God's own County

THE COUNTY GROUND

DIRECTIONS/PARKING/ENTRANCES/SEATING/FOOD & DRINK/MEMBERSHIP

Rowan Dartington have the sponsorship but I get so confused about what that gives them so the 'County Ground' is the 'County Ground' as far as I know, but it's probably the 'Rowan Dartington County Ground' actually.   The solicitors firm have their name on the CA Pavilion and it is good to see the club with a main sponsor again.  Getting there is the important thing for supporters.

For you heathens above the Western Peninsular...  We are Here!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And if you manage to find Junction 25 of the M5 (that's the quiet one going south from Bristol), then We are Here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'll come in down Tone Way by the side of the canal on a dual carraigeway and past two roundabouts.  Go over both or you'll find yourself in a lot of hyper markets!!

PARKING

DIRECTIONS/PARKING/ENTRANCES/SEATING/FOOD & DRINK/MEMBERSHIP

If you're looking for parking, try the Priory Bridge car park - about £1 all day Saturdays and £1and a bit for the rest of the week or do the best you can!!  All the roaads around the ground are now permit parking so no chance there.  There's lots about in the centre (5 minutes walk) but you have to go and find it.  The Station has a park up above it where the prices are the same as the Priory Bridge.  If you are arriving early then why not try the best linked offer.   Safeway, across the canal have a deal, if you have your breakfast in their 'Fresco' cafe and spend a fiver then you can park in their car park all day.  All you do is put the receipt and a flyer from the cafe in your window. The Rugby club used to offer all day parking but they've sold the ground and it's now a housing estate so no chance there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to the club for the poster. The main places are identified. The key is pretty simple;

ENTRANCES

DIRECTIONS/PARKING/ENTRANCES/SEATING/FOOD & DRINK/MEMBERSHIP

There are FOUR but that is changing as all the turnstiles have been re-built and you will be directed to the main entrances at either side

The 'MO' ones are for ....MEMBERS ONLY and are in the Car Park by the Brewhouse Theatre (between 4 and 5), when its open - usually Sundays - and the Main Priory Bridge Entrance (13) - the one you'll see if you're coming into Taunton by car from the M5.  It will be the one with the new 'VIV RICHARDS GATES' by the end of April.

The 'M&P' ones are for .....MEMBERS AND PAYERS and are the St James Street entrance (16) - the main one from the centre of Taunton (which also sports new turnstiles and a new wall and pillar look for the new millennium and the Rivergate entrance under the Bridge from the station that crosses the canal (1).

At the moment the Rivergate is shut more than it is open and there are plans to move this entrance to the corner of the River End, across from Safeway.  They ran out of money before they got to this.  The Brewhouse entrance is quite hit and miss.  It depends on whether there are stewards at that point and whether they will open up if you knock.  Members only is definitely   the rule though.  It is usually open for the one day games however.

SEATING

DIRECTIONS/PARKING/ENTRANCES/SEATING/FOOD & DRINK/MEMBERSHIP

'VP' = VICE PRESIDENTS AREAS - basically the 'town' third of the ground. From the shop (10) via the Old Pavilion (9) to the 'Stragglers' and the Executive Business Club 'Nissan Hut' (5) .

'M' = MEMBER AREAS - the area from the shop to the other side of the Ian Botham Stand (2). This includes the main Colin Atkinson Pavilion (1) where the main bar (for members) is.

'NM' = NON MEMBER AREAS - the bottom third of the ground from the Brewhouse entrance (4) to the Ian Botham stand.  The bar and food areas for non members are found usually under the stand.  You can't see the cricket.  They do put on extra food areas on big occasions by the Brewhouse entrance and the covered stand.  If you're really lucky they put another public bar behind the Old Pavilion..although it can be a devil to get to from the other side of the ground.   It's not great for Non members I have to say!!  If you are a non member and there is a chance of rain then bring a brolly because you're not under cover a lot.

FOOD AND DRINK

DIRECTIONS/PARKING/ENTRANCES/SEATING/FOOD & DRINK/MEMBERSHIP

The food is fair to good depending on where you go. 

Silver service in the Colin Atkinson (1) is not cheap and you will not get in on a big day.

Lunch in the Old Pavilion (9)is as good and less than half the price.  A fair meal for about a fiver.  Self service though I'm afraid!!

For the snacky people, there is a fish and chip bar under the Botham stand(2) that will do you proud for about £2.50 but it gets queue fever at big games and you can't see the play while you wait (and you may be waiting for 10 overs!!).  It's not always open when you'd expect it to be unfortunately.  Tends to be related to expected crowds as far as I can see.

The 'Hungry End' snack bars also exist with a decent selection of pasties and pies etc..The pasties are especially good at £1.20 and cakes/flapjacks etc will set you back about 50 - 70p.  The main problem is they may or may not be open!!  There is one in the Stragglers (5)(non VP's can't get at it!) and the other is under the main scoreboard (next to 12)

You should be aware that you are less than 5 minutes walk from the centre of Taunton so if it gets too full, pop outside.  Safeway was literally across the river (and there's a bridge now!!) and although it burnt down during the last Championship game of the season, it's back in business and has a new continental cafe. There are some very nice snack places near the main bridge into the town. A storming continental sandwich shop 'Pan et Vin'and another chip shop Howards that sells amazing 'TexMex' chips.   The pub acroos from the swimming baths the RingOf Bells also does meals upstairs as does the Princess Royal (walk towards the main municipal car park behind the church and it's on the left) during the season which has a good reputation.

If you want membership details then link to the SCCC site - no guarantee on how up to date they are though.