London North

Things to Do:

Wembley Stadium:

A visit to the home of English football is a must for fans of the game. The 75 minute tour which currently costs £19 for an adult and £11 for a child (plus various concessions) takes you to the changing rooms, tunnel, Royal Box, trophy winner’s steps, trophy room etc.. You are also able to take your own photos. There is a café and shop.

To get to the stadium you can take the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines to Wembley Park (10 minute walk), the Bakerloo tube or London Overground to Wembley Central (25 minutes walk) or the Chiltern line from Marylebone to Wembley Stadium (10 minute walk). For further info check out the official website www.wembleystadium.com and chose Tours.

Kenwood House:

A former 17th century stately home, Kenwood House, located on the northern edge of Hampstead Heath, is a gem. The property has splendid gardens including sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

Inside the house are paintings by amongst others, Rembrandt, Landseer, Turner, Gainsborough and Reynolds. There are two shops, a café and a takeaway café.

The property is located in Hampstead Lane NW3 and satnav is NW3 7JR.

Or, take tube to Golders Green or Archway then bus 210. The nearest main line stations are Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath. Opening times are 9am to 6pm.

Primrose Hill:

Although located in an exclusive and expensive part of London, Primrose Hill is a public open space which commands, at 256ft, a magnificent view of central London and the City of London. Satnav NW3 3NA. It is also a good place to kick a football around. Refreshments are not available in the park but there are nearby cafes and pubs. Tube stations are Chalk Farm and Camden Town. Overground stations are South Hampstead and Camden Road.

Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields:

This beautiful park land attracts 7 million visitors a year. As well as the beautiful views, the Heath has many sporting facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and 3 bathing ponds. There are two cafes, Parliament Hill and Golders Green Park and numerous toilet facilities.

Access by tube is through Hampstead and Golders Green stations and main line Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak stations. Buses H3, 210 and 268 pass by and through the area.

Highgate Cemetery:

Located in Swain’s Lane, N6 6PJ, the cemetery is the resting place of many well known historical figures, including Karl Marx, George Eliot, Malcolm McClaren, Douglas Adams, Christina Rossetti etc.. The cemetery is split into East and West areas which are open every day except Christmas and Boxing Days. There is a charge for entrance to each sector.

Other than road you can reach the Cemetery by alighting the tube at Archway or getting buses 143, 210 or 270.

Alexandra Palace:

This original (1936) BBC Television Studios is now a multi entertainment centre. The Great Hall and West Hall are used for exhibitions, music concerts etc.. There is also an Ice Rink which used to be home to Haringey Racers Ice Hockey team. Access the web site www.alexandrapalace.com

Located at N22 7AY the venue can be accessed by Wood Green tube station and W3 bus.

Canal Museum and Regent’s Canal:

The canal was constructed to link Paddington in west London to Limehouse in east London and opened in 1801. Canal boat trips are available to travel Camden-London Zoo-Little Venice. The museum is spread over two floors together with an outside wharf, where various themes are displayed. The museum is located in New Wharf Way which lies just to the north east of King’s Cross Station and is open Tuesday to Sunday. The nearest tube station is also King’s Cross (Pentonville Road exit).

RAF Museum:

This very interesting museum is located on the old Hendon Aerodrome and entrance is free. There is much to do including admiring the 100 aircraft on site, flight simulators, 4D cinema, hangars, exhibitions and displays. There are two eateries, a snack bar and a licensed restaurant.

By car, satnav is NW9 5QW or you can arrive by tube via Colindale on the Northern Line.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour:-

Located in Studio Tour Drive, Watford WD25 7LR the tour includes a Harry Potter experience.

Shopping:

There are many shopping areas in North London including Brent Cross Mall, which houses John Lewis and Fenwick department stores. Located in Hendon NW4 3FP the centre can be accessed by bus and Brent Cross tube station.

Watford has an extensive shopping centre with major department stores, national chains etc.

