Taunton

Taunton is the County Town of Somerset and is the place to head for if you want shops, pubs and restaurants, hotels and accommodation, galleries and exhibitions.

Taunton has a hugely interesting Antiques Market too.

Taunton is situated on the banks of the River Tone; in the County Museum you will discover all about the the Monmouth Rebellion and Judge Jeffrey's Bloody Assize.

Taunton is an excellent touring centre for the West Country. Magnificent Gothic Wells Cathedral, in England's smallest city, with its unique scissor arches and famous old clock, and Glastonbury Tor on the Isle of Avalon only a few miles away. Glastonbury is truly steeped in Arthurian legend. The delights of Cheddar Gorge Caves and Wookey Hole will thrill young and old.

On the nearby Somerset Levels is the Isle of Athelney where King Alfred the Great of Wessex burnt the cakes prior to defeating the Danes. This natural wetland, one of England's largest wet meadow systems, is just the place to explore the traditional craft of willow weaving and basketmaking, as at Stoke St Gregory, and on Sedgemoor there is an RSPB Nature Reserve.

Stoke St Gregory - capital of willow wetlands! Ancient crafts and Wetlands Centre not far from Taunton in Somerset.

Britain in Bloom Winners: Taunton Large Town South West Silver (Southern England),

Not far from Taunton: Burnham on Sea