Castle Hotel

While the Chapman family has cared for the property for around 70 years, this period forms only a small part of the Castle’s long history, which reaches back to the Norman era. Historians believe the Castle began to take shape between 1107 and 1129, during the time of Bishop William Giffard, when it served as the main center for managing the Norman Bishop’s estate and played an important role in regional life.

For several centuries, the Castle was shaped by periods of conflict. It played a defensive role and was involved in major national events, including a siege during the English Civil War in 1644. This phase ended in 1662, when orders were given to dismantle its military purpose, marking a turning point in its history. In 1685, the Duke of Monmouth arrived in Taunton and declared himself king. Contemporary accounts suggest his officers stayed at the Castle Inn shortly before his defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor and his execution soon after.

By the 18th century, the Castle had moved firmly into a more peaceful role. Records from 1786 show it operating as an inn, offering food, drink, and beds to travelers passing through the West of England. Over time, the Castle evolved from a place of power and conflict into a welcoming stop for visitors, a role it continues to hold today.

The Castle Hotel is a Grade II listed building, shaped by many changes over time. It originally faced North Street, while the side overlooking Castle Green was developed later. For a period, this part of the building even operated separately as Clarke’s Hotel, showing how the site grew and adapted with the town.

The main stone frontage facing Castle Green dates mostly to the late 18th century. It features traditional stonework and a mix of window styles added at different times. Some windows have stone frames and leaded glass, while others have pointed shapes with a Gothic look. Parts of the upper floors were added in the 20th century as the building expanded to meet changing needs.

The main entrance is marked by a stone porch with decorative detailing and double wooden doors. Although the building remains historic in character, recent updates focus on keeping it practical and well maintained. After delays during the pandemic, refurbishment work restarted in 2022, including improvements to key public areas and service spaces, helping the hotel continue to function comfortably within its historic setting.

Brazz

Brazz is the on-site restaurant at the Castle Hotel and has been operating since 1998. It serves meals throughout the day. The menu is built around ingredients sourced from the West Country, with dishes that reflect local produce and seasonal availability. Expect regional items such as Quantock lamb and Brixham crab, alongside long-standing dishes like the Brazz fishcakes.

They also have a children’s menu with favorites such as fish & chips, burgers, or sandwiches, and don't miss the Classic Brazz Brownie or a selection of homemade ice cream. Brazz has been overseen by several notable head chefs over the years, including Phil Vickery, Richard Guest, and Liam Finnegan. Today, it continues to offer a varied menu that suits a range of tastes while staying rooted in local food traditions.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am - 10 am (Monday to Saturday); 8 am - 10:45 am (Sundays and Bank Holidays)
Lunch: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm (Monday to Saturday)

The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room is a quiet shared space within the Castle Hotel, and is designed as a calm area to sit and take a break, whether you are starting your day with tea or coffee, or stopping by later for light refreshments. This is also where afternoon tea is served.

Alongside this, food and drinks are available throughout the day and evening, including pastries, snacks, sandwiches, and items such as smoked salmon. Many guests use the room for reading, informal meetings, or a relaxed catch-up with friends. An adjoining snug offers a more enclosed seating area and can be booked for private use, making it suitable for small gatherings.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is served in the Drawing Room and is available to both hotel guests and visitors. The traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Somerset clotted cream and jam, and a selection of homemade cakes and pastries.

It is served with tea or coffee from a loose leaf tea selection and is priced at £GBP SD 37.56) per person. A champagne afternoon tea is also offered, which includes the same food selection with the addition of a glass of champagne, priced at GBP 41 (USD 55.99) per person.

The Castle Hotel provides a flexible setting for weddings of varying sizes, with spaces that suit both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations. Each wedding is planned on an individual basis, allowing couples to shape the day around their preferences, guest numbers, and overall style. The hotel’s events team works closely with couples throughout the planning process, offering support with venue selection, room layouts, timings, and coordination across the hotel.

Food is an important part of weddings at the Castle Hotel. The kitchen team prepares a range of menu options for wedding breakfasts and receptions, with flexibility to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. The events team also assists with group accommodation arrangements for guests staying at the hotel.

The Penthouse
Venue type and style: An intimate space with views across Taunton and access to a private roof terrace, suitable for smaller weddings or private celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 20 guests.

The Music Room
Venue type and style: A larger room with high ceilings, designed for reception-style events and gatherings with family and friends.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests.

The Garden Room
Venue type and style: Located on the ground floor, this room can seat up to 50 guests for a banquet. It can also be combined with the Wisteria Room to create a larger L-shaped space.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests when combined.

The Wisteria Room
Venue type and style: A light-filled room with views of the wisteria during the summer months, suitable for dining or wedding ceremonies. The room can connect with the Garden Room for larger celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests when combined.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Castle Hotel regularly hosts a changing programme of events that guests may be able to join during their stay, which often include themed dinner nights, where a four-course menu is created around a specific cuisine or idea, and chef-led tasting experiences that showcase seasonal ingredients and regional influences. The hotel occasionally acts as a venue for live music and cultural events, including chamber music performances by visiting ensembles. These events are usually ticketed and open to both hotel guests and the local community.

Guests staying at the Castle Hotel are well placed to explore Taunton on foot. A short walk leads to the Museum of Somerset, where local history is set within the remains of Taunton Castle. Nearby, Vivary Park offers open green space, formal gardens, and seasonal events, while French Weir Park follows the River Tone and provides quieter paths for walking. Those looking for activities can visit Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre, which offers golf and family-friendly options. In the evenings, Queen’s Hall Theatre hosts a varied program of plays, concerts, and touring performances, adding a cultural stop to the day.

The Castle Hotel offers several spaces suitable for meetings, conferences, and private events. The hotel has five function rooms of varying sizes, which can be arranged in different layouts depending on the type of event. For smaller meetings or private entertaining, the Penthouse offers a contained setting at the top of the hotel, with access to a private terrace. The space can accommodate up to 30 guests.

Larger conferences and seminars are often held in the Music Room, which can seat up to 100 people and includes presentation facilities. The Garden Room and Wisteria Room are commonly used for gala dinners and receptions, either separately or combined. For fully private dining, Castle Bow offers an intimate setting for smaller groups.