Bean Tree View Guidebook - Day's Out, Local Amenities and more!
Taunton Restaurants & Pubs
Local restaurants of various origins and pubs that we've either personally tried and would recommend or have had recommended to us.
Great BBQ food, lots of it and reasonable prices. Cosy and characterful. Very friendly staff.
6 locals recommend
Bare Grills - Taunton
45 Bridge StGreat BBQ food, lots of it and reasonable prices. Cosy and characterful. Very friendly staff.
Unique experience with unique food! Quirky setting and layout, every table is different as is every chair - it's that kind of place! Food is mostly meat and served on giant skewers. Some of the starters are amazing. Very popular place though so book early, even in the winter months.
10 locals recommend
Skewer House Taunton
41 Bridge StUnique experience with unique food! Quirky setting and layout, every table is different as is every chair - it's that kind of place! Food is mostly meat and served on giant skewers. Some of the starters are amazing. Very popular place though so book early, even in the winter months.
Home cooked indian food that has no rival in our opinion. There's a selection of starters but the main is a set number of dishes, like a platter.. but you choose chicken, lamb or vegetarian for the main dish. They can also accommodate Vegan options (we've been there with Vegan family members who said it was amazing!) and vary the spice levels to suit also. Well worth an evening out.
11 locals recommend
Guddi and Gikki
18 High StHome cooked indian food that has no rival in our opinion. There's a selection of starters but the main is a set number of dishes, like a platter.. but you choose chicken, lamb or vegetarian for the main dish. They can also accommodate Vegan options (we've been there with Vegan family members who said it was amazing!) and vary the spice levels to suit also. Well worth an evening out.
High quality, Michelin star restaurant, so it's no surprise the food and service is top notch. Only visited once, but was truly delicious right down to the table nibbles they supplied (looks a little like bird seed, tasted amazing, had to ask for more, and apparently we're not alone in asking for more!). All three of us had steaks, which were perfect in every way, not something you can often say about steaks in the UK!
38 locals recommend
Augustus Restaurant
Saint James StreetHigh quality, Michelin star restaurant, so it's no surprise the food and service is top notch. Only visited once, but was truly delicious right down to the table nibbles they supplied (looks a little like bird seed, tasted amazing, had to ask for more, and apparently we're not alone in asking for more!). All three of us had steaks, which were perfect in every way, not something you can often say about steaks in the UK!
*** 5 min drive or 15-20 min walk ***
Hungry Horse restaurant & pub, so lots of variety on the menu and very cost effective. Always busy but that's due to the daily offers on, so can get busy with families.
Food is ok if you want a quick and cost effective meal. Burgers are normally the best option, but the Big Plate Curry is also consistently good.
Staff are busy but always in our experience very friendly. They've introduced an ordering app so you can now order and pay for food and drinks, that are delivered straight to your table, and quicker than you going to the bar (in our experience).
There is an outdoor area round the back and plenty of parking.
Stonegallows Inn
Stonegallows*** 5 min drive or 15-20 min walk ***
Hungry Horse restaurant & pub, so lots of variety on the menu and very cost effective. Always busy but that's due to the daily offers on, so can get busy with families.
Food is ok if you want a quick and cost effective meal. Burgers are normally the best option, but the Big Plate Curry is also consistently good.
Staff are busy but always in our experience very friendly. They've introduced an ordering app so you can now order and pay for food and drinks, that are delivered straight to your table, and quicker than you going to the bar (in our experience).
There is an outdoor area round the back and plenty of parking.
Great atmosphere, cocktails and food - very friendly staff and great location being just round the corner from the centre of town. Also spitting distance to the main taxi rank if you can't bare the walk back!
37 locals recommend
Cosy Club
Corporation StreetGreat atmosphere, cocktails and food - very friendly staff and great location being just round the corner from the centre of town. Also spitting distance to the main taxi rank if you can't bare the walk back!
Another great pub / restaurant with excellent food. Very spacious and room outside when the weather is nice. Seems to be a constant cocktail happy hour from 3pm-8pm every day of the week (the bar staff really work hard here thru these hours lol)
8 locals recommend
Pitcher & Piano Taunton
19 Corporation StAnother great pub / restaurant with excellent food. Very spacious and room outside when the weather is nice. Seems to be a constant cocktail happy hour from 3pm-8pm every day of the week (the bar staff really work hard here thru these hours lol)
Recently tried at random and food was amazing. Long Island Ice Tea wasnt up to much but the Espresso Martini was pretty good. We came for the food though and it was very nice!
Wildwood
Fore StreetRecently tried at random and food was amazing. Long Island Ice Tea wasnt up to much but the Espresso Martini was pretty good. We came for the food though and it was very nice!
