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Taunton, Somerset’s county town, has a lot of historic sites that you can cover in a day or two of sightseeing. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Taunton War Memorial
There are 490 names of Taunton residents who perished in World War I (490), and 162 names perished in World War II (162). There are three names from the conflict between Great Britain and Ireland. Most of them were built after the First World War. Additionally, the names of those who died in World War II were added to the memorial.
2. Woodlands Castle, Taunton
Woodlands Castle is a 17th-century country house wedding venue nestled in 12 acres of private parkland in the heart of Somerset. With its proximity to Taunton and all its amenities as well as transport links, this is an idyllic setting for your special day.
3. Bath Place
Until Corporation Street was cut in 1894, Bath Place was the main thoroughfare west of the town. Most of the current buildings date from the 18th century when the street was straightened and widened. The shopfronts have remained surprisingly untouched by time. Several Georgian-style buildings still retain their octagonal glazed fanlights. Similarly, the houses and gardens at Bath Place also take us back in time.
4. St Mary Magdelene Church
Ina, king of the West Saxons, probably built St. Mary Magdalene church in the early eighth century when Christianity was established in Taunton.
Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, reorganised Taunton in 1180 and built the church in stone. By 1308, Bishop Hazelshaw of Winchester changed the church’s legal standing from a chapel of Taunton Priory to a parish church with its own rector; the Revd Simon of Lyme became its first rector. A legal process called the ‘Ordination of the Vicarage’ allowed this to happen.
Besides the pillars that line the four aisles of the church – a rare feature in a parish church – it is primarily built of sandstone and painted interior. There are many statues and stained glass windows from the Victorian era.
5. Vivary Park
Taunton, Somerset, England, is home to the public open space Vivary Park.
In this 7.5 hectare (19 acres) park near the town centre, the Sherford Stream, which is a tributary of the River Tone, runs. The park has two large open spaces and a war memorial dating from 1922, a miniature golf course, tennis courts, two children’s playgrounds, a model railway track added in 1979, and a par-63 golf course.
Each year, approximately 56,000 spring and summer bedding plants are used in the park’s trees, rose beds, and herbaceous borders. A Provincial Trial Site is located in the Park’s Rose Garden. The garden is part of the European Garden Heritage Network.
6. St. James Church
has been on the present site since 1175 (12th century). Archaeological excavations inside the present church revealed the archaic foundations of this church. In the fifteenth century, the nave (main body of the church) was rebuilt on these foundations. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several extensions and reconstructions.
Taunton has two medieval churches, the other being St. Mary Magdalene. Quite heated debates have often ensued about which of them is the oldest. A priory was refounded to the northeast of the town in 1158, just west of St. James, which is outside medieval defences.
The church’s main legacy is, however, the continuing Christian worship on this site for all those years, which they strive to pass on to future generations.
7. Trull Waterfall
Trull Waterfall is just a 10-minute drive from Taunton Town Centre. Trull Waterfall is a place of personality since it is the setting of ancient folk law. During herding across the bridge above, it was said that trolls lived between the rocks of the falls and would steal the sheep and cows. An afternoon visit to Trull Waterfall with your family on a sunny afternoon is made even more enjoyable by the proximity of a local pub and Community Cafe.
8. Taunton Castle
Taunton Castle guards the town of Taunton in Somerset, England. It was built in the Anglo-Saxon period and later became a priory. Following this, the Normans constructed a castle of stone that belonged to the bishops of Winchester. The Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum are located in the heavily reconstructed inner ward of the hospital. In 1952, it was designated a Grade I listed building.
9. French Weir Park
There are 2.4 hectares of land in French Weir Park, a small neighbourhood park. The park is located along the River Tone. It’s a neighbourhood park that is enjoyed by those of all ages and serves as a way to connect residential neighbourhoods, shops, schools, and colleges.
You can play with your family and children here, and a play park is available. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry at the Weir Cafe. Enjoy a riverside picnic. You can also take a walk along the river with your dog.
10. West Somerset Railway
There is a heritage railway line called West Somerset Railway (WSR) in Somerset, England. It is 22.75 miles (36.6 km) long. It was opened in 1862 between Taunton railway station and Watchet railway station. British Rail closed the line in 1971 and reopened it as a heritage line in 1976. As a standard gauge historic railway, it is the longest in the country.
11. Hestercombe Gardens
Based near Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe House and Gardens features a unique combination of 300 years of garden design, a contemporary art gallery and award-winning visitor facilities.
