Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. 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

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £1 per rental.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

Yes, special assistance is available.

Is Museum of Somerset wheelchair friendly?

Yes, Museum of Somerset is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets. 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

Is Museum of Somerset baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

No, not all areas are pushchair friendly. Most areas are accessible with a puschair and there is a lift between the ground and first floor. The Discovery and Singing Galleries are accessed via stairs.

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

No, Museum of Somerset have stated they are not dog friendly. Registered assistance dogs only.

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options. The Castle Cafe offers a selection of home-made Somerset treats, from soups, sandwiches and salads, to pastries and home-made cakes. We use only the best local ingredients and our home-baked bread is made fresh daily. Sandwiches and salads are made to order. The Castle Cafe provides excellent customer service and well-priced food and drink. Open to museum visitors and non-visitors alike, the cafe has a loyalty card scheme, seasonal offerings and other regular promotions.

Can visitors bring their own food?

No, guest are not allowed to bring their own food We have a specific children's menu available for smaller appetites, milk-warming facilities and highchairs available.

Are there any restrictions on food that can be brought in?

Only food purchased at the Courtyard Café can be eaten on site.

Are there picnic areas/designated spaces for eating your own food?

No, there are no designated areas available for eating.

Is there a place to warm up food?

Yes, there is a place to warm up food.

How much does food and drink typically cost for a family of 4?

For a typical family of 4, food and drink costs around £30.

Are there high chairs available for kids?

Yes, high chairs are available for kids.

No, there is no parking. There are a number of town centre car parks within a short walk of the museum.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

Yes, Museum of Somerset has stated that you can hire privately for parties/events. The Great Hall of Taunton Castle is available to hire as well as Castle House (the school room opposite the museum). Capacity: seated 130, unseated 250The atmospheric Great Hall is recommended for the discerning guest wishing to hold a private celebration, large social event or corporate function. We can provide a cloakroom service and security should your event go beyond 11.00 pm (additional charges apply).Facilities include a sound system, a large drop-down screen and projector, and the option to use a lapel or hand-held microphone. A small stage is also available.

What type of packages do you offer?

The Great Hall Capacity: Great Hall seated (talks/presentations) 130 Great Hall unseated 250 Prices from £175 Castle House Capacity: Up to 60 guests (40 seated.) Prices from £20 per hour

Can you rent a private room? If so, what are the costs?

Castle House Castle House offers an impressive venue space, with traditional painted wood panelling and original parquet floor. This picturesque venue is a beautiful backdrop for any special event, conference or social occasion. Castle House is fully equipped for lectures and presentations and can seat up 40 people comfortably. Hire includes projector, screen, hearing loop and flip charts.

Is catering provided?

Yes, private catering can be provided.

What is the maximum number of guests allowed?

The maximum number of guests allowed is 60.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

No, Museum of Somerset had stated that you do not need to pre-book.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public. We have disabled toilets and baby changing facilities available.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available

Museum of Somerset

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About Museum of Somerset

Museum of Somerset

An under-floor Plesiosaur, the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – you'll find them all at the Museum of Somerset! Set in the heart of Taunton, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present. This must-see visitor attraction contains objects from across many of the museum's collections, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography. There are lots of interactives and family areas for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The museum houses many of Somerset's great archaeological treasures such as the Frome Hoard; the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain in a single container, and the 4th Century Low Ham mosaic; the oldest object in Britain to tell a complete story: the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas. The museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum. As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regularly changing temporary exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions and ‘talk and tea' with a curator. There is also a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre. Entry to the museum is free.

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Discover 400 million years of history in Taunton's historic castle.

Set within Taunton’s historic 12th-century castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county story from prehistoric times to the present day. It contains thousands of real objects, from outstanding fossil geology and the largest hoard of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain to an evocation of the infamous Bloody Assizes. There are also interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present. The museum also houses Somerset Military Museum.

With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover. Our ‘must see’ exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc and the Frome Hoard of more than 50,000 Roman coins. The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.

An exciting exhibitions and events programme.

As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regular changing exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions. There is a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre.

