Things to do in Taunton
One of the things that will make your Haven adventure to Somerset that little bit more special is a day out in Taunton, yet another terrific town in this great county.
Although this small town isn't as talked about as others in the area, it still has plenty of exciting attractions and experiences for all types of travellers. From spending quality time with your family at one of the many nearby parks to learning about local history at one of the many museums, here are some fun things to do in Taunton! Our Doniford Bay Holiday Park is just 17 miles from most of these gems.
1. The Museum of Somerset
One of the top places to visit in Taunton is the Museum of Somerset. Housed in a 12th-century castle, the museum features an extensive collection of objects and exhibits that tells the story of Somerset and how it became one of the richest counties in England. With about nine themed galleries onsite and many offsite exhibition spaces, there's a lot to see at this family-friendly museum. From a 200-million-year-old fossil, to art, armoury, and traditional costumes, to photography exhibitions and artwork by local artists - every day seems like a different experience!
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Make sure you pre-book for easy access. After touring, you can also indulge in your favourite snack or drink from the museum's courtyard cafe. Oh, and don't forget to purchase some gifts and souvenirs from their shop.
2. Vivary Park
Escape the bustling town centre by visiting Vivary Park. It's hard to beat the old-world charm of this vast green space with gates, a bandstand and a shelter that date back to the 19th century. It's easy to find a perfect picnic spot near a war memorial, fountain, or bandstand. Vivary Park is simply a work of art. You can take a walk along the tree trail or Sherford Stream, soaking in all the fresh air and scents of the well-manicured gardens and flowers.
For something even more energetic, there's a tennis court and a pay-and-play mini-golf course within the park. Your kids will definitely have a tonne of fun in the adventure play area, and you can also bring your furry friends. Just make sure to keep them on a lead and clean up after them.
3. French Weir Park
This stunning spot along the River Tone is a popular place for locals and visitors alike. Situated on high ground and surrounded by water, it makes for a peaceful walk among beautiful green scenery.
The French Weir Park features an iconic 18th-century weir which helped to provide power to local mills. Today, the weir still stands tall as a testament to its original purpose while acting as one of the key focal points of this beautiful parkland. There's a lot to enjoy about this beautiful space with a comprehensive children's play area, open space for ball games, and a cafe.
For more adventure, you can swim in the river when it's safe or go kayaking or paddle boarding adventure.
4. The Cooper Associates County Ground
At the heart of Taunton along Priory Avenue sits The Cooper Associates County Ground, home to Somerset County Cricket Club since 1882. Despite being a small ground, it can hold up to 6,500 spectators at any one time and is the best place to watch cricket in Somerset.
When the team are playing, there's always something going on in the form of matches, coaching sessions or even an open day for you to come down and try your hand at batting or bowling. It also hosts other events like concerts or conferences, so make sure you keep an eye out for those too!
5. Creative Innovation Centre
The Creative Innovation Centre is a museum and hub for creativity where you can explore artwork by local and international artists or learn something new at workshops like Photo-Joinery.
If you're lucky, you might even be able to find some new art supplies while you're there! In addition to the various exhibitions and events, the centre also has an artist residency program which welcomes up-and-coming creatives from all over the world.
6. Orchard Shopping Centre
For those looking for something slightly more cultural than a shopping trip, The Orchard Shopping Centre is perfect. As well as a large number of stores, this centre also has a gym and a cinema. For those who need to spruce up for the next big social event, there's even an array of hair and beauty salons. There are plenty of opportunities to eat out with local pubs on either side of the mall, while if you fancy a more adventurous meal, then your best bet would be to visit one of the restaurants upstairs, which overlook Taunton's beautiful gardens.
The mall provides an excellent space for walking around and exploring, or it can be a great place to spend some time reading or relaxing during lunchtime too. Whether you want to shop, grab a bite to eat or catch up on the latest films, The Orchard Shopping Centre is where you should head.
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Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
“Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Burnham-on-Sea only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £750.00 (includes purchasing discount of £20) and monthly letting income of £606.00. The monthly difference equates to £124 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.