Popped in for a drink and was a nice atmosphere. Not eaten here yet but menu looks good and reviews are very good.
12 locals recommend
The Worlds End
Popped in for a drink and was a nice atmosphere. Not eaten here yet but menu looks good and reviews are very good.
Really good pub and restaurant and we've visited many times. Some of the friendliest staff around in Taunton make this place even better to visit. It is often livelier than some of the other pubs so has a good vibe, but its never packed or uncomfortable, just a fun atmosphere.
Recently they added 2 Shuffleboard tables which are really good fun too.
Hideout
Castle GreenReally good pub and restaurant and we've visited many times. Some of the friendliest staff around in Taunton make this place even better to visit. It is often livelier than some of the other pubs so has a good vibe, but its never packed or uncomfortable, just a fun atmosphere.
Recently they added 2 Shuffleboard tables which are really good fun too.
The only dedicated sports bar in Taunton as far as we know. Great location in the middle of town, above the Wetherspoons pub. Lots of snooker and pool tables, darts and other bar games and machines.
Draws in a younger demographic and is livelier than other bars, so a more upbeat atmosphere than the other pubs.
Allstar Sports Bar
22-23 East StreetThe only dedicated sports bar in Taunton as far as we know. Great location in the middle of town, above the Wetherspoons pub. Lots of snooker and pool tables, darts and other bar games and machines.
Draws in a younger demographic and is livelier than other bars, so a more upbeat atmosphere than the other pubs.
Shops & Supermarkets
*** 2 minute walk from Bean Tree View ***
This pairing of shops & Post Office offers all the basic grocery supplies (bread, milk, eggs, fruit, veg, alcohol etc), post office functions and a butchers with fresh local produce.
The post office side of the shop can act as a parcel pick up point for some online retailers if required. It can also provide you with cash back as there are no other cash points in the village (there is one near the local co-op though, which is a short drive away).
Bishops Hull Butchers Post Office & Stores
45 Bishops Hull Rd*** 2 minute walk from Bean Tree View ***
This pairing of shops & Post Office offers all the basic grocery supplies (bread, milk, eggs, fruit, veg, alcohol etc), post office functions and a butchers with fresh local produce.
The post office side of the shop can act as a parcel pick up point for some online retailers if required. It can also provide you with cash back as there are no other cash points in the village (there is one near the local co-op though, which is a short drive away).
Tesco Superstore station
Local tesco a 5 min drive from Bishops Hull House
Aldi
Bridgwater RoadShort drive (2.7 miles away ) just past the Tesco. Can find some bargains and cheap beers!
Morrisons
Street Road*** 5 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Open early til late, this is the place to go if you want to pick something up quick without the hassle of a full on trip to Tesco, Morrions or Aldi.
It's a mid sized general grocery store so you can get most things here if the local shop is closed.
Co-op Food - Taunton
169 Cheddon Rd*** 5 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Open early til late, this is the place to go if you want to pick something up quick without the hassle of a full on trip to Tesco, Morrions or Aldi.
It's a mid sized general grocery store so you can get most things here if the local shop is closed.
Lidl
Roman RoadCheap beer, wine and other alcohol here...
All Days Out
The whole list of days out that we'd recommend or had recommended to us. You can also see some lists below grouped by short / medium / long drives, depending on what takes your fancy!
*** 5 Minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Tours of the cider farm , the coffee shop and the newly setup deli bar make this well worth a visit. We often stock up on the delicacies from the deli bar - you pay a bit more, but you're getting home-made or home-grown, excellent quality and mostly locally sourced food and drinks.
We discovered you can walk around parts of the farm / orchard and interact with some of the horses, donkeys and birds!
62 locals recommend
Sheppy's Cider Farm Shop
*** 5 Minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Tours of the cider farm , the coffee shop and the newly setup deli bar make this well worth a visit. We often stock up on the delicacies from the deli bar - you pay a bit more, but you're getting home-made or home-grown, excellent quality and mostly locally sourced food and drinks.
We discovered you can walk around parts of the farm / orchard and interact with some of the horses, donkeys and birds!
*** 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Bean Tree View ***
The South West's answer to the Grand Canyon (lol)!
But seriously, this is an amazing place, for walks, ambling along in the countryside but with amazing views.
Great day out when the weather is nice and be sure to take in a cream tea (or two!).
Also pair this visit with a trip to Wookey Hole - all the highs and lows together!
Be sure to look up Devil's Bridge (three bridges on top of each other) and Devil's Bridge Falls - amazing sights!
