Charlton Athletic visitor guide | The Valley guide

The Valley, the much loved home of Charlton Athletic F.C., has made the remarkable transition from derelict shell to modern 27,111 seated capacity stadium over the last 20 years. The ground traces its history back to 1919, a time when the club had found the site for a new ground (an old sand and chalk pit) but had insufficient funds to fully realise its development. Faithful supporters formed a volunteer army, digging out a pitch and using the surplus material to build up the sides, thus creating the grounds early stands and valley-like appearance. Despite such extraordinary beginnings, The Valley was for many years the largest ground in London. The maximum capacity was around 75,000 and the East Stand was the largest in English football. Money troubles forced the club to leave The Valley in 1985 but by 1988 Charlton's loyal fans had acquired the ground and began cleaning in up. They even formed a political party and successfully pressured the local council into approving plans for a new stadium. Charlton Athletic F.C. returned to The Valley in 1992 after a seven-year absence. The ground has since been extensively redeveloped with three new stands being built over the following ten years.

Away supporters will find themselves seated in the 3,000 capacity Jimmy Seed Stand or South Stand, as it is also known. It currently the oldest part of the ground (dating from the early 1980s) and looks somewhat shabby and out of place compared to the other stands. Views are generally good from the stand although the stadiums one supporting pillar, located in the centre of the stand, can cause some annoyance. The usual match refreshments are available at kiosks around the ground. The atmosphere in the stadium is generally lively and good-natured; many travelling fans regard The Valley as one of the best away visits in the country.

The stadium is located in a fairly low-key area of London so visiting supporters looking for a hotel near The Valley may have to look to nearby Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs for their accommodation.

Getting To The Valley

By Car

The Valley is easier to reach then some of the more centrally located London grounds but it is still recommended to take public transport where possible. Fans travelling by car should exit the M25 at Junction 2 and take the A2 towards London. Eventually the A2 becomes the A102 (M), when this happens take the A206 towards Woolwich and you will soon find the stadium to your right. Street parking is available but residents parking schemes can make it tricky to find a space close to the ground. If you have selected a hotel near The Valley with parking then it may be a good idea to leave your car behind and take alternative transport to the ground.

By Public Transport

If travelling to The Valley by public transport from further afield, it is likely that you will end up in one of London's main bus or rail stations. Fear not, the capitals integrated transport system will get you to where you need to be. The closest train station to The Valley is the Charlton railway station, served by regular trains from London Bridge and Charing Cross mainline stations. To get to the ground, exit Charlton station onto Church lane. Turn right and cross to the other side of the road, take the next left (Floyd Road) and then take a right (Valley Grove) to reach The Valley.

If you wish to get to the ground via the tube (which has more frequent services), then travel on the Jubilee Line to the North Greenwich stop and take the number 161, 472 or 486 to the stadium.