Attractions in Taunton

The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th century great hall of Taunton Castle.

Set in the heart of Taunton, The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present.

From an under-floor Plesiosaur, to the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain, in a single pot, and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – The Museum of Somerset is a must-see visitor attraction. It contains objects from across many of the museum’s collections, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography. The museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum.

As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regularly changing exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions and ‘talk and tea’ with curators or special guests. There is a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre.

The Somerset Military Museum is part of The Museum of Somerset and tells the story of the regiments of Somerset in war and peacetime. It features the history of the regiments of Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s),Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry and the West Somerset Yeomanry amongst others.

The Museum of Somerset is part of The South West Heritage Trust; a new independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. The Trust brings together services previously provided by Somerset and Devon County Councils, who remain our main funders. Services include the widely-praised Museum of Somerset, Somerset Rural Life Museum, and state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties. We also provide essential advice about the historic environment and manage historic sites including the remarkable Cothelstone Hill in Somerset.