Around Taunton Accommodation

Visit Sheppy's Cider Farm to see how cider is made and buy local produce
West Somerset farming countryside and Blackdown Hills
Taking a ride on the West Somerset Railway is a good way to see the Somerset countryside
Somerset farms selling local produce or catch Wellington's annual Food Fair

Around Taunton Tourist Information

The area around Taunton, Taunton Vale, is dotted with cider farms and ringed by the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Brendan and Quantock Hills to the west.

Taunton Racecourse is just outside the town centre and has a full programme of horse racing fixtures throughout the year. For a family day out or just a leisurely way to explore West Somerset take a trip on the historic West Somerset Railway that runs from Taunton to Minehead stopping off at a whole host of Somerset villages on the way.

Featured Somerset Accommodation

Periton Park Court - Middlecombe

Victorian country house, now a range of self catering accommodation in Exmoor National Park. Livery on site, outdoor heated swimming pool, sleep 2 -7 people.

£200 to £640 Per Week (Seasonal)

Somerset Cider - Sheppy's Cider

The Taunton Deane area is renowned for its cider farms. At one time each farm would have its own particular recipe but those making cider have reduced over the years. You can still buy cider made in the Taunton area.

Check out the Somerset Cider link right for cider farms all over Somerset. You'll often see roadside signs advertising locally made cider and some farms offer tours and tastings.

Sheppy's Cider is one of the most well known just outside Taunton at Bradford-on-Tone. It's been a family business since 1917 and you can visit the farm and orchards to see how it's made. Either pre-book a tour or just turn up for a look around. There is also a licensed tearoom and farm shop selling ciders and apple juices or you can buy it online. Sheppy's is open all year round. Mon-Sat: 8.30am-6pm. Sun: 11am-1pm.

Sheppy's Cider Limited Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1ER. Tel: 01823 461233. Fax: 01823 461712. Email: info@sheppyscider.com

Taunton Racecourse

Taunton Racecourse is just outside the town, across the M5, two miles south of Taunton Centre. It is the youngest National Hunt racecourse in Britain.

There is a full programme of race meetings throughout the year and you can buy tickets online or by contacting the racecourse email: info@tauntonracecourse.co.uk. Alternatively call the ticket office on 01823 337172.

You can also hold special events, weddings, parties and functions or conferences and seminars at the course. Check their website, link right for more information.

Taunton Racecourse, Orchard Portman, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 7BL. Tel: 01823 325035 or 01823 337172. Fax: 01823 325881. Email: info@tauntonracecourse.co.uk

West Somerset Railway

Taunton is on the West Somerset Railway line. This is the original broad gauge Great Western Railway line that runs from Taunton to Minehead between the Quantock Hills, Exmoor and the Brendon Hills. Historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons are used to travel this picturesque route and makes a fun day out if you're a steam engine enthusiast or if you just want to sit back and enjoy the views.

Throughout the year the railway run special events such as Santa Specials, dining train journeys, murder mystery trains and jazz and swing trips. There's also the Brunel Buffet car at Minehead station. You can organise special functions of your own such as weddings and parties or you can book groups on the to the regular services. Groups of more than 16 receive a 15% discount. There is a 15% discount for senior citizens.

For the real steam engine and railway enthusiasts, West Somerset Railway organise one and two day courses. You can stoke the coal engine or drive a locomotive. Courses are designed for different levels of experience as well as a taster session.

Passengers in wheelchairs can be accommodated on the trains and disabled toilets are available in the Lorna Doone carriage (seats can be booked in advance). Buffet cars are available on most trains for light refreshments. Check their website, link right, for up-to-date information on timetables, fares and special events. West Somerset Railway Plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG. Tel: 01643 704996. Email: info@west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

South of Taunton are the Blackdown Hills - the backdrop to the Taunton Racecourse. This is a range of heather and woodland clad hills that stretch across the border into Devon.

One of the most noticeable monuments in the Somerset part of the Blackdown Hills is the Wellington monument that pokes out above the tree line above Wellington. It was built to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at Waterloo in 1815. There are some pleasant walks through the woodlands up on to the common to the monument. A variety of leaflets for walks within the Blackdown Hills are available from Tourist Information Centres.

Check the Blackdown Hills weblink right for more information on attractions and activities in the Blackdown Hills. Walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, golf and adventure sports are all popular.

Featured Somerset Accommodation

Periton Park Court - Middlecombe

Victorian country house, now a range of self catering accommodation in Exmoor National Park. Livery on site, outdoor heated swimming pool, sleep 2 -7 people.

£200 to £640 Per Week (Seasonal)