The Castle at Taunton, Somerset

Sat proudly atop Castle Green, mere minutes from Taunton's bus station, the Museum of Somerset and the River Tone, The Castle offers commanding views over the town centre. Ideally located at the Gateway to England's West Country, the Quantocks and Blackdown Hills AONB are easily reached within 25 minutes by car.

By car: 1 hour from Bristol or 1 and a half from Bath or Plymouth, and around 2 and a half from Southampton. There is plenty of on-site parking.

By train: 4 hours from Leeds, 1 hour 20 minutes from Plymouth, 2 hours from Cardiff and 4 and a half from York. Taunton station is a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. Book trains to Taunton.

Walking down the stone-walled, red-carpeted staircase, you'll feel regal among medieval tapestries, a stag's head and elaborate bouquets of fresh flowers. But in other areas, it's clear that The Castle is down-to-earth and modern. The Penthouse, used for wedding parties, fills with light and features its own shining bar and roof terrace. Brazz is cosy and slick with plush blue booth seating and framed sepia-tone photographs of the chefs at work.

Service is friendly, smart and swift, so you can sit back and enjoy your stay. Afternoon tea can be taken in the bar and the hotel is a popular choice for meetings, conferences and parties.

• Cocktail bar
• ​Brazz restaurant
• Afternoon tea
• Events and parties
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Rose garden
• Penthouse suite
• Free Wi-Fi

Given the entertainment options within and nearby the hotel, you likely won't spend much time in your room, but with a newspaper delivered before you wake and a Kilner bottle of fresh water by the supremely comfortable bed, it would be rude not to enjoy a lie-in.

Room types: Cosy Room, Castle Double, Castle Deluxe Double, Garden Room, Castle Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, work desk, tea and coffee facilities, room service, hairdryer, Wi-Fi

Care is put into presentation and flavouring, and vegetarian options are just as tasty as meaty dishes. Waiters will bring cocktails to your table after dinner if the party is to continue!

Brazz: Café, bar and diner. Modern, chic interiors, booth seating. Open Tuesday - Saturday for breakfast (guests only), lunch and dinner. Dinner mains from £13.50.

Bow Bar: Artisanal food & drinks including coffee, charcuterie platters, afternoon tea. Open weekdays 9am-3pm, Fridays & Saturdays til 10pm.