In the Gardens Shop, you’ll find beautiful things for the home and garden. And in the Plant Centre, you’ll find a wide variety of plants. Entry to these facilities, along with a well-appointed picnic area and a playground for children under seven, is free. In the heart of the gardens is a restored 17th-century watermill complex that displays the original working mill machinery and showcases the use of renewable energy in the past.
You can enjoy the Somerset Gardens all year long (except Christmas day), there are many exciting events, and dogs are welcome!
12. Hestercombe House
The historic Hestercombe House is located in west Monkton, close to Taunton in Somerset county. The town is located on the Quantock Hills, England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The gardens overlook the Blackdown Hills to the south.
As an open-air Jekyll-Lutyens garden, Hestercombe House’s elegant gardens have been restored using Jekyll’s original plans (1904-07) and are visited annually by 70,000 people.
Conclusion
These 12 historical places to visit in Taunton Somerset are sure to make your trip memorable. These places will give you a glimpse into the city’s history and its surroundings. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today!
View our previous blog post here: What Type Of Roof Tiles Are The Best?
With a little bit of creativity, old slate tiles can be put to many good uses. Rather than throwing away old slate tiles and harming the environment, you can recycle them to reduce your impact on the environment, many roofing contractors will dispose of the tiles however there are many more uses for your slate roof tiles. In this blog, we will discuss some recycling ideas for slate roof tiles.
How To Recycle State Roof Tiles?
Recycling building material is a great way to save money and help protect our planet. It’s also an easy way to add value to your home. Slate tiles are one of the most common types of roofing materials used in homes today. They come in different colours and styles. Some people even use slate roofing slates as garden decorations. However, if you have old slate roof tiles lying around, it might not make sense to throw them out. Instead, you can reuse them in many ways. Here are some ideas:
1) Use them as flower pots
Slate roof tiles are ideal for making beautiful flowerpots. You can simply remove the slates from the pot and then fill them up with soil. The tiles will keep the soil moist while providing shade for plants. This is a great idea for those who live in hot climates.
2) Make a DIY slate tile fence
If you like gardening but don’t want to spend too much time doing it, you can always build yourself a DIY slate roof tile fencing. Simply take some pieces of slate and place them horizontally along the perimeter of your garden. Then, cover each piece with gravel or sand. Finally, plant flowers and herbs there.
3) Create a DIY slate roof tile planter
If you love planting trees, shrubs and other plants, you can create beautiful slate planters in your house. All you need to do is cut off the top of the slate roof tiles and then dig holes where you want to plant your plants. Fill the hole with soil and then water the plants regularly.
4) Add a DIY slate roof tile birdbath
Birdbaths are a great addition to any yard. If you want to attract more birds to your backyard, then slate could be an ideal material for an outdoor birdbath. Cut off the tops of the slate roof tiles so that they become bowls. Then, fill the bowl with fresh water and add a few stones to make it look attractive.
5) Install a DIY slate roof tile fire pit
Fire pits are very popular among homeowners these days. They provide warmth during cold winter months and offer a relaxing ambience during summer nights. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, installing a DIY slate roof tile fireplace would be a great idea. Find the perfect location in your house and just follow the same steps mentioned above and you should be able to get the job done.
6) Build a DIY slate roof tile arbour
Arbours are perfect additions to any backyard. An arbour provides shelter for plants and offers a nice view of the surrounding landscape. If you want to build an arbour, all you need to do is collect a bunch of slate roof tiles and lay them horizontally across the structure. Cover the whole thing with wood and then paint it to give it a rustic appearance.
7) Reuse old slate roof tiles as stepping stones
Another great option for recycling slate is building stepping stones. They are very useful when it comes to walking in gardens. They prevent dirt from getting into shoes and allow you to walk comfortably without slipping. Old slate roof tiles work just fine as stepping stones because they are flat and sturdy. To make things easier, you can first mark out a grid on the tiles using chalk before placing them in position.
8) Turn old slate roof tiles into a DIY slate roof tile wall
A DIY slate roof tile wall adds character and style to any room. All you need to start working on this project is a bunch of old slate roof tiles. Mark out the shape of the wall on the tiles using chalk. Next, use cement to attach them together. Once the cement has dried, apply plaster over the entire surface. Finally, paint the finished product to match the rest of the walls in the room to give it an attractive appearance.
