Bramall Lane · Sheffield S2 4SU · Capacity 32,050
Bramall Lane: the oldest major stadium still in use
Football has been played at Bramall Lane since 1862, which makes it the oldest major stadium in the world still hosting professional football. It also hosted first-class cricket for over a century. And it sits ten minutes' walk from Sheffield station, which is unusually convenient for somewhere that old.
The year football was first played here. No other major ground anywhere in the world has been in continuous use for longer. It is a genuine piece of the sport's history and it is worth knowing that before you go.
Bramall Lane predates almost everything
This ground was staging matches before the FA Cup existed, and it has hosted more than football.
Continuous use
Older than the Football League, older than the FA Cup, and still hosting top-flight football.
For over a century
Yorkshire played first-class cricket here until 1973. The ground was three-sided as a result.
1878
Staged here, using generators. Another first for a ground with a good many of them.
Which is rare
Sheffield station is a short walk, which makes rail a genuine option for this fixture.
Kent to Sheffield
Straight up the M1, and one of the more manageable northern away days from our patch.
| Pick-up area | Distance | Each way | Home by, 15:00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravesend & Northfleet | 195 miles | 3h 40m – 4h 35m | 21:30 |
| Dartford & Bluewater | 190 miles | 3h 35m – 4h 30m | 21:25 |
| Bromley & Orpington | 185 miles | 3h 30m – 4h 25m | 21:20 |
| Sevenoaks & Tonbridge | 188 miles | 3h 35m – 4h 30m | 21:25 |
| Rochester & Chatham | 205 miles | 3h 50m – 4h 45m | 21:40 |
| Maidstone & Aylesford | 201 miles | 3h 45m – 4h 40m | 21:35 |
| Canterbury & Ashford | 229 miles | 4h 15m – 5h 10m | 22:05 |
Getting in and out of S2
A city-centre-edge ground, which puts it between the extremes of a campus site and a terraced grid.
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Ten minutes from Sheffield station | Rail is a genuine option, and the walk is straightforward. |
| City centre a short walk north | Pubs, food and hotels all within reach on foot. |
| Residential streets to the south | Matchday controls, and where the crowd disperses. |
| Our collection sits towards the centre | On wider roads that keep moving. |
| The Sheffield Wednesday factor | Hillsborough is across the city. A derby changes the whole day. |
A Sheffield away day
Rail genuinely competes for this one
Sheffield station is ten minutes' walk from the turnstiles, and services from London are direct and reasonably quick. For two or three people travelling light this is one of the away fixtures where we would suggest looking at the train before booking a vehicle. Where we help is the Kent-to-London leg, groups, and anyone who would rather not change at St Pancras.
The history is worth an hour
If your group has any interest in the game's past, arriving early at Bramall Lane repays it. Football has been played here since 1862, it staged the first floodlit match in 1878, and Yorkshire played cricket on the same site for over a century. It is not a museum, it is a working stadium, but it is one with more history in it than almost anywhere.
A manageable northern trip
At three and a half to four and a half hours each way, Sheffield sits alongside Nottingham as a northern away day you can do without a hotel for an afternoon kick-off. Home by half nine for a three o'clock is entirely reasonable, and it is a considerably shorter day than Manchester or Newcastle.
Check for a Sheffield derby
Hillsborough sits on the other side of the city and a derby changes everything: the policing, the timings, the atmosphere and the traffic management. Those fixtures need planning differently and they are worth booking early. Tell us if that is what you are going to.
Bramall Lane questions
History, access and the M1.
Is Bramall Lane really the oldest?
It is the oldest major stadium in the world still hosting professional football. Football has been played on the site since 1862, and it also staged first-class cricket for over a century.
How far is Sheffield from Kent?
Around a hundred and eighty-five to two hundred and thirty miles, three and a half to five hours each way. Straight up the M1.
Can we do it as a day return?
Yes, for an afternoon kick-off. Home by half nine for a three o'clock, which makes it one of the more manageable northern away days.
Would the train be better?
For two or three people travelling light, quite possibly. Sheffield station is ten minutes' walk from the ground and services from London are direct. We would rather say so and handle the Kent leg.
Where do you collect?
Towards the city centre on wider roads that keep moving, rather than in the residential streets south of the ground where the crowd disperses.
What about a Sheffield derby?
A completely different day. Hillsborough is across the city and derby fixtures change the policing, the timings and the traffic management. Tell us if that is your fixture and book early.
Can you take a supporters' coach?
Yes, up to forty-nine seats. Coach arrangements are set per fixture, so give us notice.
Is the fare fixed?
Yes, agreed before travel and unaffected by motorway delays or added time.
Yorkshire grounds and guides
Sheffield, Leeds and the M1.