🎩 EDGELEY PARK🎩
Stockport County – Your Complete Travel Guide
🏟️ ABOUT EDGELEY PARK
Edgeley Park is a proper traditional football ground with real character, tucked into the heart of Stockport on the edge of the town centre. With a current capacity of 10,900, the stadium has been home to Stockport County since 1902 — originally built in 1891 for rugby league club Stockport RFC before the County moved in after outgrowing their previous ground at Green Lane.
The ground is dominated by the impressive two-tiered Cheadle End, one of the largest single stands outside the Premier League, which stretches behind one goal and holds over 5,000 fans — it’s the home of the most vocal County supporters and creates a genuinely electric atmosphere.
Opposite sits the Danny Bergara Stand (the Main Stand, named in honour of the late club legend), whilst the Together Stand runs along one side. One of Edgeley Park’s most distinctive features is its proximity to Manchester Airport — you’ll regularly hear large aircraft flying overhead during matches, which adds a wonderfully unusual touch to the matchday experience!
The ground is currently at the start of an exciting £50 million phased redevelopment, with planning permission approved in 2025 to expand the stadium to over 18,000 capacity in the coming years, so you’re visiting at a real turning point in Edgeley Park’s story.
Stockport County — The Hatters — were founded way back in 1883, originally as Heaton Norris Rovers before adopting their current name. The nickname comes from Stockport’s proud heritage as the capital of Britain’s hat-making industry, and it’s a badge worn with tremendous pride.
The club enjoyed its most successful spell in the 1990s, competing in the old First Division for five seasons, reaching the League Cup semi-finals in the 1996-97 season, and making four appearances at Wembley during that golden era. After a tough period that saw them slip out of the Football League entirely in 2011, County mounted a remarkable resurgence, winning back-to-back promotions to return to League One in 2022 — one of the great modern football stories.
The Hatters have a wonderfully passionate and loyal fanbase, making Edgeley Park one of the best-supported grounds in the lower leagues. Rivalries with Manchester-area clubs and fellow North West sides generate genuine intensity, and the club’s ambition to return to Championship football has given the whole operation a real buzz of excitement.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 10,900 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1891 – over 130 years of history! |
| Away Section | Together Stand (one corner) |
| Away Allocation | Typically around 900 seats (can increase to approx. 1,400 for bigger games) |
| Record Attendance | 10,592 vs Leyton Orient (League One play-off semi-final, May 2025) |
| Address | Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9DD |
🚗 GETTING TO EDGELEY PARK
Edgeley Park is brilliantly placed for visiting supporters — it’s just a 10-minute walk from Stockport railway station, making it one of the more accessible grounds in League One. The stadium sits on Hardcastle Road in the Edgeley area, about a mile south of Stockport town centre, and is well signposted from the main roads.
Whether you’re travelling by train from Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, or further afield, you’ll find the journey straightforward and hassle-free. If you’re driving, the M60 and A6 are your main routes in, with the stadium easy to spot once you’re in the Edgeley area. Stockport is a genuinely lovely town with a fantastic food and drink scene that’s been regenerating brilliantly in recent years, so we’d highly recommend building in some extra time to have a proper explore before kickoff — you won’t be disappointed!
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Edgeley Park Address: Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9DD
🚂 BY TRAIN – A Quick and Easy Journey In
Why Trains Work Brilliantly Here: Stockport station is only about a 10-minute walk from Edgeley Park, and it’s served by frequent services from Manchester Piccadilly, Sheffield, Liverpool, and other major cities across the North West. The station is well-connected and easy to navigate, and the walk up to the ground is short and straightforward. Trains are definitely the way to go here — it saves you the parking headache and means you can enjoy a few pre-match pints without worrying about driving back!
Journey Times to Stockport Station:
🔴 London Euston: approx. 2 hrs 15 mins – 2 hrs 45 mins (change at Manchester Piccadilly or Crewe)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: approx. 1 hr 40 mins – 2 hrs (change at Crewe or Manchester)
🟡 Sheffield: approx. 1 hr – 1 hr 15 mins (direct or change at Manchester)
🟢 Liverpool Lime Street: approx. 45 mins – 1 hr (direct services)
🔵 Manchester Piccadilly: approx. 12 mins (very frequent direct services)
🟣 Leeds: approx. 1 hr 30 mins – 1 hr 45 mins (change at Manchester or Sheffield)
Getting from Stockport Station to Edgeley Park
🚶 Walking (10 minutes)
Head out via the smaller western exit of the station and turn left onto Station Road. Walk up the hill towards the roundabout, then cross straight over and turn left into Arnold Street — the stadium is right in front of you. It’s a quick, easy walk and well signposted once you’re out of the station!
