[1] Bypassed in 1988, the town now lies just east of the junction of the A303 (London to Exeter) and the A358 (Taunton to Chard and Axminster).

Ilminster is mentioned in documents dating from 725 and in a Charter granted to Muchelney Abbey (10 miles (16 km) to the north) by Æthelred the Unready in 995.

Ilminster is also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Ileminstre’, meaning 'The church on the River Isle' from the Old English ysle and mynster.

[2][3] In 1645 during the English Civil War Ilminster was the scene of a skirmish between parliamentary troops under Edward Massie and Royalist forces under Lord Goring, who fought for control of the bridges prior to the Battle of Langport.

[10] In the summer the Azores high pressure affects the south-west of England, however convective cloud sometimes forms inland, reducing the number of hours of sunshine.

In summer, a large proportion of the rainfall is caused by sun heating the ground leading to convection and to showers and thunderstorms.

[10] Ilminster takes its name from the River Isle and its large church of St Mary, which is known as The Minster.

The Hamstone building dates from the 15th century, but was refurbished in 1825 by William Burgess and the chancel restored in 1883.

[12] The town has a selection of shops including antique shops, home design, estate agents, hairdressers and several cafes and restaurants, many reminiscent of the style of earlier Edwardian and Victorian years, such as traditional Edwardian-style clothing and soft furnishings store, the Ilminster Emporium, Frame of Mind, an antiques and gifts shop and in the 15C Market Square, the Temperly store in the Phoenix Studios.

The 'Ilminster Literary Festival', launched in 2016, has become and established annual celebration which is usually held in early Summer.

The Evening includes the switching on of the Christmas Lights in Ilminster’s town centre, with shops and stalls staying open throughout the evening to offer goodwill and good cheer to all, with the staff of many shops dressed up as Victorians and offering mulled wine and eats.

The Ilminster Town Crier competition and Britain's Disabled Strongman events also take place every year, supported by Experience Ilminster CIC, with the Town Crier Event also hosting the Wessex Championship Cup covering six counties of the west of England.

Dillington House, at the entrance to Ilminster from the east, is an arts venue with accommodation managed by Somerset County Council.

It dates to the sixteenth century, was the home of Prime Minister Lord North and is rated Grade 2* by English Heritage.

[20] Ilminster lies just east of the junction of the A303 (London to Exeter) and the A358 (Taunton to Chard and Axminster).

The path is part of the Wessex Way Cycle Route [23] Ilminster is twinned with Riec-sur-Belon in France.