Taunton Train Station

Originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Taunton Railway Station opened in 1842 as part of the Bristol and Exeter Railway to connect the two towns. It quickly became an important hub in the route from London to Penzance. The station was extended in 1868 to cope with increasing demand, and again in 1895 when new platforms were added to handle the growing traffic from branch lines.

Today, Taunton Railway Station continues to be a major railway hub in the southwest and serves popular routes, including Exeter to Taunton, Bristol to Taunton and Plymouth to Taunton.

Things to do in Taunton

Taunton is the largest town in Somerset which borders Devon, Dorset, Gloucester, and Wiltshire. It is twinned with Lisieux in France, and Taunton, Massachusetts in the United States.

Taunton has a rich history with its roots stretching back over 1,300 years. Although it is no longer standing, one of the earliest building projects in the area was an earthen castle erected by King Ine of Wessex in 710. The castle never fell into enemy hands and was demolished by his queen twelve years later to prevent capture by rebels.

Around 900AD, a monastery was founded in Taunton, and a new castle was developed from the Bishop’s manor house starting in 1107. The site is now a Grade I listed building and houses the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum. These are the perfect places to start your journey into the history of Somerset when you visit.

There is more to Somerset than ancient kings and wars. Taunton was where the Duke of Monmouth was crowned king in 1685, He might not be a Duke, but legendary science fiction author Arthur C Clarke also called Taunton home. Did you know New Look opened its first store here in 1969?

Other local treats include the canal which closed in 1907 but reopened in 1994 following a successful restoration project. Today the canal is the perfect place to walk, cycle or take a boat ride. Somerset is also famous for its cider, and Taunton is home to several breweries, including The Taunton Cider Co.

While you are exploring Taunton look out for the nature reserves and urban wetlands around the town. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see a Kingfisher.

If it’s the town you want to explore, you will be pleased to know Taunton is full of retail and entertainment options. Priory Fields Retail Park is only a fifteen-minute walk from Taunton Railway Station and features over 100,000 square feet of shopping. While in the centre of town, Belvedere Retail Park is only a few minute’s walk from the town centre.

Taunton boasts a sporting scene featuring a wide variety of activities including Rugby and BMX. There is horse racing too at Taunton racecourse, and once a year the racecourse becomes home to the Somerset Country Show.

There are lots of places to stay in Taunton. Spend a night at one of the luxury hotels or try one of the campsites nearby. After all, camping and train journeys are a perfect mix.

There is so much to see, do and learn in this historic English town, there’s no better time to visit than now. Book your journey with CrossCountry today.