Taunton is old. Its castle was built by the Anglo Saxons, beside a 10th century monastery. But folk have been living on this spot since the Bronze Age. They stayed for the Iron Age, and the Romans had a large fortress and farm here. During the medieval period Taunton grew rich, one of its most profitable ventures was woollen cloth, which it became well known for, and it hosted a regular market, Taunton still hosts regular markets, a weekly food market on Thursdays, and a monthly street market, which takes place, on the second Sunday of the month, on Castle Green in the centre of Taunton. This is a great time to book into one of the best places to stay in Taunton if you’re planning a weekend explore!

Taunton’s long history has been bloody, as well as grand and wealthy. And its museum, which is inside the castle, is packed to the Norman rafters with stories of battle, siege, and derring do. Somerset’s Military Museum also occupies part of the castle’s inner ward, and offers up even more drama, all the way up to WWII, when the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal formed part of the Taunton Stop Line, which was a physical barrier built to stop or slow a potential enemy’s advance from the west. Walking the line is a fascinating way to explore the area, and there are a number of pillboxes to spot. The canal is also a great place to spot local flora and fauna, including kingfishers and otters. Some of the best places to stay in Taunton are close to walking routes and paths, so you can explore right out of your door.

The Castle Hotel is as central as you can be, and definitely one of the best places to stay in Taunton if you’re here to see the sights and visit the market. It’s within the grounds of the castle, and up against some of Taunton’s most significant historic buildings. Taunton’s Flower Show is well known nationally, an annual event in August, but Taunton is green and pretty throughout the rest of the year as well. Vivary Park, Goodlands Park and Victoria Park are some of Taunton’s most appealing green spaces, and Taunton also has a miniature golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, a model railway track, and a rose garden that features the Royal National Rose Society Provincial Trial Ground.

The Best Places to Stay in Taunton

Romantic and Family-Friendly

• The Castle Hotel, Taunton, is a Norman Fortress which has been operated as an inn or hotel since the 12th century. The location is spectacular, and some of the rooms have views over the gardens, which still have the original Norman design. The building today looks more like a castle townhouse than a castle fortress, with an incredible wisteria growing all over the facade in season. Inside are 44 rooms and suites, all of them spacious, with high ceilings and huge windows. The restaurants get a lot of buzz. There are two, one a quiet, formal offering, and the other a lively and popular brasserie - popular with shoppers as well as guests. There are great family room configurations, and babysitting is available. Plus, your kids may love the idea of staying in a castle!

Best B&Bs

• The Hatch Inn is a five room B&B in the cute village of Hatch Beauchamp. The rooms are simply decorated, with a homely, unfussy feel. There’s an atmospheric bar and pub, which serves great food too. The location is great for exploring Somerset.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bristol Airport is Taunton’s closest, around three quarters of an hour away by car or taxi, or about an hour and a quarter by public transport. You can also reach Taunton by train from London in under two hours, travelling direct from London Paddington.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Taunton’s weather is best between May and September, which is also one of its busiest periods for visitors. This is a busy time for Somerset, Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills, because it’s a comfortable time for walkers. Taunton’s annual Flower Show is held in August, and people flock to see “The Chelsea of the West”. Taunton’s Christmas market is one of the largest in Somerset, known for its foodie offerings and good cheer. Taunton also hosts part of Exmoor’s Food Festival, held annually in February.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Somerset?
• or you could consider some of Taunton’s neighbours? like Exmoor National Park? or Dunkeswell, in the Blackdown Hills? or Bishops Lydeard, close to the Quantock Hills?
• You might also want to refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just the best B&Bs in Somerset? Somerset's best pubs-with-rooms? the best boutique hotels in Somerset? or the most romantic hotels in Somerset?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.