Twickenham Stadium Sports Fan Tips
Twickenham Stadium is a venue in or near London that is most often used for Rugby Union
Best Pubs around Twickenham Stadium?
Twickenham is a fantastic area of London with ample welcoming places to have a few drinks before watching a game or a concert at Twickenham Stadium. One of the more popular pubs with the rugby crowd is 'The Cabbage Patch', popular in part because it is opposite the train station. Expect big crowds but if you get there early you can enjoy big screen TV's, drinks and ample pub food.If you are coming from the Richmond Station direction then you can follow the crowds to the 'Orange Tree' and enjoy live sport and a short walk to the stadiums shuttle bus. Another popular pub, complete with a fantastic garden and terrace is the 'Turks Head'. All of these pubs are very welcoming, especially on match days, for home and away fans alike.
How do I get to Twickenham Stadium?
Despite not being in London's city center there are still many different ways to get to Twickenham Stadium. However, as the area of Twickenham itself is fairly quiet and residential, the stations that serve the area are not the biggest. As such the station platforms have been known to get rather crowded. Try going earlier to ensure a smooth, stress free trip.The nearest train station is Twickenham Station a 20 minute journey from Waterloo, which is only a 10 minute walk from the stadium itself. Just turn right upon exciting the station and follow the road down. a return ticket will cost you £11.10 There is also access via the London Underground. Take the district line to Richmond station, it is in London's Zone 4, which means an adult single ticket will cost £5.90. You can buy a day pass for £12.10 however. Whilst a 25 minute walk to the stadium, there is a free shuttle bus that picks directly up at Richmond and takes you straight there.
Things to check out around Twickenham Stadium?
Unfortunately Twickenhams stadium tour is shut on match days, but if you are spending a few days in the area, then it is definitely something that you should check out. Tickets start from £20 per adult and £12 per child. The tour takes you all over the stadium, from the home dressing room to the royal box, the VIP areas to experiencing life as a player - running down the tunnel to pitch side.The World Rugby Museum is open on matchdays to ticket holders however, opening when the Stadium doors do and closing around an hour after the final whistle. The Museum is full of touch screens and videos that shows the sports gaining popularity from its earliest days. The star piece is the Calcutta Cup - the trophy that England and Scotland play each other for every year!
Best Food and Drink at Twickenham Stadium?
There are plenty of options for food and drinks inside Twickenham stadium itself, just be prepared for the rush of people at half time! On Level 1 there are many bars and fast food places serving your typical burgers and hot dogs as well as alcoholic beverages. However if you are after something different then you should head to the East Stand, and find the West Cornwall Pasty Company. As well as the traditional Cornish pasty, they have modern options such as the Indian Butter Chicken pasty or the Steak and Blue Cheese.Level 2 has another Pasty Company shop, as well 5 bars. Try the Sin Bin Bar in the West Stand for Laverstock Park Farm organic burgers that prove a hit time and time again!
What to expect from the Twickenham Stadium crowd?
No matter who England's opponent is the atmosphere is always electric at Twickenham. You can always expect to see fireworks and live entertainment before every game, as well as the tradition of the national anthems. Twickenham itself being the home of English rugby has its own anthem, at every game - 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' will be sung more than once, urging the players on.Rugby stadiums normally have a family atmosphere to them and Twickenham is no different. As such, home and away fans sit together and enjoy the game in each others company. Cameras are also constantly looking at the crowd so prepare to see yourself on the big screen!
Twickenham Stadium seating?
Despite being an old and historic ground, Twickenham has been constantly modified and updated to suit the modern game and the modern customer. The 4 areas of the ground are all under cover to protect you from the rain. The East and West Stands run the length of the pitch and so offer fantastic views. However, a tip would be to remember your sunglasses if you are sitting in the East Stand as it can get quite a glare off the afternoon sun.Ticket prices will fluctuate dependent on who England are playing that day. For example, a ticket to England vs France will be much more expensive then England vs Italy. A seat behind the goalposts could cost you around £250 whereas a middle area seat on the East / West Stands could cost considerably more.
Best Insider tip at Twickenham Stadium?
Make sure to start your journey early if you are coming from central London. The trains and underground are known to get very busy on match days, so to avoid a Que for the train and for the pubs when you get there, set off with ample time.There is a free shuttle bus that picks up from Richmond Underground station that takes you directly to the stadium itself.Video recording equipment has recently been banned from the stadium - so don't take any expensive recording devices.
Best restaurants near Twickenham Stadium?
Twickenham is a town within itself so you don't need to travel all the way back to central London to enjoy some food before or after the game. There are many popular restaurant chains such as Wagamamas serving noodles and Asian fare, Carluccios if you are hungry for Italian, or the very popular Gauchos - an Argentinian chain specializing in meat and steaks.If you are after something more traditional, Twickenham is home to classic English pubs such as the Barmy Army, The White Swan and The Fox, all serving English classics and all very welcoming to the rugby crowd.