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Easter in Taunton
6 day holiday - Thursday 17th April 2025
Highlights...
Hestercombe House & Gardens
West Somerset Railway to Minehead
Coates English Willow
Taunton, a historic town in the county of Somerset, holds a legacy stretching back over a thousand years. Founded by the Saxons in the 8th century, Taunton began as a fortified settlement, strategically located along the River Tone. By the 12th century Taunton Castle emerged, a lasting symbol of medieval authority that would play a central role in English history, and located opposite our hotel on this holiday. Also nearby is St. Mary Magdalene Church, known for having the tallest spire in Somerset of 163-ft (50-meters) and serves as a prominent feature of the town’s skyline. As Taunton flourished, it became renowned for its wool and cloth industry, promoting trade and prosperity throughout the region. But it was during the English Civil War in the 1640s that Taunton earned a lasting place in history as a bastion of Parliamentarian support, withstanding several Royalist sieges. Over the past century, Taunton has blossomed from a quaint market town into Somerset’s thriving heart. With echoes of the wartime spirit, post-war expansion, and early ambitions like the Taunton Tramway, the town now balances green spaces, vibrant culture and preserved landmarks which tell a story of dynamic evolution.
We are delighted to explore the local highlights of Taunton, from Coates English Willow, famous for its high-quality willow used in cricket bats and basket weaving, to Hestercombe House and Gardens, where stunning Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian gardens await, alongside a historic house. Our holiday ventures further afield, including a trip on the West Somerset Railway to Minehead. This popular coastal town is known for its scenic charm near Exmoor and iconic Butlin’s holiday camp established in the 1960s. We also have a guided tour of one of the oldest prisons in the world at Shepton Mallet, followed by wine tasting and refreshments at a local favourite, Wraxall Vineyard. Tiverton Castle is also on our list to explore, a 12th century fortress located near the Devon countryside. If you want to celebrate the Easter holiday with a variety of activities, join us this April and find out more about what Taunton has to offer!
The Castle Hotel Taunton 4*
Step into The Castle Hotel, a unique 4-star gem proudly owned by the Chapman family for over seven decades. This Grade II listed beauty, with roots stretching back to the 13th century, offers cosy, individually styled rooms complete with all the modern perks such as Wi-Fi, TV, hairdryer and tea or coffee making facilities. Enjoy breakfast and a 3-course dinner at the restaurant every evening, with notable points of interest such as the Museum of Somerset, County Classics Motor Museum plus shops and cafes located minutes away. Recently crowned LuxLife’s ‘Historic Hotel & Restaurant of the Year 2024,’ it’s the perfect spot for a memorable Easter.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Thursday 17th April
Your chauffeur-driven car will transfer you to the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, where you’ll be welcomed by your Tour Manager for the holiday. After refreshments, we embark on the journey with a lunch stop mid-way before continuing to The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted with check-in and porterage for your luggage, with time to unwind or explore the Taunton town centre before our 3-course evening meal.

Day 2 – Friday 18th April (Good Friday)
After breakfast, our day begins at Coates English Willow, renowned for producing premium cricket bats and baskets to gain insight into the craftsmanship and traditional method used. Next, we visit Hestercombe House, a magnificent Georgian mansion built in the 16th century, and former Somerset Fire Brigade headquarters. There will be time for lunch and to browse the quaint shops on-site. History and garden enthusiasts will also appreciate the guided tour exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Day 3 – Saturday 19th April
Venture into Shepton Mallet Prison, established in 1610 and a proud recipient of the ‘TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award’. Unveil secrets from it's fascinating history, including its role in protecting national treasures like the Magna Carta and Domesday Book from WWII bombing raids and hear tales of daring escapes, some still shrouded in mystery. Fortunately, no ‘porridge’ for us here, instead we head to the elegant Wraxall Vineyard for lunch nearby, relaxing on the roof terrace with stunning views of lush vines. A grazing table of tarts, sausage rolls, Somerset cheeses and wine tasting rounds off our visit. Cheers!
Day 4 – Sunday 20th April
(Easter Sunday)
Experience an exhilarating train adventure through twenty miles of stunning Somerset scenery on The West Somerset Railway, aka ‘England’s longest heritage line’. Starting at the vintage station of Bishops Lydeard, we make today unforgettable onboard this classic railway trip. Our destination is Minehead for lunch, with time to look around the Minehead Museum opposite the picturesque seafront. Members also have the option to attend the Easter Sunday Festal Evensong at St Mary Magdalene Church (5mins-walk from the hotel) before our evening meal.
Day 5 – Monday 21st April
(Easter Monday)
Discover the charm of Tiverton Castle through a guided tour and learn more about who lived there, including the first Normal Earls of Devon. This medieval fortress established in 1106 stands proudly near the River Exe and evolved through wars, sieges and many architectural transformations. Today, it enchants visitors with its preserved artefacts, such as a suit of armour and manicured gardens. Later, we have lunch near Tiverton’s Grand Western Canal, surrounded by scenic countryside views, followed by a leisurely return to the hotel for free time.
Day 6 – Tuesday 22nd April
The Tour Manager will assist you with check-out after breakfast and your luggage will be loaded onto the coach for our return journey. Our 2-course lunch is located on the way at the popular Chisledon House in the Wilshire countryside. We then return to our original meeting point at the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross for refreshments, and then you will be collected by your door-to-door car. Chocolate-lovers will also be pleased to note that all members on this trip will receive an Easter Egg!
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,450 per person
Deposit: £200
Balance due:
20th February 2025
Whats Included:
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- 5 nights at the 4-Star Castle Hotel, Taunton
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Lunch with coffee or tea every day
- Refreshments on the first and final day at the Crowne Plaza
- A Chocolate Easter Egg
- All Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Hestercombe House & Gardens
- Coates English Willow
- Shepton Mallet Prison
- Minehead Museum
- West Somerset Railway
- Wraxall Vineyard lunch & wine tasting
- Tiverton Castle
- The services of your Tour Manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
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