The Museum of Somerset, Taunton, Somerset
In the middle of the county town of Taunton you’ll find the Museum of Somerset, within the walls of Taunton Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Come and see the Giant’s Shoes, the South Cadbury Shield that dates from 1350-1150 BC, the skull of the Banwell Bear, found in the Mendip bone caves, and a near perfect bronze age gold torc. The Museum is also proud to have among its exhibits, a replica of the Alfred Jewel (the original was found near Athelney Abbey in 1693 and is now preserved in the Ashmolean Museum), and the Low Ham Mosaic which depicts the love story of Dido and Aeneas.
The museum holds regular exhibitions, and there’s a nice little shop to browse. The café serves light lunches and cakes, and you can sit outside in the cobbled courtyard; the way the sunlight falls on the castle in the afternoon is beautiful.
Open: Tues – Sat & Bank Holidays 10 am-5 pm
T: 01823 255088 All information correct at the time of writing.