Parks and Open Spaces

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