🚌 Bus (10–15 minutes)
Several bus routes serve the Stockport area and can drop you closer to the ground. Stockport Bus Station is about a 15-minute walk from Edgeley Park. Check tfgm.com (Transport for Greater Manchester) for current timetables and route information.
🚕 Taxi (5 minutes, approx. £7–£10)
There’s a taxi rank at the station, and the fare to Edgeley Park is typically around £7–£10. You can also pre-book with local taxi companies, such as 1919 Minibus and Taxis, on 0161 494 1910 if you’d prefer to arrange transport in advance.
💡 Top Tip: If you’re coming from Manchester, the trains to Stockport are incredibly frequent — roughly every 10–15 minutes from Piccadilly — so you don’t need to stress about exact departure times. Just turn up and hop on!
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🔗 Stockport County Official Site: stockportcounty.com
🚗 BY CAR – Getting to Edgeley Park
Edgeley Park is accessible from the M60 motorway and the A6, and is well signposted once you’re in the Stockport area. Be aware that matchday traffic can build up, so it’s always best to allow plenty of extra time, particularly if you’re arriving from the south or east.
If You’re Driving:
- From the North (M60 Junction 1): Exit at Junction 1 (signposted ‘Stockport Town Centre’). At the roundabout, follow signs to ‘Cheadle A560’ and ‘Stockport County FC’ into Hollywood Way. Go straight at the first traffic lights, then turn right at the next set (signposted ‘Cheadle A560, Stockport County FC’) onto the A560. After 1.1 miles, turn left onto Edgeley Road (B5465), then right into Dale Street at the traffic lights, and take the second left into Hardcastle Road for the stadium.
- From the South/East (A6): Follow the A6 towards Stockport Town Centre until you reach the traffic lights by the Town Hall. Turn left (signposted ‘Cheadle, Stockport County FC’) into Greek Street. At the roundabout after 0.3 miles, take the second exit onto Mercian Way (A5464), then take the second left into Caroline Street for the stadium.
- From the South (M6): Exit at Junction 19, follow the A556 then the M56, and join the M60. Exit at Junction 1 and follow the directions from the north as above.
Parking Options:
- NCP Stockport Station Car Park: This is your best bet — it’s very close to the ground and offers a discounted matchday rate of around £3. Thoroughly recommended!
- Heaton Lane Multi-Storey: Another decent option in the town centre, a short walk from the stadium. Reasonable rates on matchdays.
- JustPark: You can pre-book a nearby parking space or driveway through justpark.com — a handy way to guarantee a spot without the stress.
- Street Parking: Please be warned — parking on residential streets around the ground is strictly for permit holders and residents only. Ignore this at your peril, as you’ll almost certainly end up with a penalty notice!
💡 Top Tip: The NCP car park at Stockport station, with its £3 matchday rate, is genuinely the best parking option here. Book it in advance if you can, and it’s only a 10-minute walk to the ground — perfect!
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR EDGELEY PARK
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: Stockport is generally a very friendly and welcoming place for away fans, and there are plenty of decent pubs to choose from both near the ground and in the town centre. However, do be aware that some pubs closer to the stadium are firmly local haunts, and a few may ask you to keep club colours covered. Stick to the recommended pubs below, and you’ll have a brilliant time — the Stockport fans are overwhelmingly a good bunch!
🍺 Near the Stadium (Away Fan Friendly)
🍺 The Sir Robert Peel (Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9AR)
A proper local gem just a short walk from Edgeley Park, The Sir Robert Peel is a friendly, traditional pub with a lovely beer garden and a good selection of ales. It can get fairly busy on matchday with a mix of home and away fans, but the atmosphere is relaxed, and the locals are generally very welcoming. A solid choice for a pre-match pint.
Distance to Edgeley Park: 5 mins walk | Price: ££
🍺 The Armoury (Shaw Heath, Stockport, SK3 9PE)
A friendly, well-regarded pub with a great beer selection and a genuinely welcoming vibe for visiting supporters. It’s only about a five-minute walk from the ground and is known for its good staff and relaxed atmosphere. A popular spot with away fans and a reliable option for a decent pre-match drink.
Distance to Edgeley Park: 5 mins walk | Price: ££
🍺 The Alexandra (195 Northgate Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9NJ)
A gorgeous traditional Robinsons pub with stunning original period tiling that earned it a place in CAMRA’s inventory of historic interiors. It’s within walking distance of Edgeley Park, popular with fans before and after matches, and serves excellent Robinsons ales. The cosy rooms and cobbled rear terrace make it a really lovely spot — well worth a visit if you’ve got time!