9) Use old slate roof tiles as a DIY slate roof tile flooring
Old slate roof tiles are sturdy enough to act as flooring materials. First, you have to cut off the tops of the tiles. Then, cut out a square or rectangular pattern on each tile. You can also glue down small pieces of wood underneath the tiles to ensure stability. Apply some stain to the tiles and leave them to dry. After that, you can either sand the tiles or polish them to achieve a smooth finish.
10) Make a DIY slate roof tile shelf
Shelf units are extremely useful if you want to organize items in your kitchen. However, not many people know how easy it is to create one at home. A DIY slate roof tile shelf takes only a couple of hours to complete. Start by cutting out a piece of plywood to fit inside the unit. Then, cover the back of the plywood with felt paper. Attach the slate roof tiles to the felt paper using screws. Fill the space between the tiles with insulation foam. Finally, attach shelves to the front of the unit using hinges.
FAQs
Can you recycle slate roofs?
Yes, you can! In fact, there are several ways you can reuse your old slate roof tiles. For example, you can turn them into fireplaces, arbours, stepping stones, garden benches, and much more.
What are the advantages of using recycled slate?
Recycled slated can help you save money. Using recycled slate is also good for the environment.
Check our previous post: 12 Historical Places To Visit In Taunton Somerset, UK
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A dog’s unconditional love can be powerful medicine for any person. A new study has found that people with dogs are more likely to be satisfied with life, less lonely, and cope better with their depression. Spending time with your furry best friend is good for your health!
Places where dogs are welcome are a great way to spend time together and create a strong bonding. Here is our list of the best dog-friendly pubs and cafés in the market town of Taunton.
1. Hestercombe Gardens
This is a small parkland a few miles from Taunton that boasts beautiful formal gardens and three centuries of garden history. It offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature, even though it’s located in a busy part of the city. The garden is home to many species of birds and animals and offers spectacular views of mother nature.
2. Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal connects Bridgwater with Taunton in the southwest of England. It was opened in 1827 and links the River Tone with the River Parrett. Stroll around with your dog, soaking in the majestic beauty of the surroundings.
3. Willows and Wetlands Centre
The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is located at Stoke St Gregory, on the Somerset Levels, near Taunton, England. Located on a working farm, the centre grows and processes willow. It offers tours of more than 80 acres (0.13 sq mi) of withies, willow yards, and basket workshops, as well as information about the history of willow on the Levels.
4. West Somerset Railway
In Somerset, England, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) is a 22.75-mile (36.6 km) heritage railway line. Somerset County Council owns the line and stations.
5. Goodland Gardens
The Goodland Gardens boast three sections of parkland, including both hard-standing and grassy areas. This is an ideal setting for sporting events and fun family days. Additionally, there is a natural amphitheatre where performances can take place in the open air.
6. Sheppy’s Cider
Sheppy’s Cider is a 370-acre farm with apple orchards, a museum and a tea room besides the Longhorn herd.
7. Café 38
You can get food here at any time of the day, and dogs are allowed, which is a major plus. First-class food, attentive staff and excellent service are the hallmarks of this restaurant. Popular nearby walks include Vivary Park and Cotlake Hill Circular Walk.
8. Longrun Meadow
Located close to Taunton town centre, Longrun Meadow is a picturesque open space that is free of traffic and easily accessible for runners. The flat terrain and a network of paths provide beginners with an ideal starting point. Runners, cyclists, and walkers enjoy the meadow, making it a great place to exercise.
9. The Hub Box
The Hub Box is a great place to get delicious American street food and drinks. Besides award-winning gluten-free burgers, they are also vegan-friendly. And they allow dogs.
10. The Mango Tree
This cafe and restaurant serves food from around the world and is all vegan. A variety of teas, coffees, shakes, smoothies, and vegan beer from local breweries, are on offer at the Mango Tree.
11. The Plough
The Plough claims to be Taunton’s friendliest pub. The pub offers 20 Somerset ciders, local ales, and quirky interiors. CAMRA has previously named it the best Somerset cider pub. There is eclectic music, a great selection of food, Sunday lunches, beaten up leather sofas and a crackling log fire – an ideal location for a great family time.
12. The New Mill
To New Mill opens its doors to the public at noon and serves food all day. There is a stunning garden in the summer and a rustic log fire in the winter. The New Mill at Bathpool is located near the long winding path of the canal, just outside the hustle and bustle of Taunton. Located in a picturesque garden, the pub has a cosy, rustic interior that’s great for sipping a pint, catching up with friends and chatting the day away!