497 locals recommend
Cheddar Gorge
*** 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Bean Tree View ***
The South West's answer to the Grand Canyon (lol)!
But seriously, this is an amazing place, for walks, ambling along in the countryside but with amazing views.
Great day out when the weather is nice and be sure to take in a cream tea (or two!).
Also pair this visit with a trip to Wookey Hole - all the highs and lows together!
Be sure to look up Devil's Bridge (three bridges on top of each other) and Devil's Bridge Falls - amazing sights!
*** 1hr to 1hr 10min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Great for adults and kids - they've expanded this since I went as a lad... a few more caves available, and the outside has more dinosaurs! There's a quirky "arcade machine museum" with some interesting (and odd) machines in there.
Be sure to see where they keep the Cave Aged Wookey Hole Cheddar and then buy some at the shop - it was one of our favourites! You can also buy this cheese from Sheppy's (just down the road from Bean Tree View).
109 locals recommend
Wookey Hole
*** 1hr to 1hr 10min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Great for adults and kids - they've expanded this since I went as a lad... a few more caves available, and the outside has more dinosaurs! There's a quirky "arcade machine museum" with some interesting (and odd) machines in there.
Be sure to see where they keep the Cave Aged Wookey Hole Cheddar and then buy some at the shop - it was one of our favourites! You can also buy this cheese from Sheppy's (just down the road from Bean Tree View).
*** 6 Minute Drive from Bean Tree View ***
Lovely little park in the centre of Taunton (near the top of the pedestrianised part of the high street). Sometimes has bands playing there (local and big names) but it's just a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so.
27 locals recommend
Vivary Park
Upper High Street*** 6 Minute Drive from Bean Tree View ***
Lovely little park in the centre of Taunton (near the top of the pedestrianised part of the high street). Sometimes has bands playing there (local and big names) but it's just a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so.
*** 8 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Located in the centre of Taunton, it's actually part of Taunton Castle, repurposed to tell the history of the area from prehistoric times.
This ended up really interesting, as we wondered what history of note there was in Taunton, but as it turned out, this is really well put together.
If you visit in the autumn / winter time, you may be able to join a ghost tour of the museum at night... it was a bit creepy in that setting, so if this kind of thing scares you, just do it anyway! Lots of the history covered by a passionate guide, culminating in the details of the rebellion and subsequent execution of hundreds of rebels.
69 locals recommend
The Museum of Somerset
Castle Green*** 8 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Located in the centre of Taunton, it's actually part of Taunton Castle, repurposed to tell the history of the area from prehistoric times.
This ended up really interesting, as we wondered what history of note there was in Taunton, but as it turned out, this is really well put together.
If you visit in the autumn / winter time, you may be able to join a ghost tour of the museum at night... it was a bit creepy in that setting, so if this kind of thing scares you, just do it anyway! Lots of the history covered by a passionate guide, culminating in the details of the rebellion and subsequent execution of hundreds of rebels.
*** 45 mins drive from Bean Tree View ***
Exeter is just down the M5 and full of good shopping, eateries and things to see.
Exeter Cathedral is worth a visit and it has tunnels / catacombs to venture into if you are feeling brave.
There are also "escape rooms" in Exeter which we've done most of, and had a great laugh!
Note : getting into Exeter can be a bit annoying as the traffic tends to back up and parking can be a problem. It's worth going earlier and giving yourself plenty of time, so you get more time in Exeter itself. You can also get the train from Taunton direct.
409 locals recommend
Exeter
*** 45 mins drive from Bean Tree View ***
Exeter is just down the M5 and full of good shopping, eateries and things to see.
Exeter Cathedral is worth a visit and it has tunnels / catacombs to venture into if you are feeling brave.
There are also "escape rooms" in Exeter which we've done most of, and had a great laugh!
Note : getting into Exeter can be a bit annoying as the traffic tends to back up and parking can be a problem. It's worth going earlier and giving yourself plenty of time, so you get more time in Exeter itself. You can also get the train from Taunton direct.
Lyme Regis is a great example of a great British beach / coastal town. It's less than an hour's drive away from Taunton, and a nice drive too.
The place is littered with fish and chip shops, little cafes and bars. When the sun is out it's busy but it has a really quaint charm to it.
Walking into the town reveals a lot of quirky shops offering polished stones, relics and fossils found on the beaches, to local artists' creations in paintings, sculptures and other oddities.
Fantastic day out when it's sunny!
81 locals recommend
Lyme Regis Beach
Lyme Regis is a great example of a great British beach / coastal town. It's less than an hour's drive away from Taunton, and a nice drive too.
The place is littered with fish and chip shops, little cafes and bars. When the sun is out it's busy but it has a really quaint charm to it.