Distance to Edgeley Park: 10 mins walk | Price: ££
🍺 Town Centre Pubs (Safe for Away Fans)
🍺 The Nelson Tavern (98 Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK1 3UH)
A traditional town centre pub that’s been specifically recommended by Stockport County as an away-friendly option. It’s about a 14-minute walk from the ground and sits near the Town Hall — a solid, no-nonsense pub that serves a good pint and doesn’t fuss about visiting fans.
Distance to Edgeley Park: 14 mins walk | Price: £
🍺 Calverts Court (Wetherspoons) (St Petersgate, Stockport Town Centre)
A reliable Wetherspoons in the town centre that’s specifically flagged as away fan-friendly. It’s a fair walk from the ground but a handy option if you’re arriving early and want a cheap, no-hassle pint while you get your bearings. The usual Wetherspoons deal on prices, and it’s always busy on matchday.
Distance to Edgeley Park: 15 mins walk | Price: £
🍺 Winters (Lower Level, Stockport Town Centre — accessed via the stairs near Market Place)
A proper hidden gem — a tiny, incredibly cosy little boozer that’s been recommended by away fans time and again. It’s cheap, friendly, and has a wonderfully snug, old-world feel. Not the easiest to find (look for the flight of stairs you come across heading to Market Place near Culverts Court), but well worth seeking out if you want a genuine local experience.
Distance to Edgeley Park: 15 mins walk | Price: £
⚠️ Near the Stadium (Exercise Caution)
⚠️ Pubs in the immediate Edgeley area
Some pubs in the immediate vicinity of Edgeley Park are firmly local haunts and may ask visiting fans to cover their club colours, or may not be particularly welcoming on matchday. If you’re heading to a pub very close to the ground that isn’t on our recommended list above, use a bit of common sense — pop your head in first to gauge the vibe before settling in for a session!
⚠️ Caution advised
🍽️ Food Options: There are plenty of places to eat around Stockport — Castle Street near the ground has a good selection of takeaways and eateries, including The Friary fish and chip shop, which gets excellent reviews. The town centre has a fantastic range of restaurants from Indian to Italian, as well as the brilliant independent food scene around the Underbanks. Inside the ground, the refreshments are decent for League One, with Balti pies being a particular favourite with fans!
🎩 Stockport Tip: If you’re making a proper day of it, head to the Underbanks area of the town centre before the match — it’s the heart of Stockport’s brilliant independent food and drink scene, with loads of cracking little spots to grab a bite and a drink.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN STOCKPORT
Stockport has a decent range of accommodation options to suit most budgets, and its position just south of Manchester means you’ve also got access to a huge range of hotels in the wider area if you fancy a night out in the city before or after the match. The town centre itself has been regenerating brilliantly in recent years, so there are some genuinely nice options right on your doorstep. Book early for big games — Stockport is a well-supported club, and the town fills up on matchdays!
💷 Budget Options (£40–£70 per night)
Premier Inn Stockport Town Centre
A reliable, comfortable option bang in the town centre with free Wi-Fi and all the usual Premier Inn amenities. It’s a straightforward walk to Edgeley Park and handy for exploring the town’s food and drink scene. Exactly what you need for a no-fuss overnight stay.
Location: Stockport Town Centre | Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Stockport
Another solid budget option with clean, comfortable rooms and a very convenient location. Great value for money and well placed for both the ground and the town centre. A straightforward choice if you just need somewhere decent to put your head down.
Location: Stockport Town Centre | Book: travelodge.co.uk
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£70–£130 per night)
Hotel Indigo Stockport
A stylish, modern hotel in the heart of Stockport town centre with some lovely rooms and a great location for exploring everything the town has to offer. Comfortable and well-appointed, it’s a step up from the budget chains and puts you right in the middle of Stockport’s regenerated centre.
Location: Stockport Town Centre | Book: hotels.com
The Plaza Hotel
A historic Art Deco gem in Mersey Square, The Plaza is a proper character hotel with gorgeous original features. It’s a short walk from the ground and offers a real taste of Stockport’s history. If you fancy something with a bit more charm and personality than your average chain hotel, this is a wonderful choice.
Location: Mersey Square | Book: booking.com
💷💷💷 Luxury Options (£130+ per night)
Alma Lodge Hotel & Restaurant
A beautifully presented family-run hotel with spacious rooms, a cosy Italian restaurant, and free parking — a lovely option if you fancy a more relaxed, upscale experience. It’s a short taxi ride from the stadium and offers excellent value for the space and comfort you get.
