Laying in the heart of Taunton town centre is Goodlands Gardens, one of many areas throughout the rivers 33 kilometres that the public and visitors can enjoy. It offers real peace and tranquillity that such important waterways provide and its well worth a short visit.

Goodlands Gardens resides between the River Tone and Taunton Castle so if you pay a visit to the Somerset County Museum at Taunton Castle ask reception for directions to Goodlands Gardens from the rear of the castle. The reason is that you will enter the park at it's most atmospheric point. Along this route you will really discover the natural beauty of Goodlands Gardens while at the same time taking in the architecture of the castle and its old walls.

Once you arrive you will get the urge to sit and enjoy the peace and openness if offers especially if your looking to get away from the the busy streets. It's a common haunt for workers at lunch time so bring a sandwich or picnic and you will even find toilet facilities.

Next to the small weir you will find an activity of ducks, geese and swan. Children love feeding the birds here and parents enjoy the security and fresh breeze that waterway brings. Goodlands Gardens also hosts small activities and events throughout the year and we hope that there will be even more and bigger ones in the near future.

If you cross the footbridge towards Lidl's and head away from the town centre the path will lead you to the great open space of French Weir where many children and residents enjoy the sound of the weirs power and the glade of the mighty horse chestnut trees.

So next time you are in Taunton town centre don't forget to pop into Goodlands Gardens, whether it be for a breather, to feed the birds or eat your lunch.

A Brief History of The River Tone in Goodlands Gardens

History of Flooding in Taunton
In October 1960 the Tone valley, including Taunton, suffered a severe flood. The villages of Bathpool, Ruiston and Creech St Michael were badly affected or cut off while further downstream the Somerset Levels and Moors were flooded for several weeks. Within Taunton the flooding affected the Station Road area, 360 houses, shops and business premises were flooded with the damage estimated at £114, 000, and back then that was a lot of money. This flooding was worse than floods in 1994 and 1995. 

Straightening and Canalisation of the Tone Valley in the late 1960’s
Immediately after the 1960 floods, investigations started into a flood defence scheme to protect Taunton. Construction began in the late 1960’s of what is now known as the ‘Tone Valley Scheme’. This scheme significantly modified the channel. The old, narrow meandering channel was replaced with a very straight channel, which can be seen today downstream at Firepool weir. The original flood walls and embankments of the Tone through Taunton town centre were further updated in the 1980’s to give increased flood protection.

History of the Mill Stream, French Weir, Dellers Wharf and the Tone Bridge
The Tone was historically used as a source of power for the milling industry and has thus been impounded for much of its length. Various weirs and leats were constructed to provide power for the mills. The mills varied in size from smaller ones constructed for agricultural purposes, to the immense (now semi-derelict) industrial buildings in Wellington, which were constructed during the height of the wool industry.

The River Tone and its Catchment
The River Tone is about 33 kilometres long. It rises in the Brendon Hills from where it flows south via the Clatworthy Reservoir to Greenham, from Greenham it flows north before turning east to Wellington, Bradford-on-Tone and Taunton. It becomes tidal at New Bridge and joins the River Parrett at Burrowbridge. 

The Tone is a river of great contrast. Its fast flowing headwaters pass through steep wooded sections, the middle reaches are characterised by a meandering channel while downstream of Taunton the river becomes deep and slow flowing. Man has controlled and modified the entire length of the River Tone. The headwaters are dammed for storage of water for public supply (Clatworthy Reservoir) and various leats and weirs were constructed to provide power for mills during the textile era.

Goodlands Gardens is a haven for many birds and at the parks waterways you'll find the small weir and stream. Stroll under trees and over bridges, gaze at the 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 Goodlands Gardens because its fun, a great pleasure and has its own romantic qualities that any couple could share. Kids love it too!