Walking into the town reveals a lot of quirky shops offering polished stones, relics and fossils found on the beaches, to local artists' creations in paintings, sculptures and other oddities.
Fantastic day out when it's sunny!
*** 4 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Full of local produce (you pay accordingly to support the locals) and also a restaurant (never eaten there but it is always busy!).
You can pick up some great quality food here, fresh and frozen (including frozen fruit for smoothies!).
Worth a trip on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
A bit further along the same road you can find Sheppy's Cider Farm and Restaurant, so you could easily combine the two, get some great food and enjoy the real taste of Somerset!
27 locals recommend
Rumwell Farm Shop and Restaurant
Wellington Road*** 4 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Full of local produce (you pay accordingly to support the locals) and also a restaurant (never eaten there but it is always busy!).
You can pick up some great quality food here, fresh and frozen (including frozen fruit for smoothies!).
Worth a trip on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
A bit further along the same road you can find Sheppy's Cider Farm and Restaurant, so you could easily combine the two, get some great food and enjoy the real taste of Somerset!
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Killerton House - lovely place, beautiful views and gardens... well worth a trip if you're heading towards Exeter way.
109 locals recommend
Killerton House
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Killerton House - lovely place, beautiful views and gardens... well worth a trip if you're heading towards Exeter way.
*** 50-60 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
This was an amazing day out, a must see, and we went back with family and friends not long after our first trip.
Lots of walking on this trip, hills and forest trails up and down so may not suit everyone if you have any difficulty getting around, but it's not climbing, just walking.
The Tarr Steps themselves warrant reading up as they are incredibly old and extremely stunning to look at. Expect lots of people taking photos here as the view from the sides and as you walk across the steps is simply stunning.
The road cuts thru the river alongside the Tarr Steps but it's shallow enough that you can drive thru, and you are bound to see a few pass thru during your trip. It's entertaining watching as the locals / experienced people just go for it. The newbies or those in nice cars that wish they had a 4x4, tend to take their time and you can see a few interesting expressions as they settle in to the short trip across the river.
I did eventually drive thru it but I was in a Mercedes Coupe so I had reason to be worried... it was fine though and fun!
Lovely drive out and you park up a hill (pay and display) before a 10-15 min walk down to the steps, passing the friendly pub near the bottom. Grab a drink or ice cream here, I think they also serve food.
You can then get some pictures, walk across the Steps and then choose follow a trail either side of the river. We found places to stop and have a dip (if it's hot you may find the flies buzzing around while in the water a bit annoying but I'm not sure if it was just that day but it wasn't too bad), or just chill out and laze in the sun on the riverside. You can also make a good walk of it if you just keep walking and follow the trails.
An absolute "must see" trip during your stay at Bean Tree View!
87 locals recommend
Tarr Steps
*** 50-60 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
This was an amazing day out, a must see, and we went back with family and friends not long after our first trip.
Lots of walking on this trip, hills and forest trails up and down so may not suit everyone if you have any difficulty getting around, but it's not climbing, just walking.
The Tarr Steps themselves warrant reading up as they are incredibly old and extremely stunning to look at. Expect lots of people taking photos here as the view from the sides and as you walk across the steps is simply stunning.
The road cuts thru the river alongside the Tarr Steps but it's shallow enough that you can drive thru, and you are bound to see a few pass thru during your trip. It's entertaining watching as the locals / experienced people just go for it. The newbies or those in nice cars that wish they had a 4x4, tend to take their time and you can see a few interesting expressions as they settle in to the short trip across the river.
I did eventually drive thru it but I was in a Mercedes Coupe so I had reason to be worried... it was fine though and fun!
Lovely drive out and you park up a hill (pay and display) before a 10-15 min walk down to the steps, passing the friendly pub near the bottom. Grab a drink or ice cream here, I think they also serve food.
You can then get some pictures, walk across the Steps and then choose follow a trail either side of the river. We found places to stop and have a dip (if it's hot you may find the flies buzzing around while in the water a bit annoying but I'm not sure if it was just that day but it wasn't too bad), or just chill out and laze in the sun on the riverside. You can also make a good walk of it if you just keep walking and follow the trails.
An absolute "must see" trip during your stay at Bean Tree View!
If you like walking with nature, then the Blackdown Hills are just perfect for you. Lots of options we can't list here so just check out: https://blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/walk-ride-category/walking/
15 locals recommend
Blackdown Hills
If you like walking with nature, then the Blackdown Hills are just perfect for you. Lots of options we can't list here so just check out: https://blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/walk-ride-category/walking/
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
The Somerset Space Walk is a sculpture trail model of the Solar System, located in Somerset, England. The model uses the towpath of the 22-kilometre (14-mile) Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to display a model of the Sun and its planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Unusually for a Solar System model, there are two sets of planets.
