If you have 7 days to spend in Taunton Deane, here are some suggestions:
Visit Taunton Castle, which includes the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum. Allow at least 2 hours for the visit.
Stroll through Vivary Park and enjoy the gardens, playgrounds, and mini-golf courses. You could also visit the nearby Somerset Cricket Museum, which is located inside the County Ground. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the visit.
Explore the Hestercombe Gardens, a stunning landscape garden that includes Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian influences. Allow at least half a day for the visit.
Discover the West Somerset Railway, a heritage railway that runs between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The journey takes about 2.5 hours each way, so you could spend the whole day exploring the railway and the various stops along the route.
Take a trip to the seaside town of Minehead, located at the end of the West Somerset Railway. Enjoy the beaches, the harbour, and the town's historic connections to smuggling. Allow at least half a day for the visit.
Head to the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take a hike, enjoy a picnic, or simply admire the stunning scenery. Allow at least half a day for the visit.
Explore the nearby city of Wells, which includes the stunning Wells Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and the Vicars' Close. Allow at least half a day for the visit.
As for accommodation, there are various options in Taunton, including the Premier Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Castle Hotel. For a more rural experience, you could stay in a farmhouse or a bed and breakfast in the nearby countryside.