Goodison Park
1. Getting to Goodison Park
By Car
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Address: Goodison Park, Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EL.
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Parking:
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On-Site Parking: There is very limited on-site parking at the stadium, mostly reserved for club staff, VIPs, and season ticket holders. It’s best to pre-book parking if you're driving.
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Nearby Parking: There are several public car parks within walking distance of the stadium:
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Everton FC Car Park: Located near the stadium, though it can fill up quickly.
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Anfield Road Car Park: Located close to Anfield, also within walking distance to Goodison Park.
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Street Parking: There are also street parking options around the stadium, but be mindful of matchday restrictions.
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By Train
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Lime Street Station:
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Distance: Around a 25-minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride from Goodison Park.
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Trains to Lime Street: You can catch direct trains from London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, and Birmingham New Street, with journeys from London taking about 2 hours.
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Train Tips: Lime Street is the main station for visitors to Liverpool, and trains tend to get busy before matchdays, so it’s good to plan ahead.
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Kirkdale Station:
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Distance: A 15-minute walk from the stadium.
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Trains to Kirkdale: Kirkdale is a local station with services running from Lime Street Station and Liverpool Central. From Kirkdale, it’s a short walk to Goodison Park.
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Train Tips: If you’re traveling in a group, it might be quicker to head for Kirkdale instead of Lime Street as it’s closer and less crowded.
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By Bus
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Bus Routes: Several bus routes run to Goodison Park from different parts of Liverpool:
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Route 19: From Liverpool City Centre to Goodison Park.
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Route 300: Running from Liverpool Central to Goodison Park, passing through key areas like Bootle and Anfield.
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By Bike
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Cycling: Goodison Park is bike-friendly, and there are bike racks located at the stadium. Liverpool also has a network of cycle lanes that make cycling to the stadium a feasible option.
2. Where to Stay
If you're visiting Liverpool and need somewhere to stay, there are various accommodation options depending on your budget.
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Budget-Friendly:
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Ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street: Located in the heart of Liverpool, this is an affordable and comfortable option, around 20 minutes by foot from the stadium.
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The Podworks Hotel: A simple and modern hotel in the city center, close to the main transport links.
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Mid-Range:
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Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel: A stylish hotel offering great views of the city and within a short distance from Goodison Park.
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The Dixie Dean Hotel: A unique football-themed hotel located close to Liverpool's city center, a short drive from the stadium.
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Luxury:
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The Shankly Hotel: A luxury hotel dedicated to football legend Bill Shankly, located in the city center with excellent amenities and easy access to Goodison Park.
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Hard Days Night Hotel: A beautifully designed hotel with Beatles-themed decor, located close to both the city center and Goodison Park.
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3. Matchday Tips
Gates Open:
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Gates generally open around 1.5 to 2 hours before the match, allowing you time to explore the fan zones, grab food, and soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
Ticket Collection:
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If you have pre-purchased tickets, you can print them at home or collect them from the stadium’s ticket office on matchday.
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Ticket Tips: If you are collecting tickets in person, bring your ID and booking confirmation to avoid any issues.
Fan Zones:
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While Goodison Park doesn't have a large official fan zone like some other stadiums, there are a few places near the ground where fans can gather before the match.
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The Winslow Hotel and The Park Hotel are popular pre-match spots for Everton fans.
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Merchandise:
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Club Shop: The official Everton FC Club Shop is located at Goodison Park, offering a wide range of Everton merchandise, from shirts to scarves, hats, and more.
Food and Drink:
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Inside the Stadium: Goodison Park has various food stands offering matchday snacks:
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Hot dogs, pies, burgers, and fish and chips.
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Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
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A variety of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
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Pubs and Restaurants:
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The Winslow Hotel: A popular local pub for Everton fans, located near the stadium. It offers a lively atmosphere on matchdays.
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The Park Hotel: Another fan-favorite pub, offering great drinks and food before the match.
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The Cabbage Hall Hotel: A historic pub near the stadium serving hearty pub food and drinks.
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4. Exploring Liverpool
If you have some time to explore the city before or after the match, there are many things to see and do in Liverpool.
The Royal Albert Dock
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Distance: 20-minute bus ride from the stadium.
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What to Do: Explore the vibrant Royal Albert Dock, home to museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and the famous The Beatles Story museum.
Anfield (Home of Liverpool FC)
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Distance: 15-minute walk from Goodison Park.
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What to Do: If you're a football fan, visit Anfield and take a tour of Liverpool FC’s iconic stadium.
Liverpool Cathedral
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Distance: 20-minute walk from the city center.
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What to Do: Visit the stunning Liverpool Cathedral, which is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Don’t miss the beautiful views from the tower.
The Cavern Club
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Distance: 15-minute walk from the city center.
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What to Do: For music lovers, head to the famous Cavern Club, the birthplace of The Beatles, and enjoy some live music.
5. Post-Match Tips
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Getting Back to the Train Station: After the match, the area around Goodison Park can get crowded. To avoid delays, consider walking to Kirkdale Station for quicker access to trains.
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After-Match Drinks: The The Winslow Hotel and The Park Hotel are both great places to grab a drink and talk about the game with fellow fans.
6. Additional Useful Information
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Weather: Liverpool can be quite rainy, especially in the winter months, so it’s always a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella.
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Safety: Liverpool is a generally safe city, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re walking around at night.
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Emergency Contacts:
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Everton FC Customer Service: If you have any issues on matchday, you can reach the club at +44 (0) 871 663 1878.
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Emergency Services: Dial 999 in case of an emergency.
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Conclusion
Goodison Park is a must-visit destination for football fans, and the city of Liverpool offers much more than just football. Whether you're attending a match or spending some time exploring, you’ll have a memorable experience. This guide will help ensure you get the most out of your visit to Goodison Park!
Enjoy your matchday, and Up the Toffees!