🐦 HAYES LANE 🐦
Bromley FC Complete Travel Guide – 2026-27 Season
ℹ️ 2026-27 Season Guide: Bromley are now in League One for the first time, having won the League Two title in 2025-26. All information has been researched and verified for 2026-27. Always check bromleyfc.co.uk for the latest ticketing and matchday updates before you travel.
🐦 ABOUT HAYES LANE
Hayes Lane – officially the Copperjax Community Stadium for sponsorship purposes, though everyone calls it Hayes Lane – is one of those grounds that oozes old-school South London football character. Located between Bromley town centre and the leafy suburb of Hayes, this compact and characterful ground has been home to Bromley FC since 1938. Capacity now stands at 6,100 following the completion of a new East Stand in October 2025, a significant development that brought the stadium up to full EFL standard after Bromley’s promotion.
The ground features the Glyn Beverly Stand behind the south goal (opened 2019), the main stand on the west side, the vocal North Terrace where Bromley’s most passionate home fans congregate, and the rebuilt East Stand, which houses away fans. It’s a proper non-league-character-meets-EFL-ambition sort of place, and all the more interesting for it.
Bromley FC – The Ravens – were founded in 1892, making them one of the oldest clubs in the London area, but they spent their entire existence in non-league football virtually. That all changed in spectacular fashion when they won the National League play-offs in May 2024, ending a 132-year wait to reach the English Football League for the first time.
Two seasons later, in April 2026, Bromley won the League Two title outright to reach League One – a remarkable, rapid rise. The club had previously been known as the Lilywhites (white shirts, naturally), but the nickname “The Ravens” has taken hold in recent years. Their traditional South London rivals include AFC Wimbledon and Dulwich Hamlet, and there’s something brilliantly apt about this proudly community-rooted club finally getting its moment in the sun in the borough that also gave the world Charles Darwin. Adaptation, indeed.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 6,100 (1,975 seated, 4,125 standing) |
| Opened | 1938 (85+ years of history) |
| Address | Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF |
| Away Section | East Stand (completed October 2025), entry via Entrance 4 |
| Away Allocation | Typically 500-1,000 depending on demand (advance purchase only – no on-the-day sales) |
| Record Attendance | 10,798 vs Nigeria XI (friendly, September 1948) |
| Nickname | The Ravens (also historically known as the Lilywhites) |
| Division | Sky Bet League One (2026-27 – first season at this level) |
| Club Website | bromleyfc.co.uk |
ℹ️ There are no on-the-day ticket sales at Hayes Lane – all away supporters must buy tickets in advance online via their own club. Don’t travel without one.
🚗 GETTING TO HAYES LANE
Hayes Lane has a genuinely brilliant advantage over most League One grounds: it’s in Greater London, with excellent public transport links. For most away fans, the train to Bromley South followed by a 15-20 minute walk is by far the most sensible option. The stadium sits about a mile from Bromley South station through residential streets, passing the recommended Bricklayers Arms pub en route. Driving is possible, and parking is available, but as with all London away days, train really is king.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
📍 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF | Open in Google Maps
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Only Sensible Option for Most Fans
By Train (Strongly Recommended! ⭐)
Nearest Station: Bromley South (approximately 1 mile – 15-20 minute walk to the ground)
Why Trains Work: Bromley South is served by frequent Southeastern trains from London Victoria, typically every 15-30 minutes with a journey time of around 20-25 minutes. From the station, turn left, walk down the High Street, turn right at the traffic lights into Westmoreland Road, left into Hayes Road after the church, and follow it to the mini-roundabout where you turn right into Hayes Lane itself. The route takes you past the Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill – your ideal pre-match stop. Hayes station (from London Bridge or Charing Cross) is an alternative, though Bromley South is generally the better bet.
Journey Times to Bromley South Station:
🔴 Manchester Piccadilly: Approx. 3 hours (change at London Euston, then Victoria)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (change at London Euston or Victoria)
🟡 Nottingham: Approx. 2 hours (change at London St Pancras, then Victoria)
🟢 London Victoria: Approx. 20-25 minutes (direct Southeastern service)
🔵 Croydon (via East Croydon): Approx. 15-20 minutes (change at East Croydon)
🟣 Dover/Gillingham/Sevenoaks: Served directly by Southeastern trains via Bromley South
💡 London-Specific Tip: If you’re coming from anywhere in London, an Oyster card or contactless payment covers the journey from most London termini to Bromley South. Zone 5 is covered by most Travelcard options.
🚶 Walking (15-20 minutes from Bromley South)
Exit Bromley South station and turn left. Walk down the High Street. At the traffic lights, turn right into Westmoreland Road. Just after a church on the left, turn left into Hayes Road. Follow it to a mini-roundabout, then turn right into Hayes Lane – the ground entrance is further up on the left. The Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill is on your route.
🚌 Bus (10 minutes, ~£2)
The 119, 146 and 314 bus routes stop close to the stadium at Norman Park on Hayes Lane. Check tfl.gov.uk for current times.
🚕 Taxi (5-10 minutes, ~£8-12)
Readily available from Bromley South station rank.
