Venue Information: Taunton
THE COUNTY GROUND TAUNTON
Somerset, TA1 1JT
www.somersetcountycc.co.uk
VENUE OVERVIEW
Somerset County Cricket Club is a Members’ Club and with a vast reach across the South West, the region is broken down into eight areas: Weston-super-Mare, South Somerset, Mid Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Bridgwater, North Somerset, Taunton and Bath.
Somerset County Cricket Club was first formed in August 1875, following a match at Sidmouth between the Gentlemen of Somerset and their Devon hosts, won by the visitors.
Originally the idea of those who had formed the club was not to have a home ground, and to take their matches to different grounds around Somerset. When the team played in Taunton they chose Fullands School as the venue, at the time one of the best grounds in the region. Somerset remained nomadic until 1881, when Taunton Athletic Club opened a sports centre on the Priory Fields next door to the River Tone, which soon became the home to the club. The county played their first 'home' match during 1882, and the touring Australian's visited Taunton for the first time that same year.
Initially Somerset did not enjoy first-class status, but after winning the 'second-class championship' in 1890 joined the Championship in 1891 and since then the club has enjoyed a long and colourful history, with many ups and downs, both on and off the pitch. Whatever the fortunes of the team on the field the club has remained at its county ground home, which it has owned since it was first acquired by the then secretary Henry Murray Anderdon, just before the start of the 20th century.
Over the years Taunton has played host to the talents of Somerset legends including Lionel Palairet, Sammy Woods, Jack White, Arthur Wellard and Harold Gimblett, who all starred for the county prior to World War Two. Despite their best efforts Somerset did not claim their first trophy until 1979, when they ended the hoodoo in great style by winning the Gillette Cup and the John Player League in the space of two days. The later 1970s and early 1980s were halcyon days for Somerset, as they claimed five competitions in as many years with a young side that had been brought together under the watchful eye of Brian Close and included the charisma of Ian Botham, the power of Viv Richards and the speed of Joel Garner.
The County Ground Taunton is in the Taunton town centre
To find out to get to the stadium, go to www.somersetcountycc.co.uk
By Car:
At Junction 25 (M5), take the A358 Exit to Taunton/ Yeovil. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (south) or 3rd exit (north) onto the A358 heading to Taunton/ A38/ Minehead, continuing straight onto Toneway/ A358. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Priory Avenue and The County Ground Taunton will be on your left. The following link provide you with the latest travel information within Somerset
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer public car parking during the ICC Women’s World Cup.
For a map of the local Car Parks within Taunton, please click on the following external link:
By Foot:
Taunton Train Station is a ten-minute walk from the County Ground. As you leave the Station, turn left into Station Road, heading towards the Town Centre. Turn left onto Priory Bridge Road, and the County Ground will be on your right. Cricketeers will be along the walking route to help guide you to the ground.
CITY OVERVIEW
Taunton is the thriving and vibrant County town of Somerset full of fantastic shops, great places to eat, an award-winning weekly farmers market, wonderful parks and host to many exciting events. Nestled between two areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Quantock Hills to the north and the equally striking Blackdown Hills to the south makes Taunton a great location to walk and explore. Wonderful attractions such as Hestercombe, Sheppy’s Cider and the West Somerset Railway are all within driving distance so you will be sure to find something you love about Taunton Deane.
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP CITY ACTIVITY
On the 1st July, cricket will take over Taunton town centre. People will have the chance to take part in fun, ‘have a go’ cricket activity across the town and experience the excitement of a major tournament in the area
THINGS TO DO
West Somerset Railway
The longest heritage railway line in England, the West Somerset Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which the line preserves. The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will provide hours of exploration.
Hestercombe House and Gardens
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away. Hestercombe is a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Head to the house to find the Gallery and be intrigued and inspired by changing exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the year.
Museum of Somerset at Taunton Castle
Set in the heart of Taunton, the Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th Century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present.
From regular exhibitions and events, an under-floor Plesiosaur, the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain, the Somerset Military Museum and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – the Museum of Somerset is a must-see visitor attraction within walking distance of the County Ground.”
General Spectator Information
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Download the official ICC app
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Share the excitement and get your friends to sign up to receive tournament information https://www.icc-cricket.com/register
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Buying official Women’s World Cup merchandise www.icccricketstore.com
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Visit the ticketing site to buy tickets
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Share your experience by using #WWC17 now and on a match day
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See the when it’s on tour www.icc-cricket.com/womensworld-cup/trophy-tour/overview
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Gates open two hours before the scheduled start of play
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There will be a good variety of food and drinks on offer for adults and children
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Visit the Fanzone in the stadium and have a go at the activities on offer
- Pick up a bat and ball and have a go in our cricket clinics
- Sign the graffiti ball and send a message to your team
- Have a photo with the giant Hashtag #WWC17
- Have a go at the craft activities on offer
- ICC sponsors will also be running fun activities in the Fanzone so head over to take part!
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Collect your activity pack at the gates [available to all children]
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Keep an eye on the big screens throughout the match for competitions, prizes and activities
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Celebrate with your team and watch the post-match presentation before leaving
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Remember that the venues have very little shelter so it is advised to dress for the weather; rain coats for the wet and sun cream and hats for the sun
Prohibited Items
For a full list of what you can and can’t take into the venues, please go to https://womensworldcup.tickets.icc-cricket.com
Upon entering the stadium, you will be requested to go through a security check, so please allow time to do this.
Be safe, if you see something, say something to a volunteer or steward
Cricketeers
Look out for Cricketeers on match days.
The Cricketeers are here to help you on your match day. The Cricketeers will be located at major travel locations and around the venue to assist with any questions you may have. Cricketeers will be along the designated walking routes to ensure you find your way to the venue.
We look forward to welcoming you to the match day host city.