Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Historic Family-Owned Hotel in Taunton
The Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, is a unique family-owned establishment with a rich heritage spanning over 70 years. Founded in 1950 by Peter and Etty Chapman, the hotel has been meticulously restored and evolved under three generations of the Chapman family, maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional hospitality. Our ethos centres on providing warm welcomes, personal attention, and exemplary service, ensuring every guest experiences the charm of a historic building combined with modern comforts.The award-winning kitchen showcases the finest local ingredients from the West Country, while our individually designed rooms and event spaces cater to diverse needs, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Situated in the heart of Taunton, we serve as an ideal base for exploring Somerset's landscapes and cultural attractions, blending tradition with innovation in a setting steeped in history.
Services
Overnight Stays
Award-Winning Dining
Weddings
Private Events
Afternoon Tea
Meeting Rooms
EV Charging
Gift Vouchers
Local Exploration
Sustainable Practices
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- Family-owned heritage spanning three generations since 1950
- Award-winning kitchen using locally sourced West Country ingredients
- Individually designed rooms with modern comforts in a historic setting
- Versatile event spaces for weddings, conferences, and celebrations
- Sustainable practices including energy-efficient kitchen upgrades
What people say
Warm welcomes
Award-winning kitchen
Perfect weddings
Historic setting
Attentive staff
Services
Overnight Stays
Experience individually designed rooms with modern comforts in a historic setting. Each space features unique decor, king-sized beds, and amenities like Bramley toiletries. Ideal for business travelers, families, and couples seeking romantic breaks with flexible configurations.
Award-Winning Dining
Savor locally sourced West Country ingredients transformed by skilled chefs. From breakfast pastries to gastronomic dinners, our menus highlight regional produce. The award-winning Brazz restaurant offers eclectic cuisine in a chic environment with private dining options available.
Weddings
Host bespoke weddings in historic venues with panoramic views. Our dedicated team manages every detail from intimate ceremonies to grand receptions. Packages include venue hire, catering, accommodation, and exclusive use options for complete privacy and personalisation.
Private Events
Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events in versatile spaces. The Penthouse offers rooftop terraces for 6-10 guests, while larger venues accommodate up to 100 people with custom menus and full-service support for memorable occasions.
Afternoon Tea
Indulge in traditional or champagne afternoon tea in The Drawing Room's art deco setting. Includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, homemade cakes, and premium teas served on vintage china for a quintessentially British experience.
People
Nicholas Chapman
Chairman & CEO
Third-generation leader with a digital marketing background, Nicholas oversees strategic direction while preserving family hospitality values established since 1950.
David Plant
Hotel Manager
Joined in 2020, David brings extensive hospitality experience, focusing on maintaining The Castle's reputation for exceptional guest experiences through dedicated service standards.
Anna Bajera
Office Manager
Managing finance and HR since 2023, Anna combines operational expertise with deep knowledge of hotel operations gained through 18 years of progressive roles within the business.
Stuart Carter
Facilities & Building Manager
Responsible for maintaining the historic building's integrity since 2009, Stuart oversees continuous modernisation projects while preserving architectural heritage across this complex 70-year-old structure.
Laura Harris
Events Manager
Promoted in 2024, Laura leads wedding and event coordination, managing logistics from initial planning to execution for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.
Questions
Does The The Castle Hotel offer event planning services?
Yes, our dedicated Events Team assists with weddings, conferences, and private parties.
Are pets allowed at The The Castle Hotel?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior arrangement.
Is there electric vehicle charging available?
Yes, we have four 22kW EV chargers with pay-per-use pricing.
What dining options are available?
We offer breakfast, afternoon tea, fine dining in Brazz, and private dining experiences.
Can I book rooms for group stays?
Yes, we provide group reservations and tailored accommodation packages.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility needs?
We have accessible rooms and facilities - please contact us for specific requirements.
Reviews (7)
Justin Fryer
Jun 27, 2022
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Beautiful building with loads of character and history, filled with some beautiful antique pieces and very friendly staff. Attended for a birthday afternoon tea which was good if not exceptional. They did bring my partner a birthday dish wishing her a happy 87th which as she had just turned 56 provided much amusement to the rest of the group
Richard Dennis
Jun 21, 2022
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Stayed here for two nights recently and everything was just right. Lovely room, good food, nice staff. Would definitely go back.
Jo Oaten
Jun 11, 2022
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I came on Saturday for afternoon tea, with my friend who bought this treat for my birthday. Little disappointed the table was sticky the plates were stuck to the table, would have been nicer with white table cloths. The jam, cream and milk were already on the table when we arrived? How long had that been out? It should have come with the scones. The food was lovely cannot fault that. Also would have been nicer if the staff were wearing uniform. Not skinny black jeans!
Sally Hitchman
Jun 01, 2022
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Lovely Hotel, friendly staff who could not do enough for you. Food was lovely, we did the Bed and Breakfast and evening meal deal. We stayed for two nights. Have booked to go again. Only problem it is so good, its getting very booked up.
Hamish Osborn
May 19, 2022
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Just excellent. Family run and owned hotel. Super staff, beautiful venue, great facilities. Class venue. Not inexpensive but excellent value. Thank you 'Harry' and all the team.
Tim Von Seld
May 07, 2022
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Went for afternoon tea, very regal and impressive. Excellent service, made us feel very welcome, large selection of teas food, scones finger sandwiches and mini cakes very good, took some home couldn't eat it all so good value for money.
Dara Cadden-Kelly
Apr 20, 2022
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The Castle is absolutely beautiful and centrally located. My room was lovely. I had breakfast and dinner from the restaurant and I was happy with the food and the service. The front desk folks really looked after me. I loved everything about this hotel. Bonus: the Museum of Somerset is right beside it. I hope to be back someday!