🚗 BY CAR – Possible, But Train Is Easier
Driving to Bromley is feasible, and parking is considerably less stressful than most London away days given Hayes Lane’s suburban location. The M25 is your friend, and street parking is available in the surrounding residential roads. That said, for most fans the train will be faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.
If You’re Driving:
- From the M25 (Junction 4): Leave at Junction 4 and follow the A21 towards Bromley/London for around 4-5 miles, fork left onto the A232 towards Croydon/Sutton. At the second set of lights, turn right into Baston Road (B265). Follow for around 2 miles as it becomes Hayes Street then Hayes Lane – the ground is on your right just after a mini-roundabout.
- From Croydon/Surrey: Use the A232 and turn left into Baston Road (B265). Follow for around 2 miles to Hayes Lane.
- Sat Nav Postcode: BR2 9EF
Parking Options:
- Ground Car Park: Small, free car park at the ground – fills up quickly, arrive early.
- Street Parking: Ample free on-street parking in surrounding residential streets – check for restrictions.
- YourParkingSpace / JustPark: Pre-book a guaranteed space via justpark.com.
💡 Top Tip: Don’t underestimate London suburban traffic on a Saturday afternoon – allow a decent buffer, particularly for the return journey.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR HAYES LANE
⚠️ Important Advice: The Ravens Bar at the stadium is home supporters only and not accessible to away fans. However, Bromley is a friendly, welcoming town with several good options nearby. The Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill is the clear first choice for away supporters – on the walking route from Bromley South, welcomes both sets of fans, and is highly recommended by visiting supporters.
🍺 Pubs Welcoming Away Fans
🍺 The Bricklayers Arms (143 Masons Hill, Bromley, BR2 9HW)
The go-to pub for away fans visiting Hayes Lane, conveniently on the walking route from Bromley South. A classic, traditional local with a friendly atmosphere, good selection of real ales and lagers, outdoor seating, and a genuine mix of home and away supporters on matchdays.
Distance to Stadium: 15 minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Bitter End (Masons Hill, next door to the Bricklayers Arms)
A tiny micropub next door to the Bricklayers Arms, serving authentic ale straight from the barrel. A brilliant spot for real ale enthusiasts – it’s small, so it can get busy on matchdays.
Distance to Stadium: 15 minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Crown of Bromley (Masons Hill, Bromley)
A little further up Masons Hill, welcoming to away fans and with more space than the Bricklayers if it’s packed. Good food options for a proper pre-match meal.
Distance to Stadium: 15 minute walk | Price: ££
🍺 The Richmal Crompton (Wetherspoons) (near Bromley South station)
Named after the creator of Just William, who was born in Bromley. Sits opposite Bromley South station – the obvious first stop for fans arriving by train. Cheap drinks, basic food, welcome to all.
Distance to Stadium: 20 minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Partridge (near Bromley South, Churchill Theatre area)
A larger, welcoming pub housed in a characterful former bank building, with cask ales and decent pub food. A solid option for a proper sit-down lunch before the game.
Distance to Stadium: 20 minute walk | Price: ££
⚠️ At the Stadium (Home Fans Only)
⚠️ Ravens Bar – Home Fans Only
A members-only social club for home supporters, not accessible to away fans. Head to the Bricklayers Arms instead.
🍔 Food Options: Inside the ground, the away section has a food and drinks outlet serving matchday basics. For something more substantial, Domino’s on Masons Hill is nearby, there’s a Toby Carvery on Bromley Common, and Bromley High Street has a wide range of takeaways and restaurants (10-15 minutes from the ground).
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BROMLEY
Bromley is part of Greater London, giving you the entire capital’s accommodation scene – a huge advantage over most League One away days.
💷 Budget Options (£60–£90 per night)
Travelodge London Bromley
Reliable budget accommodation right in Bromley town centre – walking distance from Bromley South station and the town centre.
Book: travelodge.co.uk
Premier Inn London Bromley
Consistent quality at reasonable prices. Popular, so book ahead for weekends.
Book: premierinn.com
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£90–£150 per night)
The Bromley Court Hotel
A well-regarded independent hotel with a bar and restaurant on site, and a reputation for friendly service.
Book: bromleycourthotel.co.uk
💷💷💷 Central London Option (£130–£250+)
Central London Hotels (Victoria / Waterloo)
With Bromley South just 20-25 minutes from London Victoria, staying anywhere in central London is a viable option – combine the football with a proper London weekend.
Book: booking.com
⚠️ Booking Advice: Bromley’s hotels can get busy at weekends, particularly around events at the Churchill Theatre or O2 Arena (30 minutes away). Book ahead for Saturday matchdays.
🎯 THINGS TO DO NEAR HAYES LANE
Bromley punches well above its weight for things to do – both locally and thanks to its unbeatable London connections.
🦕 Down House – Home of Charles Darwin
One of the most extraordinary things you can do near any Football League ground in England: visit the actual house where Charles Darwin lived, worked, and wrote On the Origin of Species. Down House in the village of Downe (a short bus or taxi ride from Bromley South – take the R8 bus) is managed by English Heritage. Stand in the study where he wrote his most influential book, walk the Sand Walk in the gardens, and take the audio tour around the house.
