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3-star hotel

The Anchor Inn

Enjoy traditional British pub fare, real ales, free Wi-Fi, and kid-friendly amenities at The Anchor Inn in Hillfarrance, Taunton. Close to Hestercombe House & Gardens.

Hillfarrance, Taunton TA4 1AW, United Kingdom View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 520 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Kid-friendly Restaurant Bar Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

The Anchor Inn

Guests appreciate the traditional inn’s cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and accommodating menu options, while noting some mixed opinions on food quality and room style.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff who provide excellent service and accommodate dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.
  • Comfortable, en suite guestrooms with a homely feel, ideal for families.
  • The pub setting, featuring a welcoming atmosphere and useful amenities for children such as coloring materials and Lego.
  • Pub meals, especially Sunday roasts and fish and chips, receive high marks for flavor and portion size.
  • The inviting garden and kid-friendly play area contribute to a pleasant family experience.

Worth knowing

  • Some guests find the rooms a bit dated and the breakfast offerings underwhelming compared to dinner options.
  • Food quality reviews are mixed; while many praise the pub fare, some consider portions overpriced or certain dishes greasy and average.
  • The inn’s name raises curiosity, as it is located inland rather than near the sea.
  • Sunday lunch is a highlight, but it is advisable to arrive early or book in advance for popular roast dishes.
  • No pool or fitness center onsite; the focus is on a relaxed, traditional pub experience.

Best for

  • Families looking for a welcoming inn with kid-friendly facilities and a relaxed pub atmosphere.
  • Visitors seeking traditional English pub fare with accommodating dietary options.
  • Travelers interested in nearby sightseeing such as Hestercombe House & Gardens and local nature walks.
  • Guests wanting convenient access to a smoke-free environment and free Wi-Fi without extra luxury amenities.
  • Those who appreciate attentive staff and a cozy, historic inn setting for casual meals or celebrations.
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About this property

Welcome to The Anchor Inn

The Anchor Inn is a traditional inn located in Hillfarrance, Taunton, offering a blend of British pub atmosphere and en suite guestrooms. With a strong reputation for its real ales and classic pub fare, the property features a garden and a dedicated kids' play area, making it suitable for families. The setting provides a comfortable and smoke-free environment with amenities including free Wi-Fi, a bar, and an on-site restaurant.

Guest reviews highlight the welcoming and attentive service, with staff praised for their knowledge of menu options and allergen accommodations. While food quality generally receives positive remarks, some guests found the pricing on meals to be on the higher side and occasionally noted the décor and breakfast offerings as dated or basic. The pub’s family-friendly touches, such as providing activities for children, contribute to its appeal for visitors travelling with kids.

Situated in the Somerset countryside, the inn serves as a convenient base for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include Hestercombe House & Gardens, the Museum of Somerset, and the Quantock Hills nature preserve. The location offers reasonable access to Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter airports, with Exeter Airport being the closest.

For visitors exploring the area, several other accommodation options are available within a few miles, including guesthouses and inns with varying guest ratings. The Anchor Inn suits travelers seeking a quiet, rural setting combined with traditional British pub dining and family-friendly facilities.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CG
claire gathercole Apr 18, 2026
10

Rooms are comfortable but a little dated. Breakfast isn't worth the money, pre packed croissant, and a small bottle of orange. However saying that the food served in the evening in the pub was lovely.

AH
Abi Hicks Apr 09, 2026
10

Had a fantastic meal here for my husband's birthday. Everything was incredibly tasty, the staff are all kind and welcoming, they seemed very knowledgeable regarding the menu and Gluten Allergens/Intolerance which I really appreciated.

S
Simon Apr 01, 2026
10

Booked for a family lunch, table of 6 adults 2 children. Staff were lovely very attentive and the decor of the restaurant was lovely. Really pleased to see colouring and a small pot of Lego on the table for my 4 year old we didn't have to ask for this. Ordered the lamb gyros. Everyone enjoyed the food no complaints with the quality or flavour just felt all the food was slightly over priced. Desserts were lovely everyone enjoyed them definitely worth a visit! I also completely forgot to ask why it's called the anchor inn being in the middle of Somerset not near the sea will remember to ask next time!

BR
brian roberts Mar 28, 2026
10

My family took me here for my birthday meal, and I just have to say it was superb. Extremely well run, with a service second to none. Nothing was too much trouble, and unlike some places you go to, the food all came out at the same time so nobody was left waiting. What a lovely place to visit. Well done to everyone. Brian

KH
Kim Hill Mar 11, 2026
10

Came here for Sunday lunch with the family. They are very knowledgeable about allergens and had a great selection of gluten free options. The gluten free fish and chips was fabulous! And the server highly recommended the chocolate torte which was insanely good!

PG
Paul G Mar 07, 2026
8.0

Its been maybe 20 years in between visits. We were in the area and was a last minute desicion to go for Sunday Lunch. I have to say. Probably the best Sunday Lunch eaten out we have had. The beef was delicious

LA
Lynda Annis Feb 22, 2026
10

Best fish and chips I’ve eaten chips were to die for so yummy !

AB
Alexandra Boobyer Feb 22, 2026
8.0

Visited for a Friday dinner only. Mediocre food at best. Pre-ordered from their set menu as it was December. Food was very average. When you order the sea bass, you don't expect the dish to be so greasy (potatoes were deep fried) Decent portions. Cheap store bought profiteroles, cheap vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce Lovely setting in a cosy old pub. Good service.

WLD
White Lunar Dog Feb 22, 2026
10

Visited for a family meal today and had to leave a review as had such a great experience. We all have things we can't eat but they accommodated us all. I had the vegan cottage pie, so tasty. The food was amazing and the staff super friendly and helpful. Thanks to Tamsyn and all the staff that served us, 10 stars

HH
Hayley Henson Feb 13, 2026
10

We came for a Roast Dinner and were lucky enough to still be able to get a Pork Roast ordering at 5.30pm. I think it is best to head here for Sunday lunch to ensure a Roast though! The food was absolutely delicious for both us and the kids. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. Our kids got to play with little baskets of level and do some colouring - they were thoroughly entertained despite it pouring down with rain and them not being able to go on the play area.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Anchor Inn

Taunton, United Kingdom

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Longforth Car Park 1 hr 36 Walk
  • Crematorium 1 hr 16 Walk
  • Bristol Airport 1 hr 2 Car · 3 hr 34 Transit
  • Cardiff Airport 1 hr 57 Car · 5 hr 11 Transit
  • Exeter Airport 36 min Car · 2 hr 58 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Taunton. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Quantock Hills 126 reviews

Quantock Hills

Taunton TA5 1HJ, United Kingdom

4.7 · Mountain Peak
Hestercombe House & Gardens 2,294 reviews

Hestercombe House & Gardens

Hestercombe, Taunton TA2 8LG, United Kingdom

4.5 · Garden
Museum of Somerset 1,514 reviews

Museum of Somerset

Castle Lodge, Castle Grn, Taunton TA1 4AA, United Kingdom

4.7 · Local History Museum
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