In Islington the Angel Centre contains a good mixture of chain stores together with a Vue cinema complex and various dining options. Nearby are Upper Street and Camden Passage areas which have an interesting mixture of boutiques, vintage and design shops.

Camden Lock, which is a part of Camden Market, is a world famous creative and cultural centre. Some of London’s many designers are based here with their shops, which sit alongside many eating places. Located in Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AF the best travel mode is by underground to Camden Town, Chalk Farm or Mornington Crescent stations. The market is open every day.

CLUBS

ARSENAL

Introduction:

The football club is located in the inner London Borough of Islington, which lies immediately north of the City of London, and has a population of 215,000.

Transport in the Borough:

Buses:

Multi routes run to and from and through the Borough to all parts of Central, North and East London. Within the Borough the main bus centres are Highbury and Islington stations, plus Arsenal, Holloway, Drayton Park, Caledonian Road, Canonbury, Essex Road and Angel stations. To find a route check out the Transport for London web site.

Underground:

There are six tube stations in Islington located on following lines: Piccadilly Line:- Arsenal, Holloway Road and Caledonian Road. Victoria Line:- Highbury and Islington. Northern Line:- Angel.

Road:

The main road in Islington is the A1 which runs from the City of London in the south to the M1 in the north west. Camden Road runs from Regent’s Park and the A503 runs from the City of London to the A10 to the east of the Borough, running through the centre of Islington.

Railway:

The Borough is served by London Overground railway with stations at Highbury and Islington, Drayton Park and Essex Road. The areas of London which are accessed from theses stations are Stratford, Canary Wharf, Croydon, Clapham, Richmond and Hampstead. Route maps can be found at Travel for London web site..

Air:

The City of London airport is the closest to the centre of Islington. However, the three Piccadilly line stations mentioned above connect to London Heathrow, and Stansted can be accessed via M11 which runs from north London.

Taxis:

Half a dozen taxi firms operate within the Borough.

Stadium: Emirates Stadium. Hornsey Road. Islington.

Founded: 1886

Joined League: 1893

Chairman: Chips Keswick

Manager: Mikel Arteta

Current League: Premier

Phone Number: 020 7619 5003

Email: ask@arsenal.co.uk

Brief History:

The club were originally based in south east London when they were called Woolwich Arsenal, named after the munitions factory where the first players worked. Their election to the Football League in 1904 made them the first southern club to be elected to same. In 1913 the club relocated to north London and named themselves just Arsenal. They remained in the second tier until 1919 when they were surprisingly elected to Division One.

They have remained in that position ever since, holding the record for longest, continuous residence in the top flight.

After recruiting Herbert Chapman from Huddersfield Town, the Gunners built a strong team and won their first trophy, the FA Cup in 1930. The club prospered further and during the 1930’s the club won five League championships and a further Cup Final. Post war saw two further League titles and an FA Cup win. However, after 1953 the team won no further silverware for seventeen years.

In 1970, the tide turned when they beat Anderlecht to win the European Fairs Cup.

1971 saw Arsenal begin their bright future by winning the double, the League title and FA Cup. First though they lost three FA Cup finals in the 1970s until they won the Cup again in 1979.

In 1986 George Graham was appointed manager and a League Cup final was won in 1987 and two years later won the League title. The League was won again two years later when the Gunners lost just one game and conceded just eighteen goals. Graham’s managership saw the club win a further League Cup, FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup when they beat Parma 1-0 in 1994. George Graham was then sacked for irregularity and the board recruited Arsene Wenger, a French manager unknown in British circles.

This was a shrewd move and the Double was won again in 2002 during which the club won a record thirteen consecutive wins. The League championship in 2004 was won without being beaten once throughout the 38 game season. This feat had not been achieved since Preston North End in 1889. This unbeaten run ran to 49 games at the beginning of the following season. The club won the Cup in 2005 and then the trophies dried up, including losing in the final of the European Cup, to Barcelona in 2006.