Cost: Adults approx. £13 (English Heritage members free) | Info: english-heritage.org.uk | Time: Allow 2-3 hours
🪨 Chislehurst Caves – Genuinely Extraordinary
Thirty metres beneath the suburb of Chislehurst lies a 22-mile network of hand-carved chalk and flint tunnels dating to medieval mining. During World War II they served as Britain’s largest air-raid shelter, and in the 1950s-60s became a rock music venue where David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix performed. Tours leave hourly from 10am, Wednesday to Sunday (daily during school holidays).
Cost: Adults approx. £8, Children approx. £5 | Info: chislehurst-caves.co.uk | Time: Allow 1.5 hours
🎭 Churchill Theatre
Bromley’s excellent theatre, a short walk from Bromley South station, with a strong programme of West End transfers, musicals, comedy and drama.
Cost: Varies by show | Info: atgtickets.com | Time: Allow 2-3 hours
🌿 High Elms Country Park
A gorgeous 400-acre expanse of woodland, parkland and meadows, perfect for a morning walk before the football.
Cost: Free | Info: bromley.gov.uk | Time: As long as you like
🏙️ Central London (The Big One)
You’re 20 minutes by train from one of the greatest cities on earth. If you’re making a weekend of it: the National Gallery, the British Museum, Tate Modern, the South Bank, Borough Market, Greenwich Park, the O2, the West End – all within easy reach of Bromley South.
Cost: Varies | Info: visitlondon.com | Time: Endless
🐦 THE BROMLEY EXPERIENCE
🦕 Darwin’s Borough: Charles Darwin lived and worked in Bromley – the borough that produced one of history’s greatest scientific ideas is a fitting home for a club still evolving so fast.
🚂 London Advantage: You’re 20-25 minutes from London Victoria – combine the football with London’s restaurants, theatres and attractions.
🎟️ Buy in Advance: There are no on-the-day ticket sales at Hayes Lane – away fans must purchase online before travelling.
🎵 Musical Heritage: Bromley has produced an impressive roll call of musical talent – David Bowie, Billy Idol and Kate Bush all have Bromley connections.
🏟️ Historic Rise: Bromley reached the EFL for the first time in 2024 after 132 years, then won back-to-back promotions to reach League One just two seasons later – one of the fastest rises in modern English football.
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🎫 Tickets – Advance Only: All away tickets must be purchased online in advance. Prices typically around £20-22 for adults, usually £2 cheaper booked ahead than on the day (where available for other categories).
🏟️ Away Section: Away fans are housed in the East Stand, completed October 2025 – a significant improvement on what visiting supporters experienced in Bromley’s first EFL seasons.
💰 Cash: The nearest cashpoint to the stadium is at the Southern Co-Operative on Homesdale Road, around half a mile away.
🎶 Atmosphere: Hayes Lane has genuine character and Bromley’s fan base – buoyed by their remarkable rise – is enthusiastic and passionate. The North Terrace generates good noise.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Hayes Lane is a genuinely rewarding League One away day destination with a surprisingly compelling backstory. Bromley FC’s 132-year wait for EFL football ended in the summer of 2024 with National League play-off glory, and their remarkable back-to-back rise into League One two seasons later gives this ground an emotional resonance that newer, more polished stadiums often lack.
The East Stand (completed October 2025) means visiting supporters are now properly housed in decent facilities, and the overall atmosphere at Hayes Lane has the buzz of a club still riding the wave of its own success. It’s compact, characterful, unmistakably South London, and on a good matchday it hums with genuine football energy.
But of course, the real weapon in Hayes Lane’s arsenal is the postcode. Being in Greater London, just 20-25 minutes from London Victoria, means this away day comes with the entire capital as its backdrop. Combine the football with a London weekend: Chislehurst Caves on Saturday morning, the Bricklayers Arms before the match,
Hayes Lane for the football itself, then dinner somewhere brilliant in London that evening. Or swap the caves for Down House and spend the morning walking the same garden paths where Darwin developed the theory of evolution.
Just remember the one golden rule before you go: buy your ticket in advance. No exceptions, no on-the-day sales. Get it sorted online, hop on the train to Bromley South, stop at the Bricklayers Arms, walk up to Hayes Lane, and enjoy one of League One’s more unexpectedly interesting away days.
Hayes Lane: a new name in League One, an old soul in South London football – absolutely worth the trip!
🐦 Up the Ravens! 🐦
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Bromley FC: bromleyfc.co.uk
🎫 Tickets: bromleyfc.co.uk/tickets (advance purchase only)
🚂 National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Transport for London (TfL): tfl.gov.uk
ℹ️ Visit Bromley: whatsoninbromley.com
🦕 Down House (English Heritage): english-heritage.org.uk
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🐦 Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, attempting to tackle the game’s biggest debates, from the terraces to the boardroom, with honesty, (attempted) humour, and heart.