Courtyard Café and shop

The Courtyard Café showcases Somerset’s great-tasting produce. Take your pick from morning coffees and pastries, freshly-made light lunches, afternoon teas and cake. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.

You can also visit the museum shop which stocks a range of reasonably-priced toys, cards, books and gifts including the ‘Made in Somerset’ range of local food and drink.

Facilities

Toilets
Gift Shop
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday, Closed

Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:30)

The museum is open on Bank Holiday Mondays.

Pricing & Tickets

General Admission

Child (4-17) : Free
Adult (17-18+) : Free

Free admission

Family activities £2

Trails £1

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to Museum of Somerset by visiting our attraction tickets section.

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

Please see menu on site.

FAQs

Parking

: No, there is no parking.
There are a number of town centre car parks within a short walk of the museum.

Toilets

: Yes, there are toilets available to the public.
We have disabled toilets and baby changing facilities available.
: Yes, there are baby changing facilities available
: Yes, there are accessible toilets available

Family Friendly Options

: Yes, there are baby changing facilities.
: No, not all areas are pushchair friendly.
Most areas are accessible with a puschair and there is a lift between the ground and first floor. The Discovery and Singing Galleries are accessed via stairs.
: No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.
: No, Museum of Somerset have stated they are not dog friendly.
Registered assistance dogs only.

Food & Drink

: Yes there is dining and snack options.
The Castle Cafe offers a selection of home-made Somerset treats, from soups, sandwiches and salads, to pastries and home-made cakes. We use only the best local ingredients and our home-baked bread is made fresh daily. Sandwiches and salads are made to order. The Castle Cafe provides excellent customer service and well-priced food and drink. Open to museum visitors and non-visitors alike, the cafe has a loyalty card scheme, seasonal offerings and other regular promotions.
: No, guest are not allowed to bring their own food
We have a specific children's menu available for smaller appetites, milk-warming facilities and highchairs available.
: Only food purchased at the Courtyard Café can be eaten on site.
: No, there are no designated areas available for eating.
: Yes, there is a place to warm up food.
: For a typical family of 4, food and drink costs around £30.
: Yes, high chairs are available for kids.

Accessibility Information

: No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible.
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
: Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £1 per rental.
: Yes, special assistance is available.
: Yes, Museum of Somerset is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets.
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

Tickets & Bookings

: No, Museum of Somerset had stated that you do not need to pre-book.

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

: Yes, Museum of Somerset has stated that you can hire privately for parties/events.
The Great Hall of Taunton Castle is available to hire as well as Castle House (the school room opposite the museum). Capacity: seated 130, unseated 250
The atmospheric Great Hall is recommended for the discerning guest wishing to hold a private celebration, large social event or corporate function. We can provide a cloakroom service and security should your event go beyond 11.00 pm (additional charges apply).
Facilities include a sound system, a large drop-down screen and projector, and the option to use a lapel or hand-held microphone. A small stage is also available.
: The Great Hall Capacity: Great Hall seated (talks/presentations) 130 Great Hall unseated 250 Prices from £175 Castle House Capacity: Up to 60 guests (40 seated.) Prices from £20 per hour
: Castle House Castle House offers an impressive venue space, with traditional painted wood panelling and original parquet floor. This picturesque venue is a beautiful backdrop for any special event, conference or social occasion. Castle House is fully equipped for lectures and presentations and can seat up 40 people comfortably. Hire includes projector, screen, hearing loop and flip charts.
: Yes, private catering can be provided.
: The maximum number of guests allowed is 60.

Contact Details

Get Directions

Taunton Castle, Castle Green
Taunton
Somerset and Bristol
TA1 4AA
England

Tel: 01823255088

Visit Website

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Last Updated: 15:00 06/08/2024

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Museum of Somerset

About Museum of Somerset

Discover 400 million years of history in Taunton's historic castle.

An exciting exhibitions and events programme.

Courtyard Café and shop

Facilities

Opening Times

Pricing & Tickets

Plan Your Visit

Food & Drink Options

FAQs

Parking

Toilets

Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

Accessibility Information

Tickets & Bookings

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

Contact Details

Verification & Last Updated

Museum of Somerset Reviews

Recent blog posts

More fun places to visit in Taunton