Aware of the inadequacies of printed pictures of the Solar System, the inventor Pip Youngman designed the Space Walk as a way of challenging people's perceptions of space and experiencing the vastness of the Solar System.
The model is built to a scale of 1:530,000,000, meaning that one millimetre on the model equates to 530 kilometres. The Sun is sited at Higher Maunsel Lock, and one set of planets is installed in each direction along the canal towards Taunton and Bridgwater; the distance between the Sun and each model of Pluto being 11 kilometres (6.8 mi). For less hardy walkers, the inner planets are within 67 metres (220 ft) of the Sun, and near to the Maunsel Canal Centre (and tea shop) at Lower Maunsel Lock, where a more detailed leaflet about the model is available.
6 locals recommend
Somerset Space Walk
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
The Somerset Space Walk is a sculpture trail model of the Solar System, located in Somerset, England. The model uses the towpath of the 22-kilometre (14-mile) Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to display a model of the Sun and its planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Unusually for a Solar System model, there are two sets of planets.
Aware of the inadequacies of printed pictures of the Solar System, the inventor Pip Youngman designed the Space Walk as a way of challenging people's perceptions of space and experiencing the vastness of the Solar System.
The model is built to a scale of 1:530,000,000, meaning that one millimetre on the model equates to 530 kilometres. The Sun is sited at Higher Maunsel Lock, and one set of planets is installed in each direction along the canal towards Taunton and Bridgwater; the distance between the Sun and each model of Pluto being 11 kilometres (6.8 mi). For less hardy walkers, the inner planets are within 67 metres (220 ft) of the Sun, and near to the Maunsel Canal Centre (and tea shop) at Lower Maunsel Lock, where a more detailed leaflet about the model is available.
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
87 locals recommend
Hestercombe Gardens
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
Historic Houses & Sites
*** 35 minutes drive from Bean Tree View ***
This Tudor Mansion has (thankfully) been restored so you can see some amazing architecture. It's predominantly not furnished, so don't expect to "see things as they were" but this does give you a lot of space to move around in large groups, or just get up close to the building and interior.
There are some great exhibits of apple presses and a working cider farm / orchard.
There are some beautiful large grounds and well tended gardens to roam around.
Onsite restaurant is nice too!
95 locals recommend
Barrington Court
*** 35 minutes drive from Bean Tree View ***
This Tudor Mansion has (thankfully) been restored so you can see some amazing architecture. It's predominantly not furnished, so don't expect to "see things as they were" but this does give you a lot of space to move around in large groups, or just get up close to the building and interior.
There are some great exhibits of apple presses and a working cider farm / orchard.
There are some beautiful large grounds and well tended gardens to roam around.
Onsite restaurant is nice too!
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Killerton House - lovely place, beautiful views and gardens... well worth a trip if you're heading towards Exeter way.
109 locals recommend
Killerton House
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Killerton House - lovely place, beautiful views and gardens... well worth a trip if you're heading towards Exeter way.
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills. You can explore this wild garden and discover pieces of its history hiding in the undergrowth.
The estate was the home of the Crosse family who lived there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1894.
In the information room, you can learn more about Andrew Crosse, Fyne Court's most famous resident, known as 'The Thunder and Lightning Man' by the locals.
Relax in the courtyard tea-room with a cream tea or a hot chocolate after a walk around one of the three waymarked trails.
33 locals recommend
National Trust - Fyne Court
Fyne Court*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills. You can explore this wild garden and discover pieces of its history hiding in the undergrowth.
The estate was the home of the Crosse family who lived there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1894.
In the information room, you can learn more about Andrew Crosse, Fyne Court's most famous resident, known as 'The Thunder and Lightning Man' by the locals.
Relax in the courtyard tea-room with a cream tea or a hot chocolate after a walk around one of the three waymarked trails.
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fantastic place to soak up some local history, architecture and a few stories too.
Highly recommend the guided tour (which was free) given by a very well informed chap with his very entertaining dog (kept him on track dragging him to the next way point at the right time - very entertaining to watch!). The guide did a fantastic job of transporting us back in time to hear how the original entrance was deliberately sited to show off the stature and wealth to (what was then) the "main road" through the area... trust me, the tour was worth the whole visit itself.
The house is incredible and the gardens are stunning with their oddly shaped hedges and wide paths for the ladies of the time to be able to walk out in the gardens without catching their opulent dresses in the flower beds.
