Taunton is Somerset’s county town and with a population of around 70,000, it is the third-largest place in Somerset after Bath and Weston-super-Mare.
It has a rich history dating back a thousand years; however, it is seldom visited by tourists.
Taunton has a relatively good selection of reasonably priced hotels which makes it a good place to base yourself if you exploring the surrounding area.
Taunton has excellent transport connections with both regional bus services, long-distance coaches and frequent rail services and its location just off the M5 motorway makes it a convenient stop if you’re driving.
Taunton is on the main railway line connecting London Paddington with Penzance and there are also regular trains to Bristol.
Local buses stop along Fore Street and North Street in the town centre and connect Taunton with other towns in Somerset. Bus route 21 goes to Bridgwater, bus 29 goes to Street, Glastonbury and Wells, buses 30 and 99 go to Chard and bus 54 goes to Yeovil.
Berry’s Coaches operates coach services to London and both Megabus and National Express coaches serve Taunton with services to Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.
If you’re driving, it’s easiest to park at the Gateway Park & Ride (just off junction 25 of the M5 motorway) and catch a bus into the town centre.