accepted across shops, restaurants and taxis; cash (British pounds) is still useful for markets and small vendors. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are commonly accepted in town.

Warmest and sunniest time with long daylight hours—perfect for hiking on the Quantock Hills, riverside picnics and outdoor festivals. Expect busy weekends and book accommodation in advance.

Crisp air and colourful foliage make it a great season for countryside walks; cider harvesting is visible on farms and markets showcase apples and preserves.

Mild but wet winters are typical; shorter days and occasional frosts. Indoor attractions, cosy pubs and local theatre become more appealing — check opening hours around holidays.

Warmer temperatures and blooming gardens (Hestercombe and Vivary Park) bring bright scenery and good walking conditions before the summer crowds arrive.

About 35–45 miles away (roughly 45–60 minutes by car). Offers regional and some international flights; public transport links via train and bus require a change and take longer.

Approximately 45–60 miles (about 1–1.5 hours by car). Larger selection of international and European flights with coach and train connections available to Taunton via Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.

Around 70–90 miles away; viable for some European flights though transfers take longer. Car or a combination of train/bus needed to reach Taunton.

Major international hub approximately 160–200 miles away. Good rail connections from London to Taunton (direct services to Paddington) but expect a longer journey time overall.

Many residents are family households who use local schools, parks and community facilities.

Taunton attracts retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle with good local services and countryside access.

Commuters travel to nearby cities such as Exeter, Bristol and beyond using the M5 or rail links.

A smaller student and young-adult population attends local colleges and contributes to town events and nightlife.

Home to Somerset County Cricket Club at the County Ground — cricket is a major local sporting passion with county matches drawing crowds in summer.

Local rugby clubs and community-level matches are popular, reflecting the wider South West interest in the sport.

Local semi-professional and amateur football clubs provide weekend fixtures and community involvement.

Horse riding, cross-country and other outdoor pursuits are common in surrounding countryside and on nearby estates.

Many cafés and pubs offer vegetarian options; larger restaurants are familiar with requirements, but in small village pubs it’s best to check the menu in advance.

Availability is growing in Taunton, especially in cafés and newer restaurants; supermarkets and markets also stock plant-based alternatives.

Gluten-free options are widely available in cafés, bakeries and supermarkets. Always inform staff about cross-contamination if you have coeliac disease.

Halal dining options are more limited than in larger cities; look for specialist shops or order in advance at some restaurants. Supermarkets offer some halal products.