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Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3SX
Vivary Park is Taunton’s premium park, located just minutes away from the town centre. At 7.5 hectares, Vivary Park is the perfect place to go for a picnic, a stroll or to spend the day.
Linking the end of the pedestrianised High Street with the lower slopes of the Blackdown Hills is the award-winning Vivary Park, a member of the European Garden Heritage Network and laid out on the site of the vivarium fish lake which, in mediaeval times supplied the castle and the priory. Vivary Park is an important part of Taunton’s history. The Taunton Flower Show has occupied the park for the first weekend in August since at least 1851. Previously a medieval vivarium for the priory and castle, the park was officially laid out in 1895 as a public space for recreation and organised events. The iconic front gates and bandstand still stand today. In 1902, an Oak tree was planted close to the bandstand to mark the coronation of Edward VII and the fountain was unveiled in 1907 as a memorial to the late Queen Victoria. Today its 7.5 hectares are home to tennis courts, a large children’s play area, pay-and-play golf course, a tree trail and the Vivary Adventure and High Ropes Centre. Download a map of the park here
Opening Time The official opening time is 7.45am Closing Times January 5pm February 5.30pm March 6.30pm / 7.30pm (time change at start of BST) April 8.30pm May 9.30pm June & July 10pm August 9.30pm September 8.30pm October 7.30pm / 6.30pm (time change at end of BST) November 5.30pm December 5pm Opening hours are subject to change - please check here before travelling
Vivary Park Upper High StreetTauntonSomersetTA1 3SX
We can assure you that all our products come from well sought after local farms.
The tallest church tower in Somerset
A nature reserve and visitor centre under the guardianship of the National Trust
Street Market with over 45 individual stalls
Celebrating the music of one of our generations finest singer-songwriters.
You’ll find all kinds of accommodation to suit your needs in Taunton and the surrounding area
There is a wealth of interesting and diverse accommodation to choose from in and around Taunton, from small family-run guest houses in the main towns to country house hotels, rural inns and campsites.
Free to download and a great way to keep the kids entertained
Find a list of our top 10 rainy days out with kids in Taunton here.
Find dog friendly attractions, eateries, and near-by walks listed here.