Wembley, Wimbledon, Twickenham: London has some of the greatest sports venues in the world, and many of them invite members of the public behind the scenes for stadium tours — usually twinned with a museum visit. Whether football, rugby, cricket or tennis is your jam, here's our roundup of the best stadium tours in London.
Twickenham Stadium tours
What? Go behind the scenes at the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world (it seats 82,000), visiting the royal box, hospitality suites, medical room and players' tunnel — as well as taking a pitchside walk. Learn about routines and rituals in the England dressing room, and finish up at the World Rugby Museum.
When? Tours run most days, and usually three times a day.
How much? Adult £27.95 | child £17.50 | concession £22.95
Lord's Cricket Ground tours
What? Explore Lord's Cricket Ground — parts of which are over 200 years old — with the help of a knowledgable guide. Start out in the museum (home to the famous Ashes urn, as well as a sparrow that was killed by a flying cricket ball) before visiting the Long Room (through which cricketers make their way onto the pitch), the players' dressing rooms (where you can see the Lord's honours boards), and the Media Centre with its spectacular view of the ground.
When? Usually two or three times daily. There are also various VIP tours with celeb guides/dinners etc, though these cost significantly more.
How much? Adult £29.95 | child £19.95 | concession £23.95.
The Oval Cricket Ground tours
What? Learn more about the first ground to host Test cricket in England (as well as the FA Cup Final), on this comprehensive tour of the ground and its facilities, including the Members' Pavilion, historic Long Room, club museum, players' dressing rooms, broadcast commentary box, and the Ken Barrington Indoor Cricket Centre and Gym, where players train.
When? Most days at 11am.
How much? Adult £20| child £5 | senior £15. There are also experiences where you can watch Surrey play, do a behind the scenes tour and enjoy afternoon tea — from £55 per person.
Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club tours
What? A Blue Badge Guide whisks you around the courts, players' facilities and broadcasting suites of SW19 on this tour — teaching you how the famous grass courts are cared for, and showing you where members take their tea. Entry to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is also included — it has superb displays on the evolution of the game, and features objects of interest such as Roger Federer's bench.
When? Multiple times daily, except during Wimbledon Championships in July.
How much? Adult £30| child £20 | concession £26
Wembley Stadium tours
What? The second-largest football ground in Europe, no one forgets their first trip to Wembley — and the expert-led tours (although the first part of the tours are self-led) taking in the changing rooms, press room, player's tunnel — sometimes even letting you stand in the centre circle — will fill you full of facts and memories. Though of course you needn't be an England fan to enjoy this tour, expect one or two mentions of a certain day in 1966 along the way...
When? Multiple times daily, except during special events.
How much? Adult £25 | child/concession £18. There are also VIP tours and matchday tour experiences.
London Stadium/West Ham United tours
What? The former Olympic Stadium is now of course home to West Ham United, but although there's plenty to love for Hammers fans here, any sports/stadium enthusiast will learn plenty about the venue's involvement in everything from the 2015 Rugby World Cup to hosting Beyoncé gigs. Walk through the tunnel, sit in the stands, visit the dugout and explore the changing rooms. The tour is offered in five languages, which can be selected on arrival. The tour is fully accessible throughout.
When? Multiple times daily, except during special events.
How Much? Though tickets are often available on the day, £2 discounts apply for online bookings in advance. Adult £20/£22 | child £12/£13 | concession £17/£19. Various VIP/matchday tours are also offered, and cost more.
Arsenal Emirates Stadium tours
What? The standard handset-led tour of Arsenal's stadium leads you to the directors box, players' entrance, home and away dressing room, players' tunnel, pitchside and home dugout, various media areas and exclusive Diamond Club. If you prefer the personal touch, sign up for a Legend Tour, led by a former Gooner player: Charlie George, Nigel Winterburn or Perry Groves.
When? Multiple times daily, except during special events.
How much? Audio tours adult £30 | child £20 | concession £25 | Legend Tours adult £50| child £30 | concession £40
Chelsea FC Stamford Bridge Stadium tours
What? The one-hour Stadium Tour of Chelsea's home ground visits areas normally reserved for players and officials, including various stands, the press room, home and away dressing rooms, the tunnel and dug out areas. You'll finish up in the museum. For those in a rush (or if you just want to get selfies with Stamford Bridge as a backdrop), the slightly cheaper View from the Bridge experience allows you to do just that (and visit the museum too).
When? Standard tours run most days (not match days, and several closures during the closed season May-August).
How much? Though tickets are often available on the day, £2 discounts apply for online bookings in advance. Adult £30/£32 | child £20/£22 | concession £22/£24. There's also a VIP tour, costing from £100 per person.
Spurs' Stadium tours
What? One of London's newest (and most high-tech) stadiums, the home of Spurs offers a slew of different tours, including a self-led classic Stadium Tour (with the usual deep-dive into dressing rooms, pitchside, etc), plus Matchday Tours, Technical Tours (where you can go beneath the retractable pitch) and a Legends Tour, personally led by Spurs alumni. Within the tours there is also sometimes the chance to tour the Beavertown Brewery inside the stadium — AND there's the Dare Skywalk where you can teeter almost 50 metres above the pitch.
When? Classic tours run daily at various times. Other tours are less frequent, and should be booked ahead.
How much? Though tickets are often available on the day, £2 discounts apply for online bookings in advance. Stadium Tour: Adult £35/£37 | child £9 | concession £33. Prices for other tours vary.
Fulham FC Craven Cottage Stadium tours
What? Meet at the Johnny Haynes Statue before touring what must be the city's most characterful football ground (parts of it are Grade II listed), not least because of its eponymous cottage nestled in one corner of the ground. You'll get to visit the cottage, along with the home and away dressing rooms, players' tunnel — plus there's a chance to ogle the brand new Riverside Development.
When? Most days, three time slots.
How much? Adult £27 | child £21 | concession £20
Original article by Laura Reynolds. Updated in 2024 by Will Noble.
