Shepherd's huts near Taunton

Between the Blackdown and Quantock Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, amid the endless farmland of the Somerset Levels, lies Taunton. It’s Somerset’s well-stocked county town with all the shops and amenities to prove it – a great place for a day of shopping and fetching supplies but hardly the place to pitch a tent. Step away from the urban centre though and Taunton’s appeal is clear. Rural Taunton is well-connected, picturesque and perfect for camping or glamping. Whether you want to explore Somerset’s hills, moors, levels, coast – or get a taste of all of them, camping and glamping in Taunton can help you do just that. It’s no surprise that in this landscape of farms and apple orchards, there are campsites in fallow fields and barnyards. Among them there’s something to suit every type of camper from simple grass pitches for stripped-back camping to luxury glamping in yurts, tipis, treehouses and more.

The town of Taunton has high street chains, independent retailers and eateries galore so it’s a good place to stock up on supplies or to head out for food if the rain has put a stop to your campfire. It’s also got all the amenities of a modern town from a cinema to a swimming pool and public parks that are just right for a picnic. Visitors might also be interested in the Museum of Somerset, housed in the 12th-century Taunton castle. Just outside town you can find out about one of Somerset’s most-famous exports, cider, at Sheppy’s Cider Farm where a taste and touring will explain all about this local tipple. Gardeners and historians might like a trip to the 50-acre Hestercombe Gardens and it’s hard to find anyone who wouldn’t enjoy a trip on the West Somerset Railway from Bishop’s Lydeard, just five miles away. This heritage railway can whisk you in to Exmoor National Park and all the way to the seaside at Minehead if you stay on board for the whole 20-mile route.

Walking, running and cycling are great ways to explore Exmoor and the Somerset countryside with the Quantock and Blackdown Hills both popular places to head for. There’s also great hiking at Cheddar Gorge, which is a drive of around 45 minutes from Taunton, and one of Somerset’s most-popular sights. Other popular places within an hour’s drive include Wookey Hole, Glastonbury and Wells. For more information on things to do in the area check out the Visit Somerset website.