Shopping in Somerset
In addition to all the usual High Street names, we are home to a large number of independent shopping experiences. Here's what our Care Professional's recommended!
Willow and Wetlands Visitor Centre, Stoke St Gregory
Founded by willow grower and merchant Robert Coate in 1819 and still run by the family today, you will find truly unique experience! They stock an enormous range of willow baskets made by their team of skilled craftsmen and women using their own home-grown willow. You can even request handmade bespoke items, have a guided tour or experience a willow workshop!
They also have a museum, which is free of charge, or you can explore the surrounding are with 3 different paths to choose from or a willow sculpture trail that’s not just for the children! They have a lovely courtyard of shops to explore and after you’re all shopped out, enjoy a coffee and cake from the Lemon Tree Café.
Located North East of Taunton, Coates English Willows & Wetlands Centre has onsite parking and welcome dogs on leads. To discover the route there, click here.
“Very good afternoon. Great introduction film. It’s a joy to see that these beautiful old crafts are being kept alive and thriving. Great examples in the museum. Well worth visiting.” Gwen
Bath Place, Taunton
Bath Place is a charming pedestrian shopping street in Taunton town centre. Home to independently owned business offering a amazing range of goods and services.
Shrouded in history, Bath Place’s narrow lane was the main route into Taunton from Exeter in the Middle Ages. The street was straightened in the 18th century and the buildings mostly date from this time. Bath Place features on Taunton’s heritage trail and many of the shop fronts still have their Georgian octagonal fanlights!
Businesses on Bath Place pride themselves on their customer service and work together to make visiting the street an enjoyable and attractive proposition, whether shopping, eating or getting a haircut or beauty treatment.
As this delightful shopping experience is in the center of Taunton, the best place to park is the Crescent Car Park.
“Still a thriving little shopping alley with lots of charm. Over 30 years of interesting shops and cultural experiences. From records to incense, books to fresh food. Great hidden treasure!” Kayleigh
Wellington High Street, Wellington
There’s not many places in England where you can find so much variety in one place. Well in wellington, you can!
Not only is Wellington host to many well-known high street stores, there is an eclectic collection of small shops that take away the feeling of being pressured into a purchase. Wellington is a great day to explore and browse at your own pace.
One of our favourites here at Home Instead is The Emporium. An absolute Aladdin’s cave with something for everyone. You must explore this fantastic old chapel, housing a collection of individual traders selling handcrafted and fair-trade products. Ranging from antiques and furniture to stylish treats and gifts. Bursting with over 50 shops under one roof, the emporium is a must see!
Our Care Professionals recommended parking in North Street car park, however there are a few others to choose from.
“A beautiful place to browse – and buy – a range of crafts, gifts, furniture and more. It has lots of individual units showcasing work by local jewellers, artists, recycled and upcycled goods – you are truly spoilt for choice!” Hannah
Hatchers, Taunton
Hatchers is one of the country’s longest established department stores. Their origins can be traced back to a drapery store set up way back in 1775. Still family run and proudly independent, they aim to offer the people of Taunton and the surrounding area an alternative shopping experience from that found elsewhere on the High Street. The store is conveniently located close to three of the town’s main car parks and is attached to Orchard Shopping Centre.
Hatchers has a long-established reputation in the area and their team under go specialist training to ensure they have expert level knowledge on the very latest products.
Inside the department store, you will find clothing, electricals, homeware, craft supplies, toys. There is not much you cannot find at Hatchers department store and before you head home with your shopping bags full, have some lunch in The Ferns restaurant and coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch and light bites.
You will find Hatchers of the High Street, backing onto the Orchard Shopping Centre.
“Love this store Great choice of ladies cloths bought some to day plus shoes and a radio. and of course, had a coffee in the Restaurant The staff are most helpful and like a bit of fun to brighten up your day” Wendy
Clarks Village, Street
Nestled in the heart of Somerset just one mile from the world-famous town of Glastonbury and Glastonbury Tor, Clarks Village is no ordinary designer shopping outlet. Less than 20 minutes from the M5, you’ll find traditional paved walkways, beautiful landscaped gardens, a stylish restaurant terrace with indoor and outdoor dining, a choice of coffee shops and of course, an unrivalled selection of discount designer and high street stores.
Clarks Village is an outlet shopping village in Street. It was established in 1993 on the site of old C&J Clark factory buildings. If you wish to Escape to the green heart of Somerset and enjoy a varied shopping experience with more than 90 designer and high-street brands, we advise calling the store or checking the website to check their opening hours.
Find out how to get to this unique retail hub here.
“Lovely maintained gardens, flowers are beautiful, such a nice an atmosphere walking around the village, love all the open wide spaces, cute deck chairs, the shops are welcoming. We had lovely meal and the toilets are so clean. Definitely going back.” Jade
