Hawthorn Park Playground

One of the better spots in Taunton for a proper afternoon out — the zip wire is always the first thing kids make a beeline for, and the sandpit keeps the littler ones happy for way longer than you’d expect. It covers the full age range well, from toddlers right up to tweens, without feeling like it’s trying too hard to please everyone. The equipment’s kept clean, which isn’t something you can say about every park around here. There’s a football pitch and basketball court if the older ones need to burn off more energy, plus a walking path that makes it a decent loop for dog walkers. Benches are dotted around sensibly, so you’re not standing the whole time.