This was also the inspiration for Wallace and Grommet's Tottington Hall in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, so you'll probably still see some of the exhibits related to this there (though not sure how permanent they were).
Top floor (attic) was hosting an art exhibition amongst other things, so there is a lot to see here.
Highly recommend a visit here.
127 locals recommend
National Trust - Montacute House
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fantastic place to soak up some local history, architecture and a few stories too.
Highly recommend the guided tour (which was free) given by a very well informed chap with his very entertaining dog (kept him on track dragging him to the next way point at the right time - very entertaining to watch!). The guide did a fantastic job of transporting us back in time to hear how the original entrance was deliberately sited to show off the stature and wealth to (what was then) the "main road" through the area... trust me, the tour was worth the whole visit itself.
The house is incredible and the gardens are stunning with their oddly shaped hedges and wide paths for the ladies of the time to be able to walk out in the gardens without catching their opulent dresses in the flower beds.
This was also the inspiration for Wallace and Grommet's Tottington Hall in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, so you'll probably still see some of the exhibits related to this there (though not sure how permanent they were).
Top floor (attic) was hosting an art exhibition amongst other things, so there is a lot to see here.
Highly recommend a visit here.
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Haven't visited yet but we got close whilst heading to Minehead, but had to prioritize other things. So it's on our "must see" list when the current situation calms down. Highly recommended by most people, most of the locals here and any of our guests that have visited it during their stay. Lovely relaxed drive out there from our place.
Being so close to Minehead, you could easily visit Dunster Castle during the day and Minehead in the afternoon / evening before heading back to Bean Tree View.
161 locals recommend
Dunster Castle
*** 40 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Haven't visited yet but we got close whilst heading to Minehead, but had to prioritize other things. So it's on our "must see" list when the current situation calms down. Highly recommended by most people, most of the locals here and any of our guests that have visited it during their stay. Lovely relaxed drive out there from our place.
Being so close to Minehead, you could easily visit Dunster Castle during the day and Minehead in the afternoon / evening before heading back to Bean Tree View.
*** 50-60 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
This was an amazing day out, a must see, and we went back with family and friends not long after our first trip.
Lots of walking on this trip, hills and forest trails up and down so may not suit everyone if you have any difficulty getting around, but it's not climbing, just walking.
The Tarr Steps themselves warrant reading up as they are incredibly old and extremely stunning to look at. Expect lots of people taking photos here as the view from the sides and as you walk across the steps is simply stunning.
The road cuts thru the river alongside the Tarr Steps but it's shallow enough that you can drive thru, and you are bound to see a few pass thru during your trip. It's entertaining watching as the locals / experienced people just go for it. The newbies or those in nice cars that wish they had a 4x4, tend to take their time and you can see a few interesting expressions as they settle in to the short trip across the river.
I did eventually drive thru it but I was in a Mercedes Coupe so I had reason to be worried... it was fine though and fun!
Lovely drive out and you park up a hill (pay and display) before a 10-15 min walk down to the steps, passing the friendly pub near the bottom. Grab a drink or ice cream here, I think they also serve food.
You can then get some pictures, walk across the Steps and then choose follow a trail either side of the river. We found places to stop and have a dip (if it's hot you may find the flies buzzing around while in the water a bit annoying but I'm not sure if it was just that day but it wasn't too bad), or just chill out and laze in the sun on the riverside. You can also make a good walk of it if you just keep walking and follow the trails.
An absolute "must see" trip during your stay at Bean Tree View!
87 locals recommend
Tarr Steps
*** 50-60 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
This was an amazing day out, a must see, and we went back with family and friends not long after our first trip.
Lots of walking on this trip, hills and forest trails up and down so may not suit everyone if you have any difficulty getting around, but it's not climbing, just walking.
The Tarr Steps themselves warrant reading up as they are incredibly old and extremely stunning to look at. Expect lots of people taking photos here as the view from the sides and as you walk across the steps is simply stunning.
The road cuts thru the river alongside the Tarr Steps but it's shallow enough that you can drive thru, and you are bound to see a few pass thru during your trip. It's entertaining watching as the locals / experienced people just go for it. The newbies or those in nice cars that wish they had a 4x4, tend to take their time and you can see a few interesting expressions as they settle in to the short trip across the river.
I did eventually drive thru it but I was in a Mercedes Coupe so I had reason to be worried... it was fine though and fun!
Lovely drive out and you park up a hill (pay and display) before a 10-15 min walk down to the steps, passing the friendly pub near the bottom. Grab a drink or ice cream here, I think they also serve food.