The club moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 and has been seeking trophy wins since. In season 2016/17 the Gunners won the FA Cup and qualified for the Europa League. The club again qualified for Europa League at end of 2017/18 season.

Honours:

League Champions :

1931. 1933. 1934. 1035. 1938. 1948. 1953. 1971. 1989. 1991. 1998. 2002. 2004.

F A Cup Winners:

1930. 1936. 1950. 1971. 1979. 1993. 1998. 2002. 2003. 2005. 2014. 2016. 2017. 2020

League Cup Winners:

1987. 1993.

Charity Shield Winners:

1930. 1931. 1933. 1934. 1938. 1948. 1953. 1991*. 1998. 1999, 2002. 2004. 2014. *Shared.

2016. 2017. 2023.

European Cup Winners Cup Winners:

1994.

European Inter-Cities Fairs Cup:

1970.

Match Day:

Tickets:

Away fans should contact their own clubs to purchase tickets.

Home fans have priority as season ticket holders. The matches are categorised A to C, with most glamorous fixtures being A down to C for least attractive fixtures.

Non members should check availability at the Ticket Office by phoning 020 7619 5000 or by email to:- boxoffice@arsenal.co.uk.

Transport:

Bus:

From Central London (Trafalgar Square) take the bus 29 to Holloway Nags Head or buses 43, 263, 271 and 393 to Holloway Road Station. Full details on Transport for London web site.

Underground:

The Victoria Line runs to Finsbury Park and Highbury and Islington and Piccadilly Line to Arsenal and Finsbury Park.

Rail:

Trains run from King’s Cross to Finsbury Park Station or Holloway and Islington Station. (Holloway Road and Drayton Park stations are not in use on match days).

Car:

It is advised not to drive to the Emirates as a residents parking scheme is in operation in the area around the stadium. Public transport is comprehensive. However, road details are given above in the Borough information.

Stadium:

in 2006 the Emirates Stadium superseded Highbury as Arsenal’s home stadium. The Borough of Islington turned down plans to expand Highbury so the club bought some old wasteland at Ashburton Grove, in the Borough. Work stated in 2004 and was completed in 2006 and has a capacity of 60,272, with only Wembley and Old Trafford bigger.

There are four joined stands, West, North, East and Clock, each containing four levels. The away fans are housed at lower level in south east corner. Food and drink is available in the away fans area, such as pie and pint/soft drink for £5. Alcohol is not available at UEFA Champions League matches. Purchases have to be made by cash and cash machines can be found at Tesco at Drayton Park. Fans can also take their own snacks and soft drinks into the stadium.

Outside of the ground cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops can be found at Drayton Park. These businesses are generally away fan friendly.

Various tours of the stadium are available and there is a club museum. To book both of these telephone 020 7619 5000. There is also a club shop, The Armoury, located on west side ground, adjacent Holloway Road. Stores can also be found at Drayton Park and Finsbury Park station.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Introduction:

The football club is based in the London Borough of Haringey which lies in central North London and has a population of 255,000.

Transport in the Borough:

Buses:

Over forty day bus routes and over fifteen night bus routes run within the Borough and details can be found at Transport for London web site. From outside the Borough the following routes run via the centre of Haringey:- No. 29 from Trafalgar Square to Wood Green. No. 67 from Aldgate to Wood Green. No. 141 London Bridge to Palmers Green. No. 341 from County Hall to Northumberland Park and No. W5 from Archway.

Underground:

There are seven tube stations within Haringey. Highgate lies on the High Barnet to Morden Northern Line. Four stations are on the Piccadilly Line which runs from Cockfosters to Heathrow/Uxbridge. They are Manor House, Turnpike Lane, Wood Green and Bounds Green. On the Walthamstow Central to Brixton, Victoria Line, sit Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale stations.