13. The Weir Cafe
The Weir Cafe is the perfect place to relax with a cup of beverage after a long walk with your dog. It’s a lovely cafe with a great deck overlooking Longmeadow and the park. Nearby walks include French Weir and Longrun Meadow
14. The World’s End
World’s End Country Pub is off the M5 and the A38 just outside Taunton. Formerly a beautiful Somerset Victorian house, this pub-restaurant now offers a secluded terrace, an exquisitely restored interior, and ample parking, making it the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner. Walks around the area: Bradford on Tone
15. The Coffee Station Taunton
This coffee shop is located in the beautiful surroundings of Vivary Park.
You can enjoy speciality coffee, fruit smoothies, plant-based light lunches, savoury and sweet breakfast options, and homemade vegan treats and cakes here.
The following are nearby walks: Vivary Park, Cotlake Hill Circular.
15. The Cross Keys
A collection of beautiful, country-style pubs awaits you at The Cross Keys. The pub serves excellent pub food, local ales, and expertly selected drinks. Whether it’s a quick drink after work, catching up with friends, or an event for the family, come and enjoy those moments with them. Local walks nearby include the Netherclay Community Woodlands.
Conclusion
Dog-friendly places to visit in Taunton Somerset are plentiful, but these 15 spots are some of the most popular ones.
Check our previous post here: What to do with Old Slate Roof Tiles UK?
How to Seal Roof Valleys?
Most roofing contractors agree that roof valleys are one of the most common places where leaks can occur on your roof. They are often susceptible to the effects of wind, rain, and snow which can all lead to leaky roofs.
What is a roof valley?
A roof valley is a small depression in the middle of a roof that allows water to run off the roof. It’s usually caused by an accumulation of ice or snow on top of the shingles. When it melts, this water runs down into the roof valley, making its way to the eaves where it can drip through the soffit onto the wall below causing a roof leak.
How To Fix A Roof Valley Leak
- Remove any loose debris from around the leaky area. This could include leaves, twigs, or even pieces of insulation. If you see any nails sticking up out of the roof decking, remove them as well.
- Check for damaged shingles or missing shingles near the leak. If there are any missing shingles, repair them before continuing with the rest of the project.
- Clean the area thoroughly using a soft brush and soap or detergent. Make sure to scrub the entire area including the edges of the roof decking.
- Use a waterproof membrane such as EPDM to cover the roof decking. You may need to use two layers depending on the size of the leak.
- Apply a layer of roof cement over the waterproof membrane. The roofing cement will help prevent moisture from getting under the membrane.
- Install flashing along the edge of the roof decking to divert water away from the roof. Flashing should be installed at least 12 inches above the highest point on the roof.
- Seal the roof decking with an asphalt-based roof coating.
- Cover the roof with tar paper. Tar paper acts as a barrier between the roof decking and the weather.
- Apply new shingles to the roof.
- Waterproof the roof decking again.
If fixing roofs is not your thing, we recommend that you get in touch with an experienced roofing professional.
Types of Roof Valley Systems
There are two types of roof valley systems:
Open valley roof
An open valley system has no covering material placed on top of the roof decking; instead, the roof decking is exposed to the elements. Open valley roofs are typically used when the roof is not expected to get very wet.
Closed valley roof
A closed valley system has some type of covering material placed on top of the roof decking. Closed valley roofs are typically used if the roof is expected to get wet. They are quite popular among homeowners. However, they do not last as long as the open valley roof.
Reasons for Roof Valley Leak
There are many reasons why roof valleys leak. Roof slopes, roofing material, roof shingles are some of the parts that contribute to leaks. Some of the other reasons include:
- Poorly designed roof vents
- Ice dams
- Rust
- Wind-driven rain
- Snowmelt
- Rainwater runoff
- High humidity levels
- Moisture condensation
- Excessive heat
- Low air pressure
- Vibrations due to construction activity
- Heavy rainfall
How to Prevent Roof Valley Leaks?
Preventing roof valley leaks is easy if you follow some basic guidelines. First, make sure that your roof has good ventilation. Your roof should have at least 1/16th inch per foot of open space between the shingles. Second, keep your gutters clean. Third, inspect your roof every year. Look for signs of damage like holes or missing shingles.
The best way to prevent roof valley leakage is to keep your roof dry. That means keeping it free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Also, make sure that the gutters are clear of obstructions.
FAQs
Should roof valleys be sealed?
Yes, they should be sealed. However, you don’t necessarily need to do it yourself. There are plenty of companies that specialize in sealing roof valleys.
Can I seal my own roof?
If you know what you’re doing, then yes, you can. But we recommend hiring someone else to do the job instead.
