Car Rental - Taunton

Start your visit in the town center, and head straight to Taunton Castle. This 12^th-century fortress is packed with history, and today plays home to the Museum of Somerset.

Wander through its varied and excellent exhibits to learn all about the storied past of the county in vivid and fascinating detail, giving insight through the ages, from prehistoric times to the present day. For those with a penchant for ancient history, the museum also possesses the largest collection of Roman coins ever found in Britain, giving a great insight into the past that shaped the country as it is today.

It’s easy to treat yourself to a little retail therapy in Taunton. As the county’s main town, Taunton has more than its share of great shopping opportunities.

In addition to all the usual high street brands, it hosts a large range of well-established, independent stores that sell clothing, artwork and other wares. You’ll find many of them clustered around Bath Place, off the High Street, and in the St James Street area.

When shopping fatigue sets in, there’s a superb choice of restaurants, cafes and tea rooms to sit back and relax in. Two favorite local eateries are Castle Bow Restaurant, housed in the castle’s former billiard room, and Augustus, on St James Street.

Taunton sits in the shadow of the wild Quantock Hills, a stunning and peaceful area of heathland summits, wooded valleys and pristine little villages, with panoramic views stretching all the way down to the rocky Jurassic coastline. The precious natural beauty of the Quantock Hills is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is a great place to get out and enjoy some fresh air.

Venture a little further and you’ll find the stunning Somerset coast only half an hour from Taunton. Chief among its highlights is the delightful little town of Watchet, armed with a lively marina and old harbor fronted by colorful houses and quirky little stores. Have a go at fossil-hunting to see if you can uncover evidence of life on earth from millions of years ago in this famous hotspot, or simply sit by the harbor with some delicious ice cream – or end your day with a glass of the local Somerset cider.

Standing imperiously atop a wooded hill overlooking the Bristol Channel is Dunster Castle. It’s one of southern England’s most impressive fortified homes, with a mind-boggling amount of history to boot.

A castle has existed here since at least Norman times in the 11^th century, though the one you see today was remodeled in the 19^th century to create a splendid Victorian country house for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. Once you’ve seen the lavish Victorian interiors, you can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful terraced gardens – with their collection of palms and subtropical plants – and marvel at the spectacular views across the Somerset coast that stretches out before your eyes.

Aim for the old-world village of Dunster and you’ll be on the doorstep of Exmoor National Park, one of the remotest and most beautiful areas in the south of England.

The coastline here is spectacular, diverse and unspoiled, and features the highest cliffs in the country at 800 feet high. Find them at Great Hangman, near Combe Martin, and make sure you have our camera ready for the view from the top. As you explore this lovely stretch of coastline, you can also stop at the picturesque little fishing villages of Lynton and Porlock Weir for a wander round their quaint surroundings.

Enjoy Taunton and the beautiful Somerset countryside with a rental car from Hertz.