Beechfield Gardens
Taunton
Taunton, the County Town of Somerset, is situated in the Vale of Taunton on the banks of the River Tone between the Quantock, Blackdown and Brendon Hills. With a population of around 100,000, it's a vibrant, bustling country town whose modern, friendly character belies a more tempestuous past, typified most famously by the bloody Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.
Today, slices of Taunton's history are captured in the many fine old buildings and architectural features found throughout this traditional English market town. There are attractive churches like that of St. James or St Mary Magdalene with its magnificent ornate spire - the highest in Somerset. Inside Taunton Castle you'll discover Somerset County Museum. Packed with a large and fascinating collection of historic and architectural items, there's something here to stimulate everyone's imagination.
Retaining its market town heritage, Taunton hosts regular Farmers and Country Markets, offering the best in local and homemade produce. One day a week in Silver Street you'll find one of the West Country's largest antique markets with over 130 dealers selling a variety of antiques and collectables.
What you can't find in the markets, you're sure to come across in one of Taunton's eclectic mix of shops. With a balanced combination of well-known High Street names and individual, independent stores, shopping in the town is enjoyable, rewarding and safe. And if you need to take a short breather, there's no end of cafés, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Alternatively, you can relax in the beautiful Vivary Park gardens. Centrally located, this award-winning park and gardens provides a floral sanctuary dotted with carefully restored original Victorian features.
Taunton boasts a fine range of sport and leisure facilities, from golf, tennis, cricket and bowls to the under-one-roof offerings of its superbly equipped swimming and fitness centres. There's plenty of entertainment on offer too.
Theatre and cinema fans are well catered for and there's no shortage of places to eat, drink and dance. It's also a great place for live music and in the summer, you'll be able to experience some impressive outdoor concerts in Vivary Park.
Community and social amenities are well taken care of with a good choice of both state and fee-paying primary and secondary schools. The town is also home to Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust with a large, modern, full service hospital located at Musgrove Park.
Travel in and out of the town is simple and convenient by train, bus or car with straightforward access to national and local highway networks. The major towns and cities of the South East, South West and the Midlands, including the international airports of Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth, are all within easy reach. With so much on your doorstep though, don't be surprised if you never want to leave!
