1. Getting to Craven Cottage

By Car

• Address: Craven Cottage, Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: There is limited on-site parking at Craven Cottage, reserved primarily for club staff and VIPs. It's best to pre-book parking if you're driving.

  • Nearby Parking: There are several public parking options near the stadium, but on matchdays, spaces can fill up quickly. Nearby options include:

    • Putney Bridge Car Park – Located a short walk from the stadium.

    • Imperial Wharf – A larger car park a bit further, still walkable.

    • Street Parking: Available in the surrounding areas, but be aware of matchday restrictions and residents-only zones.

By Train

• Putney Station:

  • Distance: 10-minute walk from Craven Cottage.

  • Trains to Putney: Direct trains from London Waterloo to Putney Station, with a journey time of around 15 minutes.

  • Train Tips: Putney Station is a major hub, and trains tend to get busy before matches. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

• Fulham Broadway Station:

  • Distance: 15-minute walk from Craven Cottage.

  • Underground: The District Line serves Fulham Broadway, and you can take a bus or walk to the stadium from there. Trains from central London to Fulham Broadway take around 20 minutes.

By Bus

• Bus Routes: Several bus routes serve Craven Cottage directly from nearby stations and locations:

  • Route 14: Running from Trafalgar Square to Fulham.

  • Route 39: Connecting Hammersmith to Fulham and the stadium.

  • Route 211: From Clapham Junction to Fulham.

By Bike

• Cycling: Craven Cottage is well-served by cycling routes. There are bike racks available near the stadium for fans who wish to cycle. Consider using one of London’s Boris Bikes (Santander Cycles) if you're traveling from a central location.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you’re visiting from outside of London, you’ll find several accommodation options near Craven Cottage and in the surrounding areas.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • The Lodge Hotel: A reasonably priced option located near Putney Bridge, just a short walk from Craven Cottage.

  • Euro Hotel: Located a bit further from the stadium, this hotel offers basic amenities at a budget-friendly price.

• Mid-Range:

  • The Chelsea Harbour Hotel: A stylish hotel located by the river, offering a luxurious stay with great views, just a short distance from Craven Cottage.

  • Best Western Plus Seraphine Hammersmith Hotel: Located close to Hammersmith and Fulham, this hotel provides easy access to the stadium.

• Luxury:

  • The Milestone Hotel: A luxurious 5-star hotel located in Kensington, around a 20-minute journey to Craven Cottage.

  • The Conrad London St. James: Another high-end option located in the heart of London, perfect if you’re looking for a premium experience.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• The gates at Craven Cottage typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before kickoff, giving you plenty of time to grab food and drink and enjoy the atmosphere.

Ticket Collection:

• If you have pre-purchased tickets, you can either print them at home or collect them from the Fulham FC Ticket Office on matchday.

• Ticket Tips: Ensure you bring ID if you are collecting tickets in person. If you’ve opted for e-tickets, make sure your phone is charged to display the QR code.

Fan Zones:

• While Craven Cottage doesn’t have a designated fan zone, there are various bars and pubs in the area where fans can gather before the match:

  • The Crabtree Pub: A local favorite located by the Thames, offering a great pre-match atmosphere.

  • The Distillers: Another popular pub for Fulham supporters, located in Putney.

  • The Queen’s Head: A traditional pub located close to the stadium.

Merchandise:

• Club Shop: The Fulham FC official club shop is located inside Craven Cottage, where you can find a range of Fulham gear, from jerseys to scarves and hats.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: The stadium offers a variety of food and drink options:

  • Traditional football food like pies, hot dogs, burgers, and fish and chips.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including falafel wraps and veggie burgers.

  • A selection of soft drinks, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

• Pre-Match Dining: If you're looking for food before the match, try:

  • The Crabtree Pub: A riverside pub with a hearty menu and a great spot to enjoy a meal before heading to the stadium.

  • The River Café: A Michelin-starred restaurant by the Thames, located nearby in Fulham.

 

4. Exploring Fulham and London

If you have some time to spare before or after the match, there are plenty of things to see and do near Craven Cottage and in the wider Fulham area.

Fulham Palace:

• Distance: 10-minute walk from Craven Cottage.

• What to Do: Visit the Fulham Palace, a historic site that was once the residence of the Bishops of London. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and museum.

Bishops Park:

• Distance: 5-minute walk from Craven Cottage.

• What to Do: Take a walk in Bishops Park, which sits next to the stadium and has beautiful green spaces, a lake, and sporting facilities.

Hammersmith:

• Distance: 15-minute walk or short bus ride.

• What to Do: Explore Hammersmith with its variety of pubs, shops, and restaurants. You can also visit Riverside Studios, a venue for live performances and art exhibitions.

The Thames Path:

• Distance: 5-minute walk.

• What to Do: Walk along the scenic Thames Path, where you can enjoy stunning views of the river and nearby landmarks, including Hammersmith Bridge.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to the Train Station: After the match, it can be a bit crowded, especially around Putney Station, so it’s a good idea to wait a bit to avoid the post-match rush. Alternatively, head to Fulham Broadway and enjoy a drink at a local pub while the crowd thins out.

• After-Match Drinks: If you’re not in a hurry to leave, grab a drink at The Crabtree Pub or The Distillers, both of which are great spots to reflect on the match and chat with other fans.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: London weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter, so bring layers and an umbrella if it looks like rain.

• Safety: Fulham is a generally safe area, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking around at night.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • Fulham FC Ticket Office: For matchday issues, contact the club on +44 (0) 20 7385 2323.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 in case of any emergency.

 

Conclusion

A visit to Craven Cottage is a special experience, with its rich history, passionate fans, and beautiful riverside location. Whether you're here for a match or just exploring the area, you’re sure to enjoy the charm of one of London's oldest football grounds.

Enjoy your matchday, and Come On You Whites!