Taunton Castle
Somerset, England
Photo: Rodw, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Rodw, CC0 · Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- South West Heritage Trust
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Taunton, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Houses Museum of Somerset; free entry
Pinpoint
Castle Lodge, Castle Grn, Taunton TA1 4AD
The surviving core of Taunton's medieval castle now houses the Museum of Somerset, run by the South West Heritage Trust with free entry to the exhibits inside.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Museum of Somerset's collection, housed within the castle's own historic walls rather than a purpose-built gallery.
Before you go
No visitor reviews or rating data were available for this listing - confirm current opening days and museum hours directly with South West Heritage Trust before visiting.
Within reach of Cardiff (32 miles), Bristol (38 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Taunton Castle
Taunton Castle is on our wedding roll because South West Heritage Trust mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
King Ine of Wessex · 700
An earthen castle built by King Ine of Wessex around 700 AD was levelled in 722 by his queen to prevent rebel seizure. Taunton later became an important monastic site owned by the Bishops of Winchester. The Normans rebuilt it as a stone castle during the 12th century. The castle played significant roles in later conflicts, including the Wars of the Roses, Perkin Warbeck's uprising in 1497, the English Civil War (1642–1645, defended by Robert Blake), the Monmouth Rebellion (1685), and the Bloody Assizes held by Judge Jeffreys in its Great Hall.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Taunton Castle
Where is Taunton Castle?
Taunton Castle is in Somerset, England, at Castle Lodge, Castle Grn, Taunton TA1 4AD.
Do you need a ticket to visit Taunton Castle?
Yes - Taunton Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by South West Heritage Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Taunton Castle?
The Museum of Somerset's collection, housed within the castle's own historic walls rather than a purpose-built gallery.
Is Taunton Castle a ruin or still intact?
Taunton Castle is a partial ruin - Houses Museum of Somerset; free entry.
