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James Hildreth Stand, Taunton: view, shade and what to expect

James Hildreth Stand, formerly the River Stand, sits at the north-western corner of the County Ground, Taunton. Its Championship and One-Day Cup group seating is for Somerset members, while Blast seats are sold publicly in Category A. It is between Somerset Stand and Lord Ian Botham Stand, giving an angled view towards the wicket rather than a straight side-on position.

Taunton visitor guide · Accessibility at Taunton

At a glance: James Hildreth Stand

PositionAngled end-on view
Roof coverUncovered seating
MorningSun
AfternoonMixed
Step-free accessCheck with Somerset

The view

River Stand to James Hildreth

Keep both names in mind when reading directions. The club’s A–Z guide still lists River Stand among the county members’ areas, while its current seating map uses James Hildreth. These names refer to the same part of the ground. Give the ticket team the current name, block and match when asking about a place.

The north-western angle

Somerset’s seating guide describes a long-on or fine-leg viewing angle, with padded seats and increased legroom. That makes it a useful comparison for visitors who enjoy an oblique view towards the pitch. Moving around the corner changes the bowling angle: compare James Hildreth with Botham for a straighter view and Somerset Stand for side-on cricket.

County seating and public Blast

A public general-admission county ticket does not include the members’ seating here. For Blast, select the Category A seat opened to members and non-members on the booking map. Check the row and any steps before buying; the building’s location beside the river does not establish level access to each place.

Club’s 2027 ground map · Official seating guide

Neighbouring seating

Compare the neighbouring guides for another angle and admission route. Somerset Stand · Lord Ian Botham Stand.

Approximate stand positions from Somerset’s 2027 map and north-up satellite imagery; eastern seating faces afternoon sun.SomersetStandLord IanBotham StandColin AtkinsonPavilionOndaatjeFamily StandAndy Caddick(players)Marcus TrescothickPavilionGimblett’sHillNorth East Stand(temporary)Rotec(temporary)NJames Hildreth StandRiver EndMarcusTrescothickPavilion End

● Afternoon sun

A general guide for a sunny summer day; front rows catch more sun.

View across the County Ground in Taunton towards the pavilions and St James church in July 2025.

Taunton from the stands

Photo: Andy Li, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Food, drink and toilets

Find the day’s refreshments and nearest suitable toilet before the opening over. The public Blast seat is an outdoor ticket; a named premium room or meal requires a separate entitlement. On county days, use your membership arrangements and the facilities open for that fixture, rather than assuming a guest ticket grants every indoor room.

Own food is allowed; glass and sharp objects are prohibited. Check the full format-specific packing rules. The venue is cashless.

Who it suits

James Hildreth suits county members who enjoy a comfortable corner view, and public Blast visitors comparing Category A seating. It is a good choice for following the bowling from an angle. Practical tip: use “James Hildreth, formerly River Stand” in a booking enquiry if an older direction sheet uses the former name.

Tickets for this stand

Buy public Blast seats through Somerset. County members’ seating and premium rooms have separate access rules.

Latest published season; individual 2027 county prices TBC
2026 season guideAdultUnder-16
Blast — Category A£51 advance / £55 gate£14

Prices depend on the seat category shown when you book.

For the James Hildreth Stand at Taunton, for Championship and One-Day Cup group games, this seating is reserved for Somerset members; public general admission covers other areas. Check Somerset membership and the official ticket shop for the current match. Walk-up tickets are sold only when seats remain.

Confirm your row and access needs before buying. Use Somerset’s official returned-ticket route. Read the rain guide and your ticket’s refund terms. Last checked: October 2026.

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