Taunton area guide

Cooper Associates County Ground

Somerset County Cricket Club was formed in 1875 following a two-day match between the Gentlemen of Somerset and Devon at Sidmouth which Somerset won by eight wickets. The Gentlemen of Somerset and friends then agreed that Somerset should have its own county cricket club.

Taunton Vale Sports Club

In 1974 with the union of Taunton Vale Hockey Club and Taunton Cricket Club, Taunton Vale Sports Club was born and has been situated in Gipsy Lane since 2001.

With its extensive facilities, the club offers a first class venue for conferences, parties, events and sports for businesses, schools, local groups and societies.

The Museum of Somerset

In the heart of Taunton, the Museum lies within the 12th Century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s story from prehistoric times to the present day using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present.

Hestercombe

Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away … a unique combination of three centuries of garden design, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.

The gardens have undergone acclaimed restoration works and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow and develop. The award-winning visitor facilities include the warm and welcoming Stables Kitchen Cafe with a bright, airy courtyard. Plus find the Column Room Restaurant inside Hestercombe House serving quintissentially British afternoon teas and delicious light lunches.

Hestercombe is home to much more than a stately home and beautiful gardens, and is also the perfect venue for learning, development and relaxation.