Taunton is the County Town of Somerset with a population of around 61,000 people, making it the largest town in the County. The town is noted as the home of Somerset Cricket Club and Taunton Racecourse, close to the Blackdown Hills. In the centre of the town is the 19 acre Vivary Park, complete with 18 hole golf course, tennis courts and children’s playgrounds. There is an excellent town centre for shopping which includes all the leading retailers, whilst Hankridge Farm Retail Park is close to J25. The town has leading independent schools at Taunton School, Queen’s College and King’s College, whilst Richard Huish is an excellent sixth-form centre. The town also serves as the Head Office of Western Provident, Debenhams and Viridor.