Taunton
The Town
Midway between Exeter to the south and Bristol to the north, Taunton is an ideal base to start a property search in this pretty part of the West Country. The River Tone gives Taunton its name; its wealth was founded largely on the wool trade, and in later years, on silk. Ask your buying agent for the latest population figures - under 70,000 for the town itself, with the wider Taunton Deane catchment around 118,000.
Your buying agent will point you in the direction of Taunton’s attractive parks and river walks and well-maintained amenities. Property buyers will find shops ranging from the usual high street brands to exclusive boutiques and delicatessens. Large employers include the colleges, hospital and regional NHS offices, and the UK Hydrographic Office and the population of the area is rising rapidly.
Travel
Transport links are good, although roads can be extremely busy at some times of day and holiday periods. The M5 has 2 nearby junctions; other major A roads are the A358 and A38. The train station has rail services to Exeter and Bristol, taking around half an hour. Similar distances by road take around 45 to 60 minutes. Many trains reach London in around an hour and 40 minutes. The nearest airports are Bristol or Exeter.
For property buyers who like to relax in the countryside, just ask your buying agent: Exmoor, the Blackdown and Quantock hills, the Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, and England’s smallest city, Wells among others are nearby.
The History
A lot of history happened in Taunton – like the Duke of Monmouth crowning himself King of England during the reign of James II. The Monmouth Rebellion was settled at the Battle of Sedgemoor at nearby Westonzoyland on 6 July 1685. (James II was not deposed until 1688.) Taunton Castle is now home to both the Somerset Military Museum and the Museum of Somerset. Your property finder will confirm Taunton’s strong military and religious links: recorded history dates from Anglo-Saxon times.
Leisure and Events
Taunton is the home of Somerset County Cricket and the England Women’s Cricket Team. Cricket is not the only sport, however: as your property finder will confirm. There are also rugby union clubs, football clubs, basketball and volleyball. Taunton has a small racecourse, the newest in the country, or let off steam by literally driving a car into the ground, at nearby Smeathorpe, around 12 miles away, known as the Taunton Banger Racing Circuit.
Those looking for family-friendly events in their property search will be delighted to hear that Taunton is on the West Country Carnival circuit, involving processions of decorated and illuminated floats through the streets.
Wildlife fans will find nature reserves aplenty. South Taunton Streams provides an urban wetland, and if you enjoy gardens you’re spoiled for choice in this part of the world, with nearby Hestercombe being one of the highlights. The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is also nearby.
One edge-of-town complex has a multi-screen cinema and a bowling alley. Taunton also has plenty of music and dance opportunities, with several choirs and orchestras and classes from ballroom to jive. There is a small theatre and Glastonbury fans will also be delighted to learn how close Taunton is to one of the world’s largest music festivals. Those who like a little retail therapy can indulge themselves at Clarks’ Village in nearby Street.
Education
University Centre Taunton offers degrees in conjunction with Oxford Brookes and Plymouth Universities, the University of the West of England, and the Open University.
The three well-regarded independent schools in the town include King’s, and state schools are generally decent. One sixth form further education facility, at Heathfield Community School, has a dedicated performing arts centre, offering theatre training for 16 to 19 year olds.
Celebrity Connections
Actor Jenny Agutter was born in Taunton, as was celebrity businesswoman Deborah Meade. Gordon of Khartoum hailed from here, and other celebrity residents include actors, musicians, footballers, chefs and Nobel prize winner Antony Hewish.
Foodies’ Corner
Take a little time out from your property search at Taunton’s eateries, including pleasant bistros and coffee shops to high-street chains; choose from Italian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, Filipino, Thai, Mediterranean and vegan.
Property buyers can enjoy local cider, beef, lamb, and venison and excellent organic dairy produce, including the delicious cave-aged Cheddars on offer from the village of the same name. Look out for locally produced clotted cream and strawberries, and ask your property finder to recommend a good location for apple cake, a Somerset specialty.
Fun Fact
In 1881, Taunton became the first English town to have permanent electric street lighting.