Top 10 football grounds around the UK
03 May 2016|9 minute read
Current Environment: Staging
03 May 2016|9 minute read
They certainly don't sound English!
With my team Manchester United about to play Crystal Palace on the 21st May in a re-run of the 1990 cup final, it seemed a good opportunity to reflect on the worldwide phenomenon that is top flight English football. Both the FA cup and the Premiership are amongst the most globally watched sporting events on the planet.
My old mate Steve Wade once surprised me by informing me that he was a member of the 92 Club.
"The what?" Yeah, that’s what I said too.
A member is apparently someone who’s attended a match at every one of the 92 league grounds in England and Wales. And well, that got me wondering…and remembering...some of my own fond footballing memories…
Like giving the Arsenal and England captain, Tony Adams, some serious stick at Highbury;
Hobnobbing (fratton-ising...lol) with celebrities, players and managers at Fratton Park, home of the mighty Pompey;
Screaming abuse at diving Scousers during an FA Cup semi final at The Villa (Pompey vs Liverpool);
Taking a very posh river boat trip down to Craven Cottage in Fulham;
Doing some unseemly, unspeakable and illegal things at Stamford Bridge;
Seeing the great Dave Beckham and Paul Scholes making time and space for themselves at Old Trafford...
...and hiding behind a wall while bottles and half bricks rained down on us trying to escape from Upton Park!
Mostly we’ve hightailed it back to safety on the tube or train, but a much more enjoyable experience is to stay in the town on an ‘overnighter’ and soak up the vibe/get to see the local colour/take in the sights…
And believe me, there’s always plenty to see and experience! Some of these brilliant towns (and cities) have plenty to offer outside of the local boozers, including great shopping and night life opportunities so why not take the whole family and make a weekend of it?
Now being a Man Utd fan myself since way before we won the Prem and Fergie was about to have time called on Him…I’d have to say that Manchester is a great place to stay on for a drink and a chat with the very friendly lads and lasses. But my missus, who supports (and actually goes to the Arsenal games) would say that the area around Highbury and Islington is the place to be (and be seen..).
So you literally mustn't take my word for it...go and make up your own minds...and maybe some of your own awesome memories? Anyway, here then are my pick of the 10 best footie places and their corresponding apartments to get you footie fans started:
Cunningly known as ‘the magpies’ due to their black and white strip, the geordies of Newcastle FC play at their always boisterous home of St James’ Park...and have the best nightlife in Britain!
Visit our Newcastle City Guide.
Where to stay?
Nearby Premier Suites Newcastle is a great option if you're just staying in Newcastle for the night as there is no minimum stay. This serviced apartment block is an easy walk from St James' Park but also near enough to the legendary night-life available in the centre of town. With one bedroom and two bedroom serviced apartments they can accommodate all the family (and/or friends) you'd need!
Leeds United may not currently be in the Premiership but their ground at Elland Road has some incredible history and a club of this stature won't stay down in Div 1 for long.
Visit our Leeds City Guide.
Where to stay?
Located in the trendy but tranquil Riverside Quarter, Waterloo Court Apartments in the south of the city is just a few minutes away from the Meadow Lane bus stop which will take you directly to Elland Road stadium (grab a No. 51 or 52). The central location will also allow you to enjoy the amazing shopping on offer in Leeds town centre....including that Harvey Nic's
Birmingham is definitely a city worth enjoying even without the footballing incentive, but as any Blues fan will tell you, its worth popping in to St Andrews for a game or even a tour while you're there.
Visit our Birmingham City Guide.
Where to stay?
St Andrew's Stadium is located in Small Heath, which is approximately one and a half miles out from the city centre so it's best to stay in town and travel out on the numerous buses that serve the area. Staycity Birmingham is well placed for access to the fantastic Bullring shopping and entertainment centre whilst also a good setting off point for St Andrews. Staycity Birmigham Apartments has both one and two bedroom serviced apartments so will suit most group sizes.
The home of Liverpool FC really needs no introduction as Anfield is famous in footballing lore. Or you could always go over to Goodison for a toffee?
Visit our Liverpool City Guide.
Where to stay?
