Half-term is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family – but where to go?
In Taunton we are spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful countryside and interesting walks, a great option when the weather is good.
For rainy days, or just for something a little different, we’ve turned to Tripadvisor to find out some of the best rated attractions according to the people who have visited them.
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Five of the best family attractions in Taunton
The Museum of Somerset
Where: Castle Green, Taunton
Rating: 4.5/5
About: Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day.
Within the 12th century castle walls, you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and family visitor facilities. Must-see exhibits include a 200-million-year-old Plesiosaur fossil; the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc and the shoes worn by 7ft4 Joseph Sewell.
The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.
To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.
Coates English Willow Visitor Centre
Where: Meare Green Court, Stoke St. Gregory, Taunton
Rating: 4.5/5
About: Tucked away in the rural village of Stoke St Gregory, in the heart of the Somerset Levels the Coate family have been growing withies on the moors since 1819 and making baskets and willow charcoal for almost 50 years.
The family invite visitors to learn about the history and art of willow growing and basket making and there is a new Willow Sculpture Trail launching just in time for half-term.
To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.
Stoke Wood Alpacas
Where: Stoke Wood Stoke Road Stoke St Mary, Taunton
Rating: 5/5
About: The centre offers a 'meet the alpacas' 30-minute experience where visitors can come to meet and mingle with the alpacas and hand feed them.
They also offer an Alpaca Walking experience, which should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. These last around two hours and include a talk about alpacas and their history, feeding them, catching them for haltering and a walk around the countryside with an alpaca.
To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.
Bishops Lydeard Mill
Where: The Mill House Mill Lane Bishop's Lydeard, Taunton
Rating: 4.5/5
About: Among the many traditional trades and crafts displayed at Bishops Lydeard Mill are the wheelwright's shop, transported from Devon and preserved exactly as it was left on the day the owner shut up shop, and the equally authentic Blacksmith's shop.
You will also find models depicting the many types of mills that exist plus various scenic displays and some 30 carriages and wagons.
To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.
Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
Where: Coal Orchard, Taunton
Rating: 4.5/5
About: A great place to visit at any time of the year, during half-term the Brewhouse Theatre is playing host to Dinosaur World Live.
The interactive show invites families to grab a compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.
Meet a host of impressive creatures including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus.
There will also be a special meet and greet after the show giving brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.
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