Car Hire in Taunton
Taunton is the county town of Somerset, sitting in the Vale of Taunton Deane between the Quantock Hills and the Blackdown Hills. It is a market town with a long history, a busy modern centre, and excellent road connections into the West Country. A hire car here is the key to exploring not just Taunton itself, but also the Somerset coast, Exmoor National Park, and the cathedral city of Exeter, all within easy reach. Whether you are visiting for the races, the cider country, or a walking holiday, having your own transport makes the experience far richer.
Taunton is served by the M5 motorway, which runs north to Bristol and south to Exeter, and the A358, which provides access to the coast at Minehead and the Quantocks. The town centre is compact and walkable, but traffic can build up on the approaches to the M5 junctions, particularly during morning and evening peaks. Parking is available in several multi-storey car parks and surface lots, with charges varying by location. The surrounding rural roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding in the hills, so allow extra time and drive to the conditions.
Somerset / South West England
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M5, A358, A303
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Taunton Station (Great Western Main Line)
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Exmoor, Quantock Hills, Minehead, Exeter
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Compact Car for Town and Local Trips
A compact or economy car is ideal for Taunton town centre and short trips into Somerset. Parking spaces in the centre and at popular attractions can be limited, so a smaller vehicle is easier to manage. Fuel costs also stay reasonable for the mix of town and country driving that this area involves.
Estate or SUV for Exmoor and Rural Somerset
If you are planning to explore Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, or travel with family and outdoor gear, a larger vehicle is worth considering. Boot space is useful for walking boots, coats, and picnic supplies, and the added comfort shows on the narrow, winding lanes of rural Somerset. Choose a size you are confident driving on tight country roads.
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Taunton has been a market town since Saxon times, and the bustle of trade still fills the streets on market days. The castle, now the Somerset County Museum, dominates the centre, and the church of St Mary Magdalene rises above the rooftops with one of the tallest towers in the West Country. But Taunton is not a museum piece; it is a working town with a modern edge.
What draws many visitors is what lies beyond the town. Somerset is cider country, with orchards and farm shops scattered across the vale. The Quantock Hills, England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rise to the north-west, while Exmoor's wilder moorland stretches away to the west. The coast at Minehead and Watchet is within reach, and the seaside traditions of the West Country are alive and well.
A hire car turns Taunton into a base camp for the whole region. You can spend the morning in the town's independent shops and cafes, the afternoon walking on Exmoor, and the evening in a village pub without worrying about the last bus. That freedom is especially valuable in a rural county where public transport can be infrequent.
For those arriving by train, Taunton station is a major stop on the Great Western Main Line. A rental car picked up nearby extends your reach into the lanes of Somerset, the cliffs of North Devon, and the harbours of Cornwall, all within a day's drive.
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- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Parking in Taunton Town Centre
Taunton has several multi-storey and surface car parks in and around the town centre. Charges vary by location and duration, with some offering evening and weekend discounts. On-street parking is available in some areas but often restricted during business hours. Always check signage before leaving your vehicle.
The M5 and West Country Access
The M5 is the main north-south route through Somerset and can be busy during peak periods, particularly around the Taunton and Bridgwater junctions. Delays also build up after incidents and during holiday weekends. Check the live route before you set off, and allow extra time for traffic.
Rural Roads in Somerset
Somerset's rural roads are scenic but can be narrow, with high hedgerows and occasional farm traffic. The Quantock and Blackdown Hills have steep gradients and tight bends. Take your time, use passing places where provided, and be prepared for mud and leaves on the road after wet weather.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: UK official tourism information.
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Taunton to Exmoor National Park
Exmoor lies to the west of Taunton and is one of the most beautiful national parks in England, with moorland, woodland, and a dramatic coastline. The A358 and smaller local roads provide access. Allow plenty of time, as the roads are narrow and winding, and the scenery invites frequent stops. Porlock, Lynmouth, and Dunster are all worth visiting.
Taunton to the Somerset Coast
The Somerset coast stretches from Minehead in the west to Burnham-on-Sea in the east, with the Quantock Hills rising behind it. Minehead, Watchet, and Blue Anchor are all within reach from Taunton. The A358 provides the main access, with smaller roads leading down to the sea. Check the live route, as rural roads can be slow.
Taunton to Exeter
Exeter, the cathedral city of Devon, is south along the M5. The journey is straightforward but can be congested during peak hours, particularly near the Somerset-Devon border. For a more scenic alternative, the A396 follows the River Exe through attractive countryside, though it takes longer.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I collect a hire car in Taunton?
Rental pickups in Taunton are typically arranged in or near the town centre. Some suppliers offer collection close to the railway station for travellers arriving by train. Your voucher will confirm the exact location and pickup instructions after booking.
Do I need a car in Taunton?
Taunton has a railway station with direct trains to London, Bristol, and Exeter, and local buses serve the town and some surrounding villages. However, a hire car is highly recommended if you want to explore Exmoor, the Somerset coast, or the Quantock Hills. Public transport to rural areas is limited, especially outside summer.
What is driving like in Somerset?
Major routes like the M5 and A303 are well maintained but busy during peak times. Rural roads in Somerset are narrow, with high hedgerows and occasional farm traffic. The Quantock and Blackdown Hills have steep gradients and tight bends. Always drive to the conditions and allow extra time.
Can I visit Exmoor from Taunton by car?
Yes, Exmoor is easily reachable from Taunton by car. The A358 and local roads take you into the national park within a reasonable drive. Roads are scenic but narrow and winding, so allow extra time. Porlock, Lynmouth, and Dunster are popular destinations, and parking is available but can fill up in summer.
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