You can then get some pictures, walk across the Steps and then choose follow a trail either side of the river. We found places to stop and have a dip (if it's hot you may find the flies buzzing around while in the water a bit annoying but I'm not sure if it was just that day but it wasn't too bad), or just chill out and laze in the sun on the riverside. You can also make a good walk of it if you just keep walking and follow the trails.
An absolute "must see" trip during your stay at Bean Tree View!
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
87 locals recommend
Hestercombe Gardens
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
*** 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Bean Tree View ***
The South West's answer to the Grand Canyon (lol)!
But seriously, this is an amazing place, for walks, ambling along in the countryside but with amazing views.
Great day out when the weather is nice and be sure to take in a cream tea (or two!).
Also pair this visit with a trip to Wookey Hole - all the highs and lows together!
Be sure to look up Devil's Bridge (three bridges on top of each other) and Devil's Bridge Falls - amazing sights!
497 locals recommend
Cheddar Gorge
*** 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Bean Tree View ***
The South West's answer to the Grand Canyon (lol)!
But seriously, this is an amazing place, for walks, ambling along in the countryside but with amazing views.
Great day out when the weather is nice and be sure to take in a cream tea (or two!).
Also pair this visit with a trip to Wookey Hole - all the highs and lows together!
Be sure to look up Devil's Bridge (three bridges on top of each other) and Devil's Bridge Falls - amazing sights!
Short trips from Bean Tree View
If you just want a quick trip out to see something interesting, take in a bit of local history or pickup some home made / home grown food, then this list is for you!
It's a list of more local places, sites, farms, farm shops to visit that shouldn't take you too long to get to from Bean Tree View.
You can even do two or three of these in one day - mix and match!
*** 5 Minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Tours of the cider farm , the coffee shop and the newly setup deli bar make this well worth a visit. We often stock up on the delicacies from the deli bar - you pay a bit more, but you're getting home-made or home-grown, excellent quality and mostly locally sourced food and drinks.
We discovered you can walk around parts of the farm / orchard and interact with some of the horses, donkeys and birds!
62 locals recommend
Sheppy's Cider Farm Shop
*** 5 Minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Tours of the cider farm , the coffee shop and the newly setup deli bar make this well worth a visit. We often stock up on the delicacies from the deli bar - you pay a bit more, but you're getting home-made or home-grown, excellent quality and mostly locally sourced food and drinks.
We discovered you can walk around parts of the farm / orchard and interact with some of the horses, donkeys and birds!
*** 6 Minute Drive from Bean Tree View ***
Lovely little park in the centre of Taunton (near the top of the pedestrianised part of the high street). Sometimes has bands playing there (local and big names) but it's just a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so.
27 locals recommend
Vivary Park
Upper High Street*** 6 Minute Drive from Bean Tree View ***
Lovely little park in the centre of Taunton (near the top of the pedestrianised part of the high street). Sometimes has bands playing there (local and big names) but it's just a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so.
*** 4 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Full of local produce (you pay accordingly to support the locals) and also a restaurant (never eaten there but it is always busy!).
You can pick up some great quality food here, fresh and frozen (including frozen fruit for smoothies!).
Worth a trip on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
A bit further along the same road you can find Sheppy's Cider Farm and Restaurant, so you could easily combine the two, get some great food and enjoy the real taste of Somerset!
27 locals recommend
Rumwell Farm Shop and Restaurant
Wellington Road*** 4 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Full of local produce (you pay accordingly to support the locals) and also a restaurant (never eaten there but it is always busy!).
You can pick up some great quality food here, fresh and frozen (including frozen fruit for smoothies!).
Worth a trip on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
A bit further along the same road you can find Sheppy's Cider Farm and Restaurant, so you could easily combine the two, get some great food and enjoy the real taste of Somerset!
*** 8 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Located in the centre of Taunton, it's actually part of Taunton Castle, repurposed to tell the history of the area from prehistoric times.
This ended up really interesting, as we wondered what history of note there was in Taunton, but as it turned out, this is really well put together.
If you visit in the autumn / winter time, you may be able to join a ghost tour of the museum at night... it was a bit creepy in that setting, so if this kind of thing scares you, just do it anyway! Lots of the history covered by a passionate guide, culminating in the details of the rebellion and subsequent execution of hundreds of rebels.
69 locals recommend
The Museum of Somerset
Castle Green*** 8 min drive from Bean Tree View ***
Located in the centre of Taunton, it's actually part of Taunton Castle, repurposed to tell the history of the area from prehistoric times.
This ended up really interesting, as we wondered what history of note there was in Taunton, but as it turned out, this is really well put together.
If you visit in the autumn / winter time, you may be able to join a ghost tour of the museum at night... it was a bit creepy in that setting, so if this kind of thing scares you, just do it anyway! Lots of the history covered by a passionate guide, culminating in the details of the rebellion and subsequent execution of hundreds of rebels.
