Burnley visitor guide (Turf Moor, Burnley FC, Clarets), England

Opened in 1883, Turf Moor is the second oldest active football ground in the UK. Burnley F.C. has played its home matches here since 1883; a year after the club was founded. Two of the grounds four stands were redeveloped during the 1990s. The new stands, named the James Hargreaves Stand and the Jimmy McIlroy Stand were opened in 1996 replacing the old Longside and Bee Hole End stands. The current incarnation of Turf Moor has an all-seated capacity of 22,546 although the record attendance stands at 54,755 spectators for an FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town in 1924. A further £20 million redevelopment of Turf Moor is scheduled for completion in time for the 2010 football season.

Away fans are seated in the Cricket Field End of the ground (also known as the David Fishwick Stand). Burnley F.C. enjoys a loyal following and the home fans generally create a lively atmosphere within the stadium. The away stand is showing its age and as a result visiting supporters can expect wooden seats and view restricting pillars. Refreshments are available on the concourse below the stand but the half-time struggle to get served can be off putting for some. The close proximity of several Turf Moor hotels means comfort and refreshment are never far away if you don't find them while watching the match.

Getting To Turf Moor

By Car

Take Junction 29 off the M6 and onto the M65. Stay with the M65 until exiting at Junction 10 to follow the signs for Towneley Hall. This road will take you to the ground in due course. If approaching from other directions you will find the stadium sign posted once entering Burnley. Parking is available at the neighbouring cricket ground and costs about £3-4. If space isn't available then street parking is possible in the nearby streets. Considering the closeness of some Turf Moor hotels to the ground, it may be worth parking your car and enjoying the brief stroll to the stadium.

By Public transport

Burnley has two central train stations that are within a 15-20 minute walk of Turf Moor. Manchester Road is the closer of the two stations but is generally served by local trains. However, if you happen to be arriving in Burnley at this station then it is relatively easy to reach the ground. Exit the station and head down Centenary Way; the stadium will be clearly visible. Go right down Yorkshire Street when you reach the roundabout, this street becomes Harry Potts Way and Turf Moor will be on your left.

If arriving at Burnley Central Station, head out of the station crossing the road, and head down towards a retail area. When you hit the inner ring road, the A679, turn left and continue on until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right here onto the A682 (Church St) and go down this road until you reach another roundabout. Turn left onto Yorkshire Street and keep following this road until you reach the stadium. Fans not fancying the walk should take a taxi from outside the station.

Fans arriving by bus will find that the bus station is fairly close to Turf Moor. When leaving the station the best advice is to follow the crowds making their way to the stadium.

Here are football stadiums close to Burnley: