Riverside Church

There's something rather special about finding a church that's actually used and loved by its congregation, rather than just preserved like a museum piece. Riverside Church sits just outside Taunton and it's a genuinely working parish church with real character. The building itself rewards a proper look - the kind of place where you notice details rather than just walk straight through.

It's ideal if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Cornish Farm or Ashe Farm and fancy a gentle afternoon wander. The location on the edge of Taunton means you can combine it with a proper explore of the town itself, which has its own decent market and high street. Families with older kids will find it interesting enough for twenty minutes or so, though it won't hold younger children's attention for long.

One significant caveat: this isn't a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no dramatic architecture that'll make you gasp. It's a working church, so access can be limited depending on services and events. Best to check locally before making the journey. If you're into ecclesiastical architecture or just appreciate the quietness of these spaces, it's worth stopping by. But if you're looking for something to anchor half a day around, Taunton's museums and the surrounding Somerset Levels countryside will serve you better. The parks at Secret Valley or 5 Acres on the Somerset Levels put you nicely positioned to explore both the spiritual and natural side of the area.