Road

The main road through Haringey is the A10 which runs from the City of London to Cambridge and King’s Lynn. This same road joins Haringey to the northern section of the M25 which encircles Greater London. Running through the Borough from west to east is the A406, North Circular Road, which runs from Brentford to Barking.

Railway:

Trains from King’s Cross and Liverpool Street run through Haringey stations. London Overground run west to east across the Borough. Check out National Rail site for details.

Air:

Haringey is connected to Heathrow via the Piccadilly Line and both London City and Stansted can be accessed by public transport.

Taxis:

Seven companies run taxi services within the Borough.

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham. N17 0AP

Founded: 1882

Joined League: 1908

Chairman: Daniel Levy

Manager: Ange Postecoglou

Current League: Premier

Phone Number: 0344 499 5000

Email: see official web site

Brief History:

Originally called Hotspur when formed by school boys in 1888, the club has developed into one of the top football clubs in England. Even before entering the League, Spurs had won the FA Cup in 1901. Their 1-0 win over Sheffield United meant they were the only team to win the trophy when playing outside of the League.

Elected to the League in 1909 the club reached the top flight before World War One but was relegated shortly after the war. They gained promotion again at the first attempt and then went on to win the FA Cup again in 1921. Another relegation in 1928, a further promotion, and yet another relegation in 1935.

After WW2 the club were promoted to the top flight in 1950 and won the League title in 1951. Then in 1961 the first League/FA Cup double of the twentieth century. This same season had seen the club record a top flight record of winning 11 consecutive games. In 1963 Spurs beat Atletico Madrid to win the European Cup Winners Cup and followed with a UEFA Cup triumph in 1973 beating Wolverhampton Wanderers over two legs.

They had also won the FA Cup in 1962 and 1966 and the League Cup in 1971 and 1973. However in 1977 the club were relegated but bounced back quickly.

During these successful seasons the club had the services of Danny Blanchflower, Dave MacKay and Jimmy Greaves. Then a shock coup in 1978 when they signed Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa who had starred in Argentina’s World Cup winning team of the same year. In 1984 they beat Anderlecht to win the UEFA Cup again.

The nineties were painful, having to watch Arsenal’s success and it took until 1999 for another trophy, the League Cup. They won the League Cup again in 2008 and in Harry Redknapp’s first season in charge a top four League finish and the Champions League competition. However further League campaigns could not provide the club with further Champions League football.

At the end of the 2017/18 Premier League season the club qualified for the European Champions League, but sadly lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final in Madrid in June 2019.

Honours:

League Champions :

1951. 1961.

F A Cup Winners:

1901. 1921. 1961. 1962. 1967. 1981. 1982. 1991.

League Cup Winners:

1971. 1973. 1999. 2008.

Charity Shield Winners:

1921. 1952. 1962. 1963. 1968*. 1982*. 1992*. Shared*.

European Cup Winners Cup Winners:

1963.

Eufa Cup:

1972. 1984.

Match Day:

Tickets:

Away fans should check with their home club regarding tickets.

For home supporters it is probably best to become season ticket holders. However, availability of tickets for individual matches can be found at Spurs partners Stub Hub. Contact details are on their web site. Alternatively you can contact Spurs direct on 0344 844 0102 or by email to ticket.office@tottenhamhotspur.com

The ticket office is located on corner of Park Lane and Tottenham High Road.

Transport:

Zeelo:

For home fans this company operate coaches to the stadium. Check their website for details.

Bus:

Many bus routes pass by or very near to White Hart Lane. The following routes should be checked out at Transport for London to find which serves your needs:- 149. 259. 279. 349. 318. 348. 476. 123. 243. 341. 123.

Underground:

There are two tube stations in the vicinity of the stadium. They are Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters which are 21 and 28 minutes walk respectively. Both stations lie on the Victoria Line.

Rail:

Trains from Liverpool Station stop at White Hart Lane and Northumberland Park stations. These stations are 4 and 8 minutes walk, respectively, to the ground. Trains to White Hart Lane connect to Seven Sisters tube station and trains to Northumberland Park connect to Tottenham Hale. If wishing to visit match by air then Stansted Airport is connected direct to Tottenham Hale station in 30 minutes.