Both Anfield and Goodison Park (home of city rivals Everton) are situated in the North East of Liverpool and therefore Premier Suites Liverpool in Hatton Garden is the ideal spot for you. These one and two bed serviced apartments are just minutes away from Liverpool's famous Cavern Club and also the new Liverpool One shopping district, whilst also being a great location to pick up either the 17 or 26 buses straight to the grounds.
Known locally as Pompey, the fans of Portsmouth FC make the famous Fratton Park rock at home games. Their loyal support for their club is legendary so it's worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. Play up Pompey!
Visit our Portsmouth City Guide.
Where to stay?
Gunwharf Quays in the town centre has several great serviced apartments to choose from, and you can pick up the train from Portsmouth Harbour to Fratton Park to see the match. Gunwharf Quays is an exclusive waterfront development and offers designer shopping, great bars and lively restaurants. Or why not pop up the 170m tall Spinnaker Tower for fantastic views over the Solent?
Out West beyond the 25, you'll find the majestic Madjeski stadium, home to the blue and white hooped players of the Royals! (not to be confused with the Superhoops of QPR!)
Visit our Reading City Guide.
Where to stay?
The Madjeski Stadium is located to the south of the town itself and so you'll need to drive there. Both Midgham Way and Heron House serviced apartments are ideally located just south of Reading and would make an ideal base from which to explore the stunning surrounding countryside.
The sly 'foxes' of Leicester City FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets in English football winning the 2015/20116 Premiership Title. With odds of 5000/1 given against them no-one gave them a chance. The locals credit the re-burial of the newly discovered remains of Richard III for their winning streak but more likely it was the famous 'Tinkerman' Claudio Ranieri who tipped the balance.
Where to stay?
Freemen's Meadow serviced apartments are the perfect base if you're visiting THE HOME OF THE NEW ENGLISH CHAMPIONS - LEICESTER CITY FC! Just over the River Soar, these one and two bedroom apartments are within walking distance of the home of the premiership kings - the King Power Stadium.
Not to be confused with neighbouring giants Chelsea! Craven Cottage by the River Thames must be one of the most picturesque grounds in the country.
Visit our Chelsea City Guide.
Where to stay?
Both Fulham Riverside Apartments and Ongar Road Apartments in Fulham are both within walking distance of Craven Cottage. If you're coming for a weekend break however, then why not stay in enemy territory in trendy Chelsea where you'll also have plenty to keep you occupied away from the football. Stay at The Apartments Chelsea, just off the Kings Road, and the only problem you might have is the credit card bill when you get home.
Islington
Home of the (once) mighty Arsenal! And home to one of the newest and most impressive stadia in the UK - the Emirates Stadium and the uber-cool Islington cannot be missed.
Where to stay?
Banyan Wharf serviced apartments are an ideal base if you're coming to a game at the (awesome) Emirates Stadium. These one and two bedroom luxury serviced apartments are in a fantastic location between Old Street and Angel Islington and are within easy walking distance of Islington's famously trendy Upper Street for amazing night-life and some very classy shopping.
Mighty, treble-winning Manchester United and their 'noisy neighbours' Man City contest the battle for honours and bragging rights in this fun filled city.
Visit our Manchester City Guide.
Where to stay?
This is a divided town when it comes to football so that will affect where you stay. If you're planning a visit to the Theatre of Dreams - the legendary Old Trafford - then Deansgate's one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments are the place for you. If you're a sky blue then however then you'll want to stay out west and Staycity Manchester is the perfect spot for you to get to the Eitihad Stadium. Luckily both places are central enough for you to enjoy all that the city has to offer once the battle...uh, football...is over!
If I've tempted you to spend a little more time in any of these great footballing cities then why not give us a call and we'll help you find somewhere premier to stay!
Prestige Apartments has a wide range of serviced apartments on offer throughout the UK with options to suit all budgets and group sizes. Please get in touch with the sales team who will be happy to discuss how they can help you with your serviced apartment needs.
Tel: 0845 838 5148 or email: sales@prestigeapartments.co.uk
If you’re planning a trip to visit the UK, Prestige Apartments has a wide range of serviced apartments and corporate housing on offer in London. We'll have something to suit all budgets and group sizes so why not consider staying in a serviced apartment this year? Just get in touch with our friendly sales team and they'll help you to choose your perfect 'home from home'.