Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset
A tributary of the river tone flows through this 7.5 hectare park at the top of the high street in the county town of Taunton. It’s a delight to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre and the shops and spend a bit of time strolling around the pathways, the flower beds profuse with all kinds of colourful displays in the spring and summer. The park has retained much of its Victorian character and besides a certain air of elegance, there’s everything a municipal park should have; huge ornate cast iron gates, a bandstand and a fountain, and right down the end you’ll find a paddling pool and a children’s play area with a tree trail. Don’t be surprised if you hear the soft thwack of a tennis ball on racket strings – there are courts within the park, and there’s even a golf course and a bowling green as well as the popular Vivary Adventure Centre. Opening times vary throughout the year, with the gates closing later in the summer months.
All information correct at the time of writing