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Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Taunton offers a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. This charming market town boasts picturesque streets, stunning architecture, and lush green spaces. With its proximity to the Quantock Hills and the Somerset Levels, Taunton serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse landscapes of Southwest England. Booking a rental car allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the town's rich heritage and venture beyond to discover the region's hidden gems at their own pace.
Taunton and its environs offer a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. From the medieval Taunton Castle to the serene Vivary Park, there's something for everyone. A rental car provides the freedom to discover these local highlights and venture further afield to the nearby Quantock Hills or the scenic Somerset coastline. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or quaint villages, having your own wheels ensures you can make the most of your visit.
Taunton Castle, a magnificent fortress dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to the town's rich history. Today, it houses the Museum of Somerset, showcasing fascinating exhibits on local heritage. The castle's imposing structure and beautifully manicured gardens make it a must-visit attraction. With a hired car, you can easily access the castle and explore its surroundings at your leisure. Parking is available nearby, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish delving into Taunton's captivating past.
The Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife just a short drive from Taunton. With your rental car, you can easily access various walking trails and viewpoints throughout the hills. The winding roads through the countryside provide a scenic journey, allowing you to stop at charming villages along the way. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the stunning vistas of heathland, ancient woodlands, and rolling hills that make the Quantocks a nature lover's paradise.
Hestercombe Gardens, a stunning example of landscape design, showcases three centuries of garden history. With your hired car, you can easily reach this horticultural gem located near Taunton. The gardens feature a mix of formal and wild areas, including a Georgian landscape garden, Victorian terrace, and Edwardian gardens. Parking is conveniently available on-site, allowing you to spend a full day exploring the beautiful grounds, enjoying the seasonal blooms, and perhaps indulging in a cream tea at the charming café.
Getting to Taunton is convenient from various locations:
• By plane: The nearest airports are Bristol and Exeter. From there, you can rent a car to drive to Taunton.
• By train: Direct trains run from London Paddington, Bristol, and Exeter to Taunton station.
• By car: Taunton is easily accessible via the M5 motorway, connecting it to major cities across the UK.
When booking a car hire in Taunton, consider these tips to enhance your experience. Book early on Turo to secure the best selection of vehicles. Choose a car that suits your planned activities, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for countryside exploration. Look for extras like GPS navigation to help you navigate Somerset's rural roads. Consider opting for a vehicle with all-wheel drive if you plan to venture into the hills. Remember to familiarise yourself with local parking regulations in Taunton to avoid any inconveniences during your stay.
Taunton offers several convenient pickup locations for rental cars, including options near the town centre. Many Hosts on Turo provide flexible pickup arrangements, allowing guests to collect their hired cars from various spots around Taunton. The town centre itself is a popular area for car rentals, with some Hosts offering delivery to your accommodation or meeting point. You might find car hire options near key landmarks such as the Museum of Somerset or Vivary Park. Some Hosts on Turo may also offer pickup locations near Taunton railway station, providing easy access for visitors arriving by train. When booking a rental car on Turo, you can explore different pickup locations offered by Hosts to find the most suitable option for your Taunton visit.
Taunton offers a gateway to Somerset's picturesque landscapes, perfect for car enthusiasts. The Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide stunning drives with sweeping views. Meander through charming villages like Dunster, known for its medieval castle. The Somerset Levels offer a unique flat landscape dotted with wetlands and historic sites. For coastal scenery, head towards Minehead and enjoy the rugged Exmoor coastline. These routes showcase the best of Somerset's diverse beauty, from rolling hills to quaint hamlets, making car rental in Taunton an excellent choice for exploring the region's hidden gems.
