Local Attractions in Taunton – Hankridge Riverside and River Tone Path

Among the array of Taunton attractions and points of interest, the Hankridge Riverside and River Tone Path stand out, offering locals and visitors a much-needed escape into nature. This destination is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the outdoors while appreciating the local flora and fauna. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from afar, a trip to this serene setting is a must-do.

Berrys Coaches is thrilled to bring you closer to this quintessential piece of the English countryside. Conveniently accessible from our coach drop-off points, the Hankridge Riverside and River Tone Path promise a delightful retreat. In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through the trail’s scenic beauty, exploring its offerings and shedding light on its historical significance. So, lace up your walking boots and prepare to explore one of Taunton’s hidden gems.

Upon arriving in Taunton via Berrys Coaches, passengers disembark at the main town drop-off location near the Kings Arms Taunton / Elms Parade stop on Staplegrove Road. The Hankridge Riverside Nature Reserve is located approximately 2.6 miles east of this drop-off point. Because of the distance, taking a local taxi or bus ride (around 10 to 12 minutes) is recommended, though you can also enjoy a scenic 50 to 55-minute walk along the river.

If walking, the most pleasant and direct route follows the River Tone traffic-free path rather than busy roads:

Exit the drop-off area onto Staplegrove Road, walk south toward Bridge Street, and drop down to the river towpath beside the River Tone.

Follow the riverside footpath heading east, passing the County Cricket Ground and Firepool Lock.

Continue following the towpath eastward beneath the Priory Way bridges, along the banks of the River Tone.

The path leads directly into the Hankridge Riverside Nature Reserve, bringing you to the historic oxbow lake and willow beds behind the retail park.

The Hankridge Riverside Nature Reserve and the adjoining River Tone Path represent a successful blend of modern urban planning, industrial archaeology, and wildlife conservation. Historically, this area comprised low-lying water meadows along the winding loops of the River Tone, regularly utilised for cattle grazing and traditional willow growing (osier beds) for Somerset’s historic basket-weaving trade.

In the 19th century, the site became an important municipal utility hub. Its most prominent historic landmark – the striking octagonal brick chimney of the Victorian sewage pumping station built in the late 1800s – still stands on the edge of the reserve today as a Grade II listed monument.

When the surrounding farmland was developed in the 1990s to build the Hankridge Farm retail and leisure park, local planners mandated that the river’s historic oxbow lake and floodplains be preserved as a protected sanctuary. Today, the reserve is managed to sustain native biodiversity, featuring semi-ancient woodland, wet reed beds, and wildflower grasslands that provide crucial habitats for otters, kingfishers, and rare dragonflies right alongside Taunton’s eastern gateway.