About
The Museum of Somerset is the county museum for Somerset, housed within the magnificent medieval surroundings of Taunton Castle in the heart of the county town. With origins dating to 1849, the museum holds one of the most important and varied regional collections in South West England, telling the story of Somerset's extraordinary 12,000 years of human history through objects, art, natural specimens, and personal stories.
Taunton Castle itself is an attraction of the first order. The Great Hall of this twelfth-century fortress, where Judge Jeffreys presided over the notorious Bloody Assize trials following Monmouth's Rebellion in 1685, provides an atmospheric and historically resonant setting for the museum's collections. The castle's medieval architecture, visible throughout the museum, adds depth and drama to every display within it.
The archaeological collections are among the most significant in England and include world-class treasures of international importance. The Frome Hoard — discovered in a Somerset field in 2010 — is one of the largest Roman coin hoards ever found in Britain, comprising 52,503 coins including rare examples featuring the emperor Carausius. The Shapwick Hoard of Roman silver coins, the Langport Gold, and numerous other outstanding archaeological finds from across Somerset place the museum's collections among the most significant in any English county museum.
Natural history displays celebrate Somerset's exceptional biodiversity, from the internationally important wetlands of the Somerset Levels to the limestone gorges of the Mendip Hills. The county's distinctive mosaic of habitats — peat moors, coastal marshes, chalk downlands, and ancient woodland — supports remarkable wildlife, and the museum's collections reflect this richness through specimens, dioramas, and interactive displays.
The social and cultural history of Somerset is explored through displays covering farming and rural life, the county's distinctive food and drink traditions (including the celebrated tradition of Somerset cider making), local crafts and industries, and the experiences of communities across the county from the medieval period to the twentieth century. The museum underwent a major £4 million transformation between 2007 and 2011, reopening with dramatically improved displays, interpretation, and visitor facilities that make it one of the most impressive county museums in England.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Allow extra time for the Frome Hoard gallery — reading about the discovery story and examining the coins is one of the great pleasures of any museum visit in Somerset.
- The castle building itself is part of the attraction — look up at the medieval stonework and original architectural features throughout your visit.
- Free entry makes this one of the best value cultural days out in the South West — the quality of the collections rivals much better-known national institutions.
- Visit on a weekday to enjoy a quieter experience — the museum can become busy with school groups in term time, particularly in the morning.
- The cafe's courtyard seating is a lovely spot for refreshments on a sunny day — the castle courtyard is a genuinely historic space.
- Combine with a visit to the Somerset County Cricket Ground nearby if visiting during the cricket season.
- The museum's coverage of prehistoric Somerset pairs perfectly with a subsequent visit to Glastonbury or the Cheddar Gorge caves.
- Check the website for the current temporary exhibition programme — the rotating gallery keeps the museum fresh for repeat visitors.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The museum holds a Designated Collection of national significance, encompassing prehistoric, Roman, and medieval archaeology, natural history, social history, fine art, and archival material relating to Somerset and the South West of England.
12,000 Years of Somerset
The museum's flagship gallery tracing the human story of Somerset from the Mesolithic period to the present day through outstanding objects, interactive displays, and personal stories.
The Frome Hoard
Dedicated gallery displaying 52,503 Roman coins discovered in Somerset in 2010, including rare coins of the emperor Carausius — one of the most significant Roman hoards ever found in Britain.
Taunton Castle: A Castle's Story
The history of Taunton Castle itself, from its Norman origins through the Civil War and the infamous Bloody Assize of 1685 to its current use as museum and cultural venue.
Natural Somerset
Natural history of Somerset's remarkable landscapes including the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, and Exmoor, with specimens, fossils, and interactive displays celebrating the county's biodiversity.
Somerset Living
Social history of Somerset's rural communities, farming traditions, crafts, cider making, and food culture across the centuries.
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Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.