Car:

This mode is not recommended but if need be can be accessed from M25, A10 etc.

as roads above.

Stadium:

On 3rd April 2019, Spurs moved into their new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium adjacent to their former home, White Hart Lane. They had moved in to WHL in 1899.

The current capacity of the new stadium is 62062 and is the second largest stadium in the Premier League. The frontage to the High Road the stadium has a modern, glass frontage, and metallic coloured cladding and large LED screens.

The inside of the stadium presents an imposing curved roof to what is essentially an architectural bowl design with a twist.

The West Stand is the main stand and is similar to the East Stand as they are both four tiered.

Each has a large top tier, then two smaller tiers above the lower tier. The smaller tiers house hospitality areas. The West Stand holds the changing rooms and dugouts. The North End is a three tiered stand and opposite is the largest stand in the country which holds 17500. The South Stand has a Cockerel installed on its roof and below each corner of the roof are massive video screens.

Away fans are housed in the North End where 3000 are seated for League matches and 9000 for Cup games. Getting into the ground fans pass through a metal detector and then present tickets to automatic turnstiles. The club also have a strict policy regarding bags.

The away concourse is large and of good quality with a number of TV screens dotted around.

The "Tap Inn" sells a range of pies and sausage rolls but be aware that no cash is accepted. only cards.

The toilets, as expected, are a cut above normal standards for a football stadium.

There is also a good WIFI system.

Pre match it may be better to find a pub in central London before travelling to the stadium although a couple of watering holes fairly nearby do welcome away fans.

WATFORD

Introduction:

Although located in Hertfordshire, as Watford, population approx. 100k, lies within the Greater London M25 peripheral motorway, its football club is often considered a London club. So apologies to their fans who do not wish to be considered as such.

Transport in the Borough:

Buses:

Approximately 50 bus routes operate within the town and surrounding areas. The town Centre and Watford Junction railway station have the biggest concentrations of terminii of routes.

The services, mainly operated by Arriva, together with other local operators, spread out to nearby towns, including Bushey, Brent Cross, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Tring and Aylesbury. Route 724 connects Heathrow Airport to Harlow, via Watford town centre and Watford Junction. Full information can be found on Arriva website.

Underground:

Watford underground station is served from central London by the Metropolitan Line. The station is located in Cassiobury area of the town approximately one mile west of the town centre. The main stations into London are Harrow on the Hill, Wembley Park, Baker Street, Kings Cross/St. Pancras and Liverpool Street. The line terminates at Aldgate.

Road:

The M1 passes through Watford to the east of the town centre. This connects the town to central London southwards and the Midlands and North of England.

The M25 runs around the town on its outer west and north boundaries. The A41 connects the M25 to the town centre.

Railway:

The main railway station serving Watford is Watford Junction which is within walking distance of Vicarage Road. The station lies on the main Euston/West Coast line which leads to Manchester, Liverpool, Midlands and Glasgow.

Watford Junction is also a terminus for a London Overground line which serves west London down to Clapham Junction via Watford High Street, Bushey, Brondesbury and Capenders Park.

Other local services can be checked out.

Air:

Heathrow is connected to Watford in 26 minutes by taxi or private car.

By bus route 724 from Watford Town Hall takes 52 minutes.

A convoluted train journey via Queen's Park and Paddington takes 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Taxi:

Half a dozen taxi firms operate in the town.

Stadium: Vicarage Road. Watford. WD18 0ER

Founded: 1881/1898

Joined League: 1920

Chairman: Gino Pozzi

Manager: Valerien Ismael

Current League: Championship

Phone number: 01293 496000

Email address: yourvoice@watfordfc.com

Brief History:

The club consider their formation was in 1881 when its predecessor was Watford Rovers. However, they became just Watford in 1898 when they amalgamated with West Herts and Watford St. Mary's. Playing in the Southern league they became Champions in 1914/15 and post WW1 joined the Football League third level in 1920. Between 1922 and 1934 the club never finished in the top six but from 1934 to the start of WW2 they finished in top six every season.

