Taunton 

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Taunton lies on the River Tone between the Quantock, Blackdown and Brendon hills in an area known as the Vale of Taunton. Probably most famous for the part it played in the Monmouth rebellion and the subsequent bloody assizes. King Charles II died without a legitimate heir and so was succeeded by his staunchly catholic brother, James II.

Cider and scrumpy fans will be delighted to know that Taunton is at the heart of the West Country’s cider industry, this is the place to come to enjoy a good pint of Scrumpy.

• The town is home to Somerset County Museum and the County Cricket Ground where Somerset County Cricket Club play. It is also part of the annual West Country Carnival circuit, which lights up the streets of Somerset every October.