Things to Do in Taunton: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide for Families Visiting Somerset
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
If you're planning a holiday in Somerset, Taunton is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. As Somerset's county town, Taunton combines history, beautiful parks, family attractions, shopping, and easy access to the beautiful surrounding countryside.
For visitors staying in wheelchair-accessible accommodation near Taunton, there are plenty of accessible attractions and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Whether you're travelling with a wheelchair user, mobility scooter, buggy, or young children, Taunton offers something for everyone.
Here's our guide to the best wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly things to do in Taunton.
Why Visit Taunton?
Located in the heart of Somerset, Taunton is perfectly positioned between Exmoor National Park, the Quantock Hills, and the Somerset coast. Visitors love Taunton because it offers:
Accessible shopping and dining
Beautiful parks and open spaces
Family attractions
Museums and heritage sites
Excellent transport links
Easy access to Somerset's countryside
For families staying in accessible holiday accommodation, Taunton provides a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
One of Taunton's most popular attractions is Vivary Park, a beautiful public park in the centre of town.
The park offers:
Accessible pathways
Wheelchair-friendly routes
Children's play areas
Sensory gardens
Open green spaces
Seasonal events and entertainment
Families can enjoy a relaxed day exploring the gardens, feeding ducks, or enjoying a picnic.
The wide, level paths make Vivary Park particularly suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and pushchairs.
For visitors interested in local history, Taunton Castle is home to the Museum of Somerset.
The museum offers:
Accessible facilities
Family-friendly exhibits
Interactive displays
Somerset history and archaeology
Activities for children during school holidays
Children often enjoy the hands-on exhibits, while adults can learn about Somerset's fascinating history, from prehistoric times through to modern life. It's also an excellent rainy-day activity.
The Taunton and Bridgwater Canal provides one of the area's most accessible outdoor experiences.
Visitors can enjoy:
Flat towpaths
Accessible walking routes
Wheelchair-friendly sections
Wildlife spotting
Family cycling opportunities
Wheelchair accessible boats
The canal is ideal for a peaceful outing and offers beautiful scenery without the challenges of steep terrain.
Somerset Boat Centre is a great place to hire canoes, kayaks, rowing boats or you can book a trip on a wheelchair adapted boat so everyone can enjoy being on the water and having fun!
Located just outside Taunton, Hestercombe Gardens is one of Somerset's most impressive visitor attractions.
The estate includes:
Accessible parking
Adapted facilities
Accessible routes through many garden areas
Historic buildings
Family events
Seasonal activities
Visitors can enjoy formal gardens, woodland walks, and beautiful landscapes throughout the year.
Many areas are suitable for wheelchair users and families with buggies but be aware some of the garden is steep with rough terrain and may not be suitable for all wheelchair users. There is a Tramper mobility scooter available for hire.
Families who enjoy trains and transport history can explore this great local steam railway near Taunton.
The railway offers:
Family-friendly days out on the coast
Wheelchair accessible carriages
Read our blog specifically looking at a day out on the West Somerset Railway.
Enjoy Accessible Shopping in Taunton Town Centre
Taunton town centre offers a largely accessible shopping experience with:
Level pedestrian areas
Accessible toilets
Shops and cafés
Family-friendly restaurants
Indoor shopping areas
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed day browsing independent retailers alongside well-known national brands.
Family-Friendly Activities for Children in Taunton
Taunton offers a variety of activities designed specifically for families. Popular options include:
This accessible theatre and arts centre runs educational classes, activities, theatre, films and craft workshops for all ages and the whole family. Visit their website to see whats on. It also has a cafe/bar for adults and has a auditorium for live music, ballet, opera and comedy.
Soft Play and Adventure Centres
Many local venues provide:
Accessible entrances
Family facilities
Toddler zones
Café areas for parents
Perfect for rainy days, indoor play centres offer accessible facilities and plenty of opportunities for children to burn off energy.
Taunton's leisure facilities include:
Pool hoists
Accessible changing rooms
Family swim sessions
Children's activities
These facilities make swimming enjoyable for visitors with a wide range of mobility needs.
Accessible Nature Experiences Near Taunton
One of the advantages of staying near Taunton is easy access to Somerset's countryside.
Nearby accessible nature experiences include:
The Quantock Hills walks and viewpoints
Steart Marsh Nature reserve
Many viewpoints can be enjoyed directly from accessible parking areas, making them ideal for visitors who want to enjoy Somerset's scenery without long walks.
Acccessible Activities for Rainy Day
The British weather isn't always reliable, but Taunton offers plenty of indoor attractions for those unexpected rainy days.
Ideas include:
Shopping centres
Staying in Wheelchair Accessible Accommodation Near Taunton
The right accommodation can make a huge difference to your holiday experience.When choosing accessible accommodation near Taunton, look for:
Step-free access
Accessible wet rooms
Ground-floor living
Wide doorways
Accessible parking
Family-friendly facilities
Easy access to local attractions
Our wheelchair-accessible holiday home near Taunton provides a great base for exploring Somerset, Exmoor National Park, and the many attractions that make this area so popular with families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taunton wheelchair friendly?
Yes. Many of Taunton's attractions, parks, museums, shopping areas, and leisure facilities offer good accessibility for wheelchair users and mobility scooter users.
What are the best things to do in Taunton with children?
Vivary Park, the Museum of Somerset, canal walks, indoor play centres, leisure centres, and family events are among the most popular options.
Are there accessible attractions near Taunton?
Yes. Hestercombe Gardens, local museums, parks, canal routes, and countryside viewpoints all offer accessible experiences.
Is Taunton a good base for exploring Somerset?
Absolutely. Taunton is centrally located, making it easy to visit Exmoor National Park, the Quantock Hills, the Somerset coast, and many family-friendly attractions throughout the county.
Plan Your Accessible Somerset Holiday
Taunton offers an excellent combination of history, nature, family attractions, shopping, and accessible facilities. Whether you're travelling with children, wheelchair users, grandparents, or a mix of generations, you'll find plenty of enjoyable and inclusive activities nearby.
Our wheelchair-accessible holiday home near Taunton provides the perfect base for exploring Somerset while enjoying comfort, accessibility, and making memorable family experiences.
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