Things to Do in Near Holiday Inn Express Taunton East

Cheddar Gorge, around 40 minutes' drive from the hotel, is famed for its for its dramatic cliffs and caverns. You can visit Gough's and Cox's show caves to see their impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations. There are also many walking routes to explore, or you can take an open-top double-decker bus tour for sweeping views of the gorge and surrounding area.

Much of Hestercombe House, 15 minutes' drive from the hotel, was rebuilt during the 18th century, including its Georgian facade. But the expansive, impeccably manicured gardens are the real attraction here. Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian garden designs can be seen in the ponds, cascades, formal terraces and peaceful woodland walks laid out over 50 acres.

Half an hour's drive from the hotel, the Quantock Hills encompass densely wooded valleys and open heathland that's home to a rich variety of wildlife, including herds of red deer. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region offers mountain biking and hiking opportunities, as well as views stretching across much of Somerset.

While in Taunton, be sure to try some of Somerset's culinary specialities. The area is renowned for its ciders and Cheddar cheeses. Local West Country ciders can be sampled at traditional pubs around town. At Beech Hayes Farm in the Blackdown Hills, just 20 minutes' drive from the hotel, you can browse for local produce, including the farm's own homemade sausages, bacon and burgers.

• Blackbrook Business Park
• Brean
• Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
• Bridgwater
• Cheddar Gorge
• Clarks Village
• Coates English Willow Visitor Centre
• Cornwall
• Crealy Theme Park
• EDF Hinckley Point
• Exmoor National Park
• Fleet Air Arm Museum
• Glastonbury Abbey
• Glastonbury Festival - Worthy Farm
• Hestercombe House & Gardens
• Quantock Hills
• Taunton Racecourse
• Museum of Somerset