🐦 HAYES LANE 🐦
Bromley FC – Your Complete Travel Guide
🐦 ABOUT HAYES LANE
Hayes Lane – officially known as 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 in the London Borough of Bromley, this compact and characterful ground has been home to Bromley FC since 1938. The 2025-26 season sees Hayes Lane with a freshly upgraded capacity of 6,100, following the completion of a brand-new East Stand in October 2025 – a significant development that brought the stadium up to EFL standard after Bromley’s historic promotion to League Two in 2024.
The ground features the modern Glyn Beverly Stand behind the south goal (opened 2019, named after a former club president), the John Fiorini Main Stand on the west side, the vocal North Terrace where Bromley’s most passionate home fans congregate, and the newly rebuilt East Stand, which is where away fans will find themselves for the 2025-26 season. 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’ve spent virtually their entire existence in non-league football. 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 very first time. It was one of those genuinely emotional football moments.
The club had previously been known as the Lilywhites (white shirts, naturally), but the nickname “The Ravens” has taken hold in recent years, leaning into the black-and-white colour scheme. 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 their moment in the EFL sun in the borough that also gave the world Charles Darwin. Adaptation, indeed.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 6,100 (1,975 seated, 4,125 standing – new East Stand completed October 2025) |
| Opened | 1938 (85+ years of history!) |
| Address | Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF |
| Away Section | New East Stand (2025-26 season) – covered seating, entry via Entrance 4 |
| Away Allocation | Up to approximately 500 (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 Two (2025-26 – second season in the EFL) |
| Club Website | bromleyfc.co.uk |
⚠️ IMPORTANT 2025-26 SEASON NOTICE
Hayes Lane has undergone significant development during the 2025-26 season. The old East Stand was demolished in February 2025 and replaced by a brand-new, larger, covered stand, which officially opened in October 2025, taking the stadium’s overall capacity to 6,100. Away fans are now housed in the new East Stand. There are no on-the-day ticket sales at Hayes Lane – all away supporters must purchase tickets in advance online through their own club’s ticketing platform. Do not travel without a ticket.
🚗 GETTING TO HAYES LANE
Here’s where Hayes Lane has a genuinely brilliant advantage over most League Two grounds: it’s in Greater London, and the public transport links are excellent. For the vast majority of away fans, the train to Bromley South followed by a pleasant 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, which is a rather good pre-match route if you ask us. Driving is possible, and parking is available, but as with all London away days, the 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 running every 15-30 minutes throughout the day with a journey time of around 20-25 minutes. This makes Hayes Lane one of the most London-accessible League Two grounds you’ll visit.
From the station, simply 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 ground is on your left.
The route takes you past the Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill, which is your ideal pre-match pit stop. There’s also Hayes station (from London Bridge or Charing Cross) as an alternative option, 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)
🔴 Liverpool: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes (change at London Euston, then Victoria)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (change at London Euston or Victoria)
🟠 Leeds: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes (change at London Kings Cross, then Victoria)
🟡 Bristol Temple Meads: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (change at London Paddington or Victoria)
🟡 Nottingham: Approx. 2 hours (change at London St Pancras, then Victoria)
🟢 London Victoria: Approx. 20-25 minutes (direct Southeastern service)
🟢 London Blackfriars: Approx. 30 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 – worth checking before you buy a separate ticket.
🚶 Walking (15-20 minutes from Bromley South)
Exit Bromley South station main entrance and turn left. Walk down the High Street. At the traffic lights, turn right onto Westmoreland Road. Just after passing a church on the left, turn left into Hayes Road. Follow Hayes Road to its end (about half a mile), where you’ll reach a mini-roundabout. Turn right into Hayes Lane – the ground entrance is further up on the left. The Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill is on your route – you’d be mad not to stop.
🚌 Bus (10 minutes, ~£2)
The 119, 146, and 314 bus routes all stop close to the stadium at Norman Park on Hayes Lane. Useful if the walk feels too long, but honestly, the walk is pleasant and takes you past the best pre-match pub. Check tfl.gov.uk for current times and routes.
🚕 Taxi (5-10 minutes, ~£8-12)
Taxis are available from Bromley South if you prefer. It’s a short and straightforward ride. Useful post-match if you’re rushing for a train connection or have mobility considerations.
💡 Top Tip: Being a South London ground, this is a rare League Two opportunity to travel entirely by train and tube from almost anywhere in England with a single change in London. Take advantage – driving in this part of Greater London is considerably more stressful than jumping on a Southeastern train.
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🔗 Bromley FC Official Site: bromleyfc.co.uk
🚗 BY CAR – Possible, But Train Is Easier
Driving to Bromley is perfectly 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 the M25 at Junction 4 and follow the A21 towards Bromley and London for approximately 4-5 miles, then fork left onto the A232 towards Croydon/Sutton. At the second set of traffic lights, turn right into Baston Road (B265). Follow this for around 2 miles as it becomes Hayes Street and 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 approximately 2 miles to Hayes Lane.
- From West London: Use the South Circular Road as far as West Dulwich, then via Crystal Palace, Penge, and Beckenham to Bromley South area.
- From North/East London: Use the Blackwall Tunnel and then the A20 as far as Sidcup, picking up the A222 to Bromley.
- Sat Nav Postcode: BR2 9EF
Parking Options:
- Ground Car Park: There is a small car park at the ground, free but filling up quickly – arrive early if you want it.
- Street Parking: Ample free on-street parking is available in the surrounding residential streets. Check for any restrictions before leaving your car.
- YourParkingSpace / JustPark: Pre-book a guaranteed space nearby via justpark.com for peace of mind.
- Coach/Minibus: Free parking is available for away supporters’ coaches and minibuses.
💡 Top Tip: Don’t underestimate London suburban traffic on a Saturday afternoon – allow a decent buffer of time, particularly for the return journey. Many fans find the train option just as quick door-to-door once you factor in the drive and parking time.
🍺 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 and welcoming town with several good options nearby. The Bricