The Valley Stadium Guide
The Valley is a football stadium in Charlton, southeast London, England. It has been the home ground of Charlton Athletic since 1919, with a brief interruption between 1985 and 1992 when the club played at Selhurst Park. The stadium has a capacity of 27,111, all seated.
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The Valley was built in 1919 on land that had previously been used as a sandpit. It was originally an open-air stadium with a capacity of 50,000. In the 1930s, the stadium was gradually developed, with terracing being added to all four sides of the ground. The Valley’s record attendance of 75,031 was set for an FA Cup match against Aston Villa in 1938.
During the Second World War, The Valley was badly damaged by bombing. After the war, the stadium was rebuilt and its capacity was reduced to 35,000. In the 1960s, The Valley underwent a further round of redevelopment, with a new main stand being built. The stadium’s capacity was increased to 27,111.
In 1985, Charlton Athletic were forced to leave The Valley due to safety concerns. The club played at Selhurst Park for seven seasons while The Valley was renovated. The stadium was reopened in 1992 and Charlton Athletic have played there ever since.
The Valley is a popular and historic stadium. It has hosted a number of major matches, including FA Cup semi-finals and England Under-21 internationals. The stadium is also home to the Charlton Athletic Museum, which tells the story of the club’s history.
Pubs near The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic
- The Royal Oak is a traditional English pub with a large garden and a wide range of beers on tap. It is located just a short walk from the stadium. Address: 54 Charlton Ln, London SE7 8LA. Phone: 020 4548 6580.
- The Bugle Horn is a popular pub with a lively atmosphere. It is known for its good food and its selection of craft beers. Address: 6 The Village, London SE7 8UD. Phone: 020 8316 2623.
- The Anchor & Hope is a riverside pub with a beautiful view of the Thames. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Address: Riverside, London SE7 7SS. Phone: 020 8858 0382.
- The Rose of Denmark is a family-friendly pub with a large beer garden. It is a great place to watch a match or simply relax with a drink. Address: Rose of Denmark, 296 Woolwich Rd, New Charlton, London SE7 7AL. Phone: 020 8858 9946.
These are just a few of the many pubs near The Valley Charlton. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect place to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat before or after the match.
Hotels near The Valley, Charlton
- Radisson Red London Greenwich The O2 is a 4-star hotel located in Greenwich. It offers stylish rooms with views of the O2 Arena or the Thames River. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
- Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich is a 3-star hotel located in Greenwich. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
- Travelodge London Greenwich High Road is a budget hotel located in Greenwich It offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
- Premier Inn London Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) is a budget hotel located in Woolwich. It offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
How to get to The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic
By train
The nearest train station to The Valley is Charlton station. It is served by trains from London Cannon Street, London Charing Cross, Dartford and Gillingham. The journey from central London takes around 20 minutes. From Charlton station, it is a short walk to The Valley.
By bus
There are several buses that stop near The Valley. The nearest bus stops are Charlton Church Lane and Charlton Station. The buses that stop at these stops include the 161, 177, 180, 380 and 472. The journey from central London takes around 30 minutes.
By car
The Valley is located off Charlton Road. There is a car park at The Valley, but it is often full on match days. If you are planning to drive to The Valley, it is advisable to arrive early.
By bike
The Valley is located close to the River Thames. There is a cycle path that runs along the river and it is a pleasant way to get to The Valley. The journey from central London takes around 45 minutes.
Once you have arrived at The Valley, there is a large concourse where you can buy food and drink. There are also toilets and a souvenir shop. The stadium is wheelchair accessible and there are designated areas for disabled spectators.
Useful links
Official club website
Fan forums and websites
Charlton Athletic supporters trust
Things to do at The Valley, Charlton
- Watch a Charlton Athletic football match. The Valley is the home ground of Charlton Athletic Football Club, a professional football club based in Charlton, London. The club was founded in 1885 and has played at The Valley since 1919. Charlton Athletic are currently in League One, the third tier of English football.
- Visit the Charlton Athletic Museum. The Charlton Athletic Museum is located at The Valley and tells the story of the club’s history. The museum has exhibits on the club’s players, managers, and trophies.
- Take a tour of The Valley. The Valley offers guided tours of the stadium. Tours last approximately one hour and cover the stadium’s history, architecture, and facilities.
- Eat at a restaurant near The Valley. There are a number of restaurants near The Valley that offer a variety of cuisines. Some popular restaurants include The Railway, The Crown, and O’Neills.
- Explore Blackheath. Blackheath is a large common near the Stadium. The common is a popular spot for walking, running, and playing sports. Blackheath is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Blackheath Beacon and the Royal Blackheath Tennis Club.
If you are a fan of Charlton Athletic Football Club, or if you are simply looking for a fun and affordable day out in London, then The Valley is a great place to visit.
Things you can do near The Valley, Charlton
- Visit the Charlton Athletic Football Club stadium. The Valley is a 27,000-seater stadium that has been the home of Charlton Athletic since 1919. Tours of the stadium are available for fans of all ages.
- Explore Blackheath. Blackheath is a large, open common that is perfect for a walk, run, or picnic. There are also a number of pubs and restaurants in Blackheath Village.
- Take a boat trip on the River Thames. There are a number of companies that offer boat trips on the River Thames, which is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
- Visit the Greenwich Maritime Museum. The Greenwich Maritime Museum is home to a collection of maritime artefacts, including ships, boats, and model ships. The museum also has a hands-on Discovery Centre where children can learn about the history of the sea.
- Walk across the Thames Barrier. The Thames Barrier is a series of movable gates that protects London from flooding. It is a fascinating structure to see, and you can walk across it on a specially designed walkway.
- Visit the O2 Arena. The O2 Arena is a large, indoor arena that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions.
These are just a few of the many things you can do near Charlton. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this part of London.