Post WW2 the club continued in Division 3 South. However, in 1958/59 the League was restructured with a Division 3 and a Division 4. the Hornets being placed in Div. 4.

However, things began to improve with promotions to Division 3 and then to Division 2 and a FA Cup semi-final in 1970. Then regression as the club fell two divisions again and in 1976/77 briefly hit the bottom of the whole Football League.

The big turning point arrived in the mid 1970's when Elton John became chairman and astutely took on Graham Taylor as manager. This led to two rapid promotions and in 1982 the top flight was achieved for the first time in their history. That qualified them for the UEFA Cup in 1983/84.

The club reached second spot of the whole Division one in 1983 and played in the FA Cup Final, losing to Everton.

Taylor left the club in 1987 and they were relegated in 1988. After an eight year spell in the second tier they were again relegated.

The 21st century has seen mixed fortunes with the club being in the top two divisions, two FA Cup semi finals and one League Cup semi final. The club currently play in the Premier League.

Match Day:

Tickets: Away fans should check with their own club regarding tickets

For home fans it is probably best to register for a fan ID. Depending on your purchase history as a season ticket holder will determine when you are able to purchase tickets. Matches are graded for purchasing starting with those with best history. These purchases should be carried out online.

Occasionally tickets can be purchased by phone at 01293 223023 or in person from the ticket office under the Rookery Stand.

Any queries fans can contact the club by email at ticket.office@watfordfc.com

Transport:

Bus: Many routes from the suburbs and nearby towns run to the town centre so have easy access to Vicarage Road. Check Arriva website.

Underground: The nearest station is Watford on the Metropolitan Line and is located a mile from the stadium.

Rail: The main line station is Watford Junction from where trains from all over the country can reach fairly easily. Trains from Euston, the Midlands, North West of England pass through on a regular basis. The station is a 20 minute walk to the ground.

Many local trains stop at Watford High Street which is a 10 minute walk to Vicarage Road.

Car: There is no car parking at the stadium but there are many inner town car parks within a 10 minute walk to the ground.

Main access is via the M25 or M1 if travelling from away. Check road signs for Watford and then look for stadium signs within the town central area.

Visit the club website for more detailed info on all transport.

Stadium:-

Before moving to Vicarage Road in 1922, the club played at Cassio Road. Their first opponents at Vicarage Road were Millwall on 30th August 1922. The first floodlit match was played in 1953.

The club shared the ground with Wealdstone FC from 1991-1993 and with Saracens Rugby Union club from 1997-2013.

The club bought the freehold for the stadium in 2002 but later that year had to sell it and lease it back. However the fans with the help of an Elton John concert managed to buy the arena back in 2004.

The ground has a current capacity of 21577 and is formed of four stands.

The Graham Taylor sits on the west side of the ground. It is two tiered with a distinctive wavy roof and contains executive boxes and a TV gantry.

Opposite is the Elton John Stand opened in 2014. This stand holds the player's changing rooms, tunnel and also a TV gantry.

At one end of the ground is the Vicarage Road Stand which was opened in May 1993 with a match against Notts County, which the Hornets won 3-1. This terrace is shared between away supporters, approx. 2200, and the family section for home fans. It also houses the club shop.

The other end contains the Rookery Stand opened in 1995. This is on two levels and is for home fans. It also contains the administrative offices.

There are two large video screens placed in opposite corners of the ground.

The away concourse is very tight if the full allocation is bought and the usual fare is on offer, including hot dogs, pies, sausage rolls, but no alcohol. There is also a betting outlet.

As the stadium is in the town centre plenty of pubs, cafes and other eateries are within walking distance.