Vivary Park has always amazed residents no matter how long they've lived here. With little pockets of natural landscaping and vast lawns, flowers and lake it becomes a place for active children and a haven for the more mature.

A Brief History

The history of public parks goes back to ancient Greece where certain parts of the city of Athens were given over to the enjoyment of the public. However, it was not until Victorian times that, through the Public Health Acts, new powers enabled enlightened local authorities in the UK to provide public open spaces for public enjoyment. The main purpose of the new legislation was to encourage healthier lifestyles and to provide recreational opportunity for the urban working class. The Public Health Act of 1875 paved way for Taunton Deane Borough Council to purchase the land (including the tennis courts and pavilion) in 1894 from the Kinglake family.           

The park occupies the land that in medieval times was the fish farm or vivarium for the priory and castle. There are no visible remains of the lakes now but this ancient use lives on in the park's name 'Vivary’. 

Since 1851 the park has been the venue for the public events and the annual town flower show.  These events were permitted by the owners of the parkland, the Kinglake family who lived in Wilton House which is behind the lake and is now a residential home for the elderly. 

The purchase of the land for Vivary Park was completed by 13 December 1894 for the sum of £3,659 (around £230,000 today). Early the following year designs were prepared together with cost estimates amounting £5,698 (around £360,000 today). 

The park was laid out in 1895. The front gates and the bandstand and one shelter date from this time. In 1902 an oak tree was planted close to the bandstand to mark the coronation of Edward VII. With funds left over from the celebrations, the fountain was commissioned as a memorial to the late Queen Victoria. It was unveiled in 1907. The war memorial dates from 1922 with a formal garden centred around it with post and chain ivy swags and seats placed in the bays of the semi circular path.  In 1927 the putting green was laid out and in 1928 the golf course opened. The boating pond and the National Rose Society Provincial Trial Ground around the war memorial were added in the 1960s. The model railway track was added in 1979 and the playground next to the tennis courts in 1980.

Alternatively, why not bring your partner or children and challenge each other to a round of putting on the putting green then finish off with an ice-cream. It's cheap, it's fun, it's in the town centre and it's for every one. See you there!

Why not make a day of it and bring the whole family for a picnic. With many designated areas, such as those next to the Bird Aviary are ideal for those that want to sit at a table. Alternatively, find a spot in the sun on the grassed areas or just take snooze under the glade of a tree. You'll love it!

Vivary Park is a haven for many birds and at the parks waterways you'll find the lake side walk, which has paths all around it. Stroll under trees and over bridges, gaze at the naturally beautiful set landscape and experience the peacefulness it brings to the soul.

With a variety of birds throughout the year, feeding them is a real pleasure and if you haven't fed birds since your childhood then we recommend you experience it once again in Vivary Park because its fun, a great pleasure and has its own romantic qualities that any couple could share. Kids love it too!

With a backdrop of trees and shrubs the many rose beds, herbaceous borders and summer flowers of Vivary Park are a joy to see. Each year over 56,000 bedding plants are planted by hand for you to enjoy throughout the Spring and Summer Seasons. So why not take a stroll through Vivary Park and see for your self. While you're there take a look at the Victorian fountain and bandstand. It really is relaxing!

Why not take a look at our Entertainment section for Vivary Park Events. See shows, attend concerts and much more.