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills. You can explore this wild garden and discover pieces of its history hiding in the undergrowth.
The estate was the home of the Crosse family who lived there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1894.
In the information room, you can learn more about Andrew Crosse, Fyne Court's most famous resident, known as 'The Thunder and Lightning Man' by the locals.
Relax in the courtyard tea-room with a cream tea or a hot chocolate after a walk around one of the three waymarked trails.
33 locals recommend
National Trust - Fyne Court
Fyne Court*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills. You can explore this wild garden and discover pieces of its history hiding in the undergrowth.
The estate was the home of the Crosse family who lived there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1894.
In the information room, you can learn more about Andrew Crosse, Fyne Court's most famous resident, known as 'The Thunder and Lightning Man' by the locals.
Relax in the courtyard tea-room with a cream tea or a hot chocolate after a walk around one of the three waymarked trails.
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
The Somerset Space Walk is a sculpture trail model of the Solar System, located in Somerset, England. The model uses the towpath of the 22-kilometre (14-mile) Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to display a model of the Sun and its planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Unusually for a Solar System model, there are two sets of planets.
Aware of the inadequacies of printed pictures of the Solar System, the inventor Pip Youngman designed the Space Walk as a way of challenging people's perceptions of space and experiencing the vastness of the Solar System.
The model is built to a scale of 1:530,000,000, meaning that one millimetre on the model equates to 530 kilometres. The Sun is sited at Higher Maunsel Lock, and one set of planets is installed in each direction along the canal towards Taunton and Bridgwater; the distance between the Sun and each model of Pluto being 11 kilometres (6.8 mi). For less hardy walkers, the inner planets are within 67 metres (220 ft) of the Sun, and near to the Maunsel Canal Centre (and tea shop) at Lower Maunsel Lock, where a more detailed leaflet about the model is available.
6 locals recommend
Somerset Space Walk
*** 20 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
The Somerset Space Walk is a sculpture trail model of the Solar System, located in Somerset, England. The model uses the towpath of the 22-kilometre (14-mile) Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to display a model of the Sun and its planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Unusually for a Solar System model, there are two sets of planets.
Aware of the inadequacies of printed pictures of the Solar System, the inventor Pip Youngman designed the Space Walk as a way of challenging people's perceptions of space and experiencing the vastness of the Solar System.
The model is built to a scale of 1:530,000,000, meaning that one millimetre on the model equates to 530 kilometres. The Sun is sited at Higher Maunsel Lock, and one set of planets is installed in each direction along the canal towards Taunton and Bridgwater; the distance between the Sun and each model of Pluto being 11 kilometres (6.8 mi). For less hardy walkers, the inner planets are within 67 metres (220 ft) of the Sun, and near to the Maunsel Canal Centre (and tea shop) at Lower Maunsel Lock, where a more detailed leaflet about the model is available.
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
87 locals recommend
Hestercombe Gardens
*** 15 minute drive from Bean Tree View ***
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away…..
Hestercombe House and Gardens offers a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens.
We spent all day here and got round a lot of the house, gardens and interesting spots to visit. Still love to go back and see more as it was quite stunning!
Must see and only 15 mins away!
City/town information
Great day out especially if the weather is good - classic English seaside town and very popular so arrive early for good parking.
Lots (and we mean lots) of places to get fish n chips, ice creams and lots of fossil shops, cafes and local artists shops.
326 locals recommend
Lyme Regis
Great day out especially if the weather is good - classic English seaside town and very popular so arrive early for good parking.
Lots (and we mean lots) of places to get fish n chips, ice creams and lots of fossil shops, cafes and local artists shops.
Awesome place, great beaches (Esp for surfing), restaurants, pubs, live bands and more.
215 locals recommend
Newquay
Awesome place, great beaches (Esp for surfing), restaurants, pubs, live bands and more.
City advice
Getting around
Local buses and Park & Ride
Local buses run along Bishop's Hull Road into Taunton town centre and other places, or you can park at the Park and Ride to save the hassle of parking in the town centre.
We have used several different taxi firms which are all pretty reliable - "A1 Ace Taxis" have become a regular for us so we can recommend them.
Book before you go
The Skewer House
You must book in advance if you want to eat at the Skewer House. The combination of outstanding Portugese style food in a unique environment, and limited opening times (Tue - Sat, 5pm-11pm) often means you need to book a week or even two in advance.
They also only take bookings either by email (skewerhousetaunton@gmail.com) or via their Facebook page.
They do not have a phone or online capability to book.