GETTING to Taunton Flower Show in the town centre is straightforward for motorists.

In a big change from previous years, there is no public parking at the showground this year.

The show attracts people from across the South West and even further afield and there are two options for arriving at Vivary Park.

There are plenty of car parks dotted around the town centre, although it is advisable to arrive early as thousands of people will be attending the show.

On approach to the county town there are electronic signs directing motorists to the various car parks and also indicating in real time how many vacant spaces each car park has.

The other alternative for motorists is to use one of the two park and ride facilities located on the outskirts of the town.

Somerset County Council scrapped charges for using the facility during the Covid restrictions to help boost the town's economy.

And the local authority has informed flower show organisers it will continue to be free at the time of the show.

People coming from the south and the west should use the Silk Mills Park and Ride site on the edge of Bishop's Hull - for SatNav users, tap in the postcode TA1 5AA.

The other facility is situated at the Gateway Park and Ride site for visitors approaching from the north and the east.

It is just off Junction 25 of the M5 motorway.

A Taunton Flower Show spokesperson said: "Somerset County Council has confirmed that the Park and Ride will still be free during this time.

"We have provided extra capacity at Park and Ride, with dedicated extra buses running at peak times.

"These buses will run straight from Park and Ride car parks to the town centre without stopping. They will be clearly marked as such.

"We have a list of all the car parks around Taunton on our website with details of how to find it and the time it takes to walk to the showground.

"We expect it to be very busy on show days so please plan your journey in advance and leave enough time to get to the showground."

NOTE: Parking will be available at the showground on Thursday for competitors to drop off their entries and on Saturday afternoon for them to pick up those entries after the show.