Attractions in Taunton

A striking landmark at the heart of an appeal for repair, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills.
The Wellington Monument stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Its prominent location on top of Wellington Hill, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, has led it to become a symbolic marker on a journey within the local area and to the wider South West.

In contrast to other memorials to the Duke, the Wellington Monument has a more informal countryside setting.

It can be approached along a path lined with beech hedgerows and is surrounded by a wildlife rich meadow.
This is an ideal place for a picnic or to fly a kite.

A one mile walk taking in the surrounding area is a rewarding way to see the beautiful Blackdown views.

Standing high on the Blackdown Hills, the Wellington Monument, at 175ft, is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. An ambitious construction, it commemorates a modern yet classical hero. The story of its origins, and shambolic construction, repeats itself in the story of its conservation and repair up to the present day.

The £3.45m project to repair Wellington Monument has now begun. There'll be scaffolding going up over the winter, ahead of work starting in the spring. Find out the latest on the project here.

How to get there by road
Exit M5 at J26 and follow the signs for Wellington. At the roundabout take the first exit onto A38. After approx 1 mile (3.2km) turn left onto Monument Road. Follow this road and at the top of a steep hill you'll come to a crossroads, turn right. Entrance to the car park is approx 218yds (200m) on the right.

Facilities and access
Our Wellington Monument car park is open from 13 May. Please follow social distancing measures
The Monument is around 500m from the car park
There are no toilet facilities on site. The nearest accessible Changing Places toilet is at the Iron Duke pub, Wellington, less than 3 miles from the Monument.