What kind of materials should I use to seal my roof?
You can use either a silicone-based product or a latex-based product.
Is it necessary to install flashing when sealing roof valleys?
It depends on where the leak occurs. Installing flashing is not required in all cases. However, it’s highly recommended if the leak happens near the eaves or ridgeline.
Check our previous post here: What Is GRP Roofing (UK)?
If you have a roof leak that happens during heavy rainfall, it is important to know how to fix the problem. Heavy winds during storms can wreak havoc on your home. Consequently, if a water leak occurs, water damage to your house can be very expensive and time-consuming to repair. This article will help you learn what causes leaks in roofs and how to prevent them from occurring again.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Roofs are made up of different materials such as metal or wood. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to handling rainwater. Metal roofs tend to hold water better than other types because they are more resistant to corrosion. However, they also require regular maintenance which makes them expensive. Wood roofs are less expensive but they do not last very long. They are prone to rot and decay due to moisture. This means that they need to be replaced every few years. If you have a wood roof, then make sure to check for cracks regularly. If there are any, then repair them immediately.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks During Heavy Rains
Flashing Issues
If your flashing is damaged, this can cause rainwater to seep into your attic. This can lead to mould growth and other problems.
Gutters can clog up easily. If you have a clogged gutter, water can flow towards your roof.
Improperly Installed Shingles
Shingles should be installed properly so that they don’t get torn off by the wind. Also, shingles should overlap each other at least 3 inches. This helps to keep out water.
Cracked Walls
A cracked wall can allow water to seep through. You can use caulking to seal the crack.
Damaged Attic Insulation
The insulation in an attic may become wet due to condensation.
Improperly Sealed Valleys
If you have improperly sealed valleys, this can allow water into your attic.
Faulty Attic Ventilation
Attics should always be ventilated properly. If you don’t, then you could end up with condensation inside your attic. This will lead to mould growth and even a fire hazard.
Old or broken shingles
Shingles tend to dry out quickly when it gets hot. If you have old shingles, this can cause them to crack and cause leaky roofs.
Cracked Siding
Cracks in your siding can allow water to enter your house.
Incorrectly installed chimneys
Chimney leaks can occur because of incorrect installation. If this is the case, water can enter inside your house.
Ice Dam Buildup
An ice dam buildup can occur when the snow melts on top of your roof. Water can then run down the side of your roof and into your attic.
How to Fix a Leaking Roof During
If you notice that your flat roof or pitched roof has a leak, you should try to stop it before it causes more damage. There are several ways to stop a leak.
Fix the Source
This is usually the easiest way to fix a leak. If you see that the source of the leak is something that you can control, you should take care of it right away. For example, if you have a hole in your roof caused by a tree branch, you should cut the branch off and seal up the hole.
Use Temporary Fixes
If you cannot fix the source of the leak, you can still temporarily stop the leak. You can use tarps, buckets, or sandbags to cover the leak.
Call a Professional
If none of these solutions works, you should call a professional roofer. Your local roofing company will be able to assess the situation and find a solution for you.
How Do You Temporarily Stop a Roof Leak?
You can use sandbags or tarps to cover a leak until you get some time to fix it properly. To create a temporary fix, you will need:
- Sandbags
- Tarps
- A bucket
- Waterproof tape
Fill the bucket with enough water so that it covers the leak. Then place the bucket under the leak and add sandbags around it. Add waterproof tape to the edges of the sandbag to ensure that no water escapes.
How To Prevent Roof Leaks From Occurring Again
The best way to avoid roof leaks is to install a quality roofing system on your home. The most common types of roofing systems include asphalt shingles, tile, slate, copper, and cedar shakes. These all come with their own benefits and drawbacks so it is important to choose one that works best for your needs. For example, if you live in an area where snow falls often, then you should consider installing a waterproof roofing material like slate or copper. Slate is durable and lasts longer than other roofing materials. It is also inexpensive and easy to install.
FAQs
How long can you leave a leaking roof?
Ideally, you shouldn’t let your roof leak for long. Unless, the leak is at a difficult spot on the roof, you should take some DIY steps to minimise water leak.
Can a loose shingle cause a roof leak?
Yes, a loose shingle has the potential to cause roof leaks and it should be attended to promptly.
Does home insurance cover roof leaks?
In the UK, most insurance companies cover roof leaks. It may, however, be difficult to get your roof repaired or roof replaced if you do not maintain your roof regularly.
Check our previous post here: How to Stop Moss Growing on Roof Tiles?