Location: Near Stockport | Book: booking.com
⚠️ Booking Advice
If Stockport’s options are looking a bit pricey or fully booked for your chosen date, don’t forget that Manchester city centre is only about 15 minutes away by train — and has a massive range of hotels at all price points. You could easily stay in Manchester, enjoy the nightlife, then hop on a quick train to Stockport on matchday morning. Best of both worlds!. Check out the Manchester travel guides for more info.
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN STOCKPORT
Don’t let anyone tell you Stockport is just a place you pass through on the way to Manchester — this is a brilliant town in its own right, and it’s been undergoing a fantastic regeneration that’s given it a real buzz of excitement. From fascinating museums and stunning Victorian architecture to a superb independent food and drink scene, there’s genuinely loads to see and do. Make a proper day of it!
🎩 Hat Works Museum (Must Visit!)
This is a genuine one-of-a-kind attraction — the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, and it’s absolutely brilliant. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed Victorian mill, Hat Works tells the story of how Stockport became the capital of Britain’s hat-making industry, from the humble cottage workshops of the 1800s right through to the height of the fur-felt hatting era. The newly reimagined Gallery of Hats showcases over 1,300 hats and headwear pieces from around the world, and the guided factory floor tours let you see restored Victorian hatting machines actually working — magical stuff. General admission is completely free, and it’s a perfect pre-match activity.
Cost: Free general admission (guided tours £7.50 adults) | Info: stockport.gov.uk/topic/hat-works | Time: Allow 1–1.5 hours | Opening: Thu, Fri & Sat 10am–4pm
🕳️ Stockport Air Raid Shelters (Must Visit!)
One of the most fascinating and atmospheric attractions in the North West, the Air Raid Shelters are an award-winning museum tucked into the natural sandstone cliffs right in the town centre. The mile-long network of underground tunnels was originally built in 1939 as the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country, designed to protect up to 6,500 people. Today, they’ve been beautifully re-equipped to give visitors a vivid, hands-on experience of life on the Home Front in wartime Britain in the 1940s. The audio guide is excellent and brings the stories of local people vividly to life. Absolutely worth a visit — it’s genuinely one of the best museums of its kind in the country.
Cost: Approx. £5.50 adults (under 16s free per paying adult) | Info: stockport.gov.uk/topic/air-raid-shelters | Time: Allow 1 hour | Opening: Check website for current hours
🏛️ Stockport Viaduct & Viaduct Park
The Stockport Viaduct is Europe’s largest brick structure and an absolutely stunning piece of Victorian engineering that dominates the town’s skyline. Built in 1892, the 600-metre-long railway viaduct soars above the River Mersey and is a real landmark worth admiring from multiple angles. Even more exciting, the new Viaduct Park has opened on the rooftop of the nearby Stockport Interchange, giving visitors a fantastic elevated view of the viaduct and the surrounding town. It’s a gorgeous spot to spend a bit of time — perfect for a pre-match stroll!
Cost: Free | Info: visitstockport.co.uk | Time: Allow 30 mins
🏠 Staircase House
A wonderfully quirky and interactive museum housed in a stunning historic building right next to Stockport Market Place. Staircase House takes you on a journey through life in Stockport from the 1460s right up to the Second World War, and it’s a proper hands-on experience — you’re encouraged to touch, smell, and listen as you explore. The building itself is famous for its rare Jacobean cage-newel staircase (hence the name), and the whole place has a lovely, personal feel that sets it apart from your usual museum.
Cost: Free | Info: stockport.gov.uk | Time: Allow 45 mins
🏪 The Underbanks & Stockport Market
The area around Little and Great Underbanks is the absolute heart of Stockport’s brilliant independent scene, and it’s been gaining a real reputation as one of the coolest corners of the North. You’ll find fantastic independent shops, vintage boutiques, brilliant cafés, and some genuinely exciting food and drink spots. Stockport Market itself is a proper gem — a 160-year-old market building now housing a fantastic range of food vendors in The Produce Hall. This is where the locals come, and it’s well worth a wander even if you’re just grabbing a coffee before the match.
Cost: Free | Info: visitstockport.co.uk | Time: Allow 1 hour
Nearby Attractions
Bramhall Hall:
A stunning Tudor manor house on the outskirts of Stockport, Bramhall Hall is a beautiful building full of history and character. A short drive from the town centre, it’s gorgeous if you’ve got a bit of extra time to kill — particularly lovely in the warmer months.
Etherow Country Park:
One of Britain’s first country parks, Etherow is a stunning natural area at the heart of the Etherow/Goyt Valley, perfect for a scenic walk if you’re making a weekend of it. Well worth the short drive if you fancy stretching your legs in some beautiful countryside.
