The Museum of Somerset

If you’re looking for a great history filled family day out then look no further than The Museum of Somerset. The museum is based at Taunton Castle, which is a Grade 1 listed Scheduled ancient monument standing in the heart of Somerset’s county town. The castle has been home to the museum for well over 100 years and may well be located on the site of an earlier Saxon settlement. Within the 12th-century castle walls, you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities all for free.

The gallery spaces within the castle are broken down into a variety of elements ranging from the foundations that Somerset is built on, to rebellions in the 17th century in our county. If neither of these spaces interest you there are seven other amazing themed galleries to be traversed each with their own distinctive character. Not only this the museum hosts a range of must-see exhibits which are placed within the museum’s nine themed galleries from a stunning mosaic made during the 4th century AD, to the largest collection of English 17th Century Cauldrons and skillets in existence.

While the castle is now a museum which holds an abundance of interesting artefacts the castle has an amazing history of its own to be explored. The castle holds a range of fascinating facts, from that the castle was used as a prison and assize court for many centuries to the castle being visited by King John and Henry III. Not only this but the castle also endured sieges, bombardments and fierce battles during the English Civil War. These are just a few of many of the captivating facts that The Museum of Somerset has to offer.

So visit The Museum of Somerset today to find out more about the amazing history that is on our doorstep waiting to be explored!