This site is part of the South West Heritage Trust.
Everything you need to know before you visit
Taunton’s historic Castle is the home of the Museum of Somerset. Uncover Somerset’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day inside the Castle, castle buildings and courtyard. Surrounding the courtyard you’ll find a medieval alms house and Castle House containing a Victorian school room. Within the ancient, 12th-century walls of the Museum you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all within the town centre. With an amazing nine themed galleries, including Somerset Military Museum, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for all ages.
As part of the Bloomsbury Group, Roger Fry (1866-1934) helped spark new ideas in art, design and culture — inspiring a fresh, modern way of looking at the world.
See vibrant portraits, landscapes, and interiors in this spring-summer exhibition.
One of the most important, single objects ever found in Somerset is on display, The Cheddar Brooch. This very rare, Early Medieval brooch, lay hidden for centuries and comes from the Saxon times, when the survival of Saxon Wessex was in doubt and Somerset provided a refuge for King Alfred the Great at Athelney.
Look out for these very special objects as you explore the galleries. Amongst the treasures on display are a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil; the impressive Low Ham mosaic and the Frome Hoard.
What’s On at the Museum >
For exhibitions, talks, workshops and family activities browse our What’s On pages to find events for everyone, all year round.
Can I hire this space?>
From the magnificent Great Hall to the intimate surroundings of Castle House, including the Victorian school room, this unique venue is the perfect setting for corporate and social occasions.
Read our blogs >
Read our stories and discover our latest news from across the South West Heritage Trust.
Can I stay in Castle House Holiday Cottage?>
Holiday at Castle House Holiday Cottage and stay in a refurbished, two-floor apartment with medieval origins and cultural events on your doorstep. Castle House is part of the original 12th-century Taunton Castle, home to The Museum of Somerset.
Entry is FREE. The museum is run by a charity so please consider donating £5 per person.
Open Tuesday to Saturday
10.00 am to 5.00 pm Plus Bank Holiday Mondays
We’re open Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Digital Exhibitions
Explore our digital galleries to discover past and current exhibitions.
Browse the online galleriesEvents
For exhibitions, talks, workshops and family activities browse our What’s On pages to find events for everyone, all year round.
The Museum of Somerset can be found within Taunton’s 12th-century-castle. It is within the picturesque Castle Green area of Taunton town centre.
We are 10 minutes from Junction 25 of the M5 and 15 minutes walk from Taunton Railway Station. Taxi ranks and town centre bus stops are near-by.
The nearest car parks are Tangier and the Crescent.
Address: The Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA
What3words: owner.adopt.hunter
Grid Ref: ST 22610 24612
Sorry, no dogs allowed in galleries except assistance dogs.
Accessibility
Most parts of the Museum are fully accessible. There are lifts and disabled toilets as well as free wheelchair loan.
Physical access to almost all the site is provided by two passenger lifts. The Discovery and Singing Galleries can be accessed by a stair lift with accompanying wheelchair.
There is level access on each floor with ample space to manoeuvre between displays. Some doors open automatically. There are accessible toilets on the ground floor.
Please contact us if you require assistance in accessing the Museum.
Parking
The nearest car parks are Tangier and the Crescent. Due to our location on Castle Green, there is no on-site parking except for one allocated disabled space, which can be booked by calling us 01823 255088. It is possible to drop off disabled passengers outside the Museum.
Need to know:
Open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Last orders 4.00 pm, or 4.30 pm on Saturdays.
You are welcome to visit the café and shop even if you aren’t visiting the Museum.
Relax with refreshments in the Courtyard Café surrounded by Taunton’s 12th century castle. Enjoy tasty, freshly made food and drinks showcasing Somerset’s great-tasting produce. Take your pick from morning coffees and pastries, freshly-made light lunches, afternoon teas and cake. These include vegan and gluten-free options. There is also a changing menu of specials and seasonal fare, including cream teas and iced lattes over the summer. For afternoon tea, indulge with home-made scones and a delicious choice of cakes, or perhaps a beer, cider, or wine in the sunshine of the courtyard.
Come and browse our wide selection of reasonably-priced gifts and souvenirs. We have everything from locally sourced, Somerset-themed gifts including the Made in Somerset range, to history-themed fun gifts for little ones. You will also be able to purchase souvenirs relating to our latest exhibitions.
The shop is situated on the ground floor and is free to enter.
Explore the Museum’s permanent collections and galleries with a gallery tour for a small group during our opening hours or a private view of the Museum outside normal opening hours.
Gallery Tours: The minimum group size is 8 people and the maximum is 45. The cost is £4.50 per person. Catering is available.
Private Views: The minimum group size is 20 people and the maximum is 250. Catering is available. The cost is £12.50 per person or £16.00 including a glass of wine. Each private view lasts two hours and includes a tour of the Museum’s collections and galleries.
We offer special, early-evening visits for youth groups. The visit includes a trail around the Museum, object handling and a craft activity. We can also try to personalise your visit to help with particular projects or badge work.
Available time slots are:
5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
6.00 pm – 7.30 pm
6.30 pm – 8.00 pm
The minimum number is 20 children, and the maximum is 60. The cost is £4.50 per child.
Volunteer-led, walking tours of Taunton town centre are available from June until November. There are various themed-tours to choose from. Read more and book.
Private Town Tours:
Town Tours can be booked as a private tours. The minimum group size is 8 people and the maximum is 15. The cost is £4.50 per person.
Advanced booking is essential for all private, out of hours and town tours via our website or in person at the museum.
To discuss your requirements call 01823 255088 or submit a form below. Please note this an enquiry only and we will contact you to discuss your booking.
Unique museum spaces offering the perfect venue for corporate function or private events. You can also book Castle House Holiday Cottage for holidays in the original 12th-century Taunton Castle.
Hire the Museum’s Unique Spaces
The Museum of Somerset offers a historic and unique space perfect for your event. The magnificent and atmospheric Great Hall, at the heart of Taunton Castle, traditionally held grand gatherings of the people of Somerset. It’s the perfect setting a private celebration, large social event or corporate function.
Alternatively Castle House offers an impressive venue space, with traditional painted wood panelling and original parquet floor. It’s a beautiful backdrop for any special event, conference or social occasion.
Hire this VenueCastle House Holiday Cottage
Stay in a house with unique history and character. Castle House is part of the original 12th-century Taunton Castle, home to The Museum of Somerset. This beautiful and historic property has been refurbished to the highest standard. Holiday at Castle House Holiday Cottage and stay in a refurbished, two-floor apartment with medieval origins and cultural events on your doorstep.
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