Taunton, England Tourist Attractions
|
|
Taunton (pop. 35,326) is a market town located 38mi/61km southwest of Bristol. It is known for its cider and the Taunton Flower Show that dates back to 1866.
Somerset County Museum (Closed Temporarily)
The Somerset County Museum closed in April 2008 for a two-year re-fit and is planned to re-open in late summer 2010 as the new Museum of Somerset.Somerset County Museum is located in the former Great Hall of Taunton Castle. It is a local history museum that highlights features of the region of Somerset. Its strength is in the archeological and decorative art collection: the Man in Somerset exhibit and the sizeable collections of earthenware and fine ceramics and glass.
Hinton St George, England
The village of Hinton St George, near Crewkerne, has 16th century monuments to the Poulet family in the parish church. Lord Poulet's manor house is also in Hinton St George and it was the family's wealth that built schools and houses to serve the estate. The manor was built in the 17th century, it has golden stone walls taken from Ham Hill and a roof glazed with lead ore taken from the Mendip Hills.
Ilminster, England
Ilminster is a small market village. It has an interesting parish church with a perpendicular tower, modeled on Wells Cathedral. The family tombs of the Wadhams (founders of Wadham College in Oxford) can be found in Ilminster.The Ilminster Meeting House, completed in the 16th century, now houses the the town's art gallery and concert hall.
Barrington Court
Built primarily from Ham Hill stone, Barrington Court was restored by Colonel A. A. Lyle in the early part of the 20th century. The house is rented to Stuart Interiors and many rooms act as showrooms for the company's furniture.The grounds are laid out in a series of enclosed garden rooms, each focusing on different plant types including, roses, irises, lilies, clematis, wisteria and herbs.
Ham Hill Country Park
This 200 acre park has an Iron age hillfort. The hill was extensively quarried for building stone in earlier times but has since been restored to its natural beauty.
Leland Walking Trail
The 18mi/45km Leland Walking Trail follows in the footsteps of John Leland. The 16th century route begins at the Stourhead Estate, passing through the South Somerset countryside and finishes at Ham Hill.
Hestercombe Gardens
Laid out behind the 19th century Hestercombe mansion is a masterpiece of gardenwork. Stone paths, balustrades, formal flower beds and stonework greet the eyes of visitors to this special garden. In the Spring of 1997 the secret Landscape Garden was opened for the first time in 125 years and continues to delight its visitors.
Sheppys Cider Farm Centre
The Sheppy family have been making cider for over four generations. At Sheppys Cider Farm you can walk the nature trails, taste the cider and visit the country life museum. It is a ' fulfilling' half day of activities for the whole family.
Monksilver, England
Monksilver is located on the edge of Exmoor near Taunton. The church in Monksilver has a 16th century pulpit and an alms box from 1634.
Combe Sydenham Country Park
Combe Sydenham Country Park is located in Monksilver, on the edge of Exmoor near Taunton. The site includes a restored Elizabethan country estate with a 500 acre park.
Washford, England
Washford is located near Dunster. Cleeve Abbey lies just to the south and the town is also located near the boundary of the Exmoor National Park.
Cleeve Abbey
Cleeve Abbey is located in the small town of Washford. The Cistercian abbey has been designated an English Heritage Site. It was founded in 1198 and features a set of cloister buildings and a Refrectory with magnificent roof carvings. The rest of the church was destroyed in 1536.