Navigating Taunton's peak hour traffic can be managed effectively with some local knowledge. Avoid the town centre during morning and evening rush hours if possible. Consider using the Taunton Park and Ride service, leaving your hired car at designated parking areas. If driving is necessary, plan your route to bypass congested areas like East Street and Bridge Street during busy times. Utilise alternative routes such as Silk Mills Road or Staplegrove Road to circumvent the town centre. Taunton's car hire options often include GPS systems, which can be invaluable for finding the most efficient routes. Remember to allow extra time for your journey during peak hours to ensure a stress-free driving experience in Taunton.
Taunton's town centre has several parking options for those with a rental car. The main multi-storey car parks include Paul Street, Orchard, and Canon Street, offering convenient access to shops and attractions. On-street parking is available but often time-limited, so check signage carefully. Some areas have resident permit zones, particularly near the centre, so be mindful of these restrictions. Taunton also offers Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts, ideal for avoiding town centre congestion. When using car hire in Taunton, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with these options and any applicable charges. Remember that some car parks may have height restrictions, which could affect larger vehicles.
For exploring Somerset's rural areas around Taunton, versatile vehicles are ideal. A compact SUV or a sturdy hatchback can handle various road conditions while offering good fuel efficiency. These types of cars provide the necessary ground clearance for country lanes and the comfort for longer drives. If you're planning extensive rural exploration, consider a car with all-wheel drive for added traction on uneven surfaces. For those preferring a more eco-friendly option, many car rental services in Taunton now offer hybrid or electric vehicles, which are perfect for countryside drives. Whatever your choice, ensure your Taunton car hire has ample boot space for picnic gear or hiking equipment to make the most of Somerset's beautiful countryside.
Taunton and its surroundings offer numerous reliable petrol stations for your car rental needs. In the town centre, you'll find stations on major roads like East Reach and Toneway. For those exploring the outskirts, petrol stations are conveniently located along the M5 motorway at Taunton Deane Services. When venturing into rural Somerset, it's wise to top up in larger towns like Wellington or Bridgwater. Many supermarkets in Taunton, such as Morrisons and Sainsbury's, also have on-site petrol stations, often at competitive prices. Remember to check your hired car's fuel policy and return the vehicle with the agreed-upon fuel level to avoid additional charges. Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge when exploring Somerset's countryside to ensure a smooth journey.
When hiring a car in Taunton, it's crucial to be prepared for Somerset's changeable weather. In winter, ensure your rental car is equipped with a ice scraper and de-icer. Check that the heating system works efficiently. During summer, confirm the air conditioning is functional for comfortable driving. Year-round, it's wise to keep a small umbrella in the car due to frequent rain showers. When driving in fog, which can occur in low-lying areas of Somerset, use fog lights appropriately. In all seasons, allow extra stopping distance in wet conditions. Taunton car hire services often provide vehicles suitable for local weather, but it's always good to double-check these features before setting off on your Somerset adventure.
Driving safely on Somerset's country lanes near Taunton requires caution and awareness. Firstly, reduce your speed and be prepared for sudden bends or narrow sections. Many lanes are single track, so utilise passing places to allow oncoming traffic through. Be particularly vigilant for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. When renting a car in Taunton, familiarise yourself with its dimensions to navigate tight spots confidently. Keep left, especially on blind corners, and use your horn sparingly to alert other drivers of your presence. Be prepared for unexpected obstacles like farm vehicles or livestock. Lastly, ensure your headlights are clean and working properly, as many country lanes lack street lighting. These practices will help ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of Somerset's picturesque countryside.
While exploring Taunton and its surroundings by car, you'll find several delightful spots for breaks. The Quantock Hills, just north of Taunton, offer numerous scenic viewpoints perfect for a picnic stop. Closer to town, Vivary Park provides a tranquil green space for a quick rest. For those venturing towards the coast, the charming village of Dunster, with its medieval castle, makes an excellent pit stop. Nature lovers might enjoy a break at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, east of Taunton. When planning your car rental in Taunton, consider these locations for refreshing breaks during your journey. Remember to respect local parking regulations and leave these beautiful spots as you found them, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors to Somerset.
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