Location
The church is situated in the centre of Taunton, between the Brewhouse Theatre and Somerset County Cricket Club. You can’t miss it, because we have the only 120 foot high red sandstone tower on St James Street – and we are right next to the massive floodlights at the cricket ground.
Approaching on foot
The main pedestrian entrance is off St James Street, next to the tower. The main door into the church is just a few metres away across the car park, at the base of the tower.
Public transport
Most busses set down either at the centre of town, near to the tourist information office, or at the bus station in Tower Street. Go to www.firstgroup.com/somerset for routes and timetables. However, most routes do not run on Sundays.
Coming by car
Beware of using Satnav, as older (i.e. not updated) models might try to take you via the town centre unless you are coming from the M5. There is no longer any access from the town centre end of St James Street. If you get into difficulties, look for signs for the theatre, and you will eventully spot the Shell garage mentioned in the directions below.
From the M5, follow the A358 dual-carriageway until the second roundabout. Take the second exit (straight ahead) into Priory Avenue (still dual-carriageway). At the next roundabout by the Shell garage, take the first exit into Priory Avenue (signposted for the theatre), which then becomes St James Street beyond a mini-roundabout.
From the north-west approach via the A358, following signs to the town centre. Just after crossing the railway, at the roundabout take the first exit signposted “Other routes, Station”. Follow it all the way to roundabout at the end (next to the Shell garage), where you take the second exit into Priory Avenue (signposted for the theatre), which then becomes St James Street beyond a mini-roundabout.
From the south-west or south, approach via the A38 and look out for Sainsbury’s on your left and go straight ahead at the traffic lights at the entrance to the store, keeping in the left hand lane. Then:
– The short route needs some quick thinking: at the T-junction at the next traffic lights turn right then immediately left into the narrow Tancred Street – it looks like a gap between the buildings. Then left along Duke Street, right into Canon Street, and left at the mini roundabout at the end towards the church.
– If you miss Tancred Street, keep going along the A38 for 1km (0.7 miles) until you get to the first roundabout, then take the first exit. At the next roundabout by the Shell garage, take the first exit into Priory Avenue (signposted for the theatre), which then becomes St James Street beyond the mini-roundabout.
Church Car Park
If you are attending a large event in the church or halls, you will need to park elsewhere.
The church car park has room for about ten cars on weekdays, but we can also use the adjacent Medical Centre car park on Sundays and in the evening most days. To find it, go past the church, follow the road round to the right into Coal Orchard, and then look for the entrance to the car park for St James Medical Centre. Go through their car park, and the church car park is clearly indicated by signs. You may need to move the “church parking only” sign – please put it back behind you.
Visitors to the church are welcome to use the church car park, but please be aware that there will be occasions when there is limited space due to events taking place.
Disabled Access
Disabled visitors and anyone else who has difficulty walking are welcome to park in the church car park. If you can email or call the church office beforehand, we will do our best to reserve a space for you. The car park is right next to the main entrance, and access to the church is level. Inside, there is level access to all parts of the church, including a disabled WC.
Click here for our Disability Access Statement.
Other Parking
There is some on-street meter parking in St James Street, and there is a small council car park across from the church in Coal Orchard. Other nearby council car parks are in Canon Street, Wood Street and Whirligigg Lane.
Parking is also available at the Somerset County Cricket Club ground, on non-match days. The entrance is 150m along St James Street, on the same side as the church. Parking is free on Sundays (non-match days). Match days are listed at https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/fixtures-results/ .