Manchester City Centre (15 mins by train):
If you’re making a weekend of it, Manchester is only a quick train ride away and offers an incredible range of museums, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. The Northern Quarter, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the incredible food scene make it a brilliant addition to your trip.
🎩 THE STOCKPORT EXPERIENCE
🎩 Hat Town Heritage: Stockport was once the hat-making capital of the world — the nickname ‘The Hatters’ isn’t just a football thing, it’s woven into the very fabric of this town!
✈️ Plane Spotters Paradise: Edgeley Park is brilliantly close to Manchester Airport — expect spectacular low-flying aircraft during the match. It’s a genuinely unique matchday experience!
🛍️ Independent Shopping: The Underbanks area has become one of the most exciting independent shopping destinations in the North — far more interesting than your average high street!
🌆 Regeneration Buzz: Stockport is in the middle of a massive £1 billion regeneration programme — you’re visiting a town that’s really coming into its own right now. Exciting times!
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
✈️ The Aircraft Experience: One of Edgeley Park’s most unique features — large aircraft from Manchester Airport regularly fly directly overhead during the match. It’s a brilliantly unexpected addition to the matchday atmosphere!
🎩 The Cheadle End: This is where the real atmosphere is generated — a massive two-tier stand holding over 5,000 of the most vocal County fans. When they get going, it’s a proper racket!
🎟️ Away Section: Away fans are housed in one corner of the Together Stand. The allocation is typically around 900, but can be increased to about 1,400 for bigger games — check with your club for the exact allocation.
🍽️ Stadium Food: The refreshment facilities inside the ground are decent for League One. The Balti pies have been a particular favourite with visiting fans over the years — well worth giving them a go!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
An away day at Edgeley Park is a genuinely enjoyable experience — one of those proper traditional football grounds that delivers a real sense of occasion. The stadium has bags of character and an intimate, close-to-the-pitch feel that makes for a cracking matchday atmosphere, particularly when the Cheadle End is in full voice.
The Together Stand gives visiting fans a decent allocation, and while the facilities are solidly League One, the ground has a warmth and authenticity that you just can’t get from the soulless modern stadia. And then there’s the aircraft overhead — a brilliantly unique touch that you won’t find at any other ground in the country! Stockport County fans are, by and large, a good bunch — welcoming and friendly, with genuine pride in their club and its remarkable recent history. The buzz around Edgeley Park since the club’s return to the Football League has been wonderful, and the excitement about the future is palpable.
But here’s the thing — Edgeley Park is just the beginning of what makes this a fantastic away day. Stockport itself has been absolutely transformed in recent years and is genuinely one of the most exciting towns in the North West right now.
The Hat Works Museum is a one-of-a-kind gem, the Air Raid Shelters are utterly fascinating, and the Viaduct is one of the most impressive pieces of Victorian engineering you’ll ever lay eyes on. The Underbanks area has become a real hotspot for independent food, drink, and shopping, and the whole town has an infectious energy and pride.
Whether you’ve got a couple of hours before the match or you’re making a proper weekend of it (perhaps combining a night in nearby Manchester), Stockport rewards you brilliantly. This is a town that’s found its mojo again, and it’s genuinely lovely to see.
Getting here couldn’t be easier either — Stockport station is bang on the national rail network with frequent trains from Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, and beyond, and the walk to the ground is a quick and straightforward ten minutes.
We’d strongly recommend hopping on the train, taking a wander through the town centre, grabbing a pint at The Sir Robert Peel or The Armoury, having a nose at the Hat Works if it’s open, and then heading up to Edgeley Park in good time for kickoff. Better yet, book yourself a night in one of Stockport’s lovely hotels, spend the Saturday exploring the Air Raid Shelters and the Underbanks, then enjoy the match on Sunday. An away day to Edgeley Park is one to genuinely savour — don’t miss it!
Take the train to Stockport, tip your hat to the town’s proud heritage, soak up the atmosphere at Edgeley Park, and enjoy one of League One’s best away days!
🎩👏 Come On You Hatters! 🎩👏
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🟦 Stockport County FC: 0161 266 2700 | stockportcounty.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 0161 266 2700 | stockportcounty.com/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Transport for Greater Manchester: tfgm.com
ℹ️ Visit Stockport: visitstockport.co.uk
🎩 Hat Works Museum: 0161 474 2399 | stockport.gov.uk/topic/hat-works
🕳️ Air Raid Shelters: stockport.gov.uk/topic/air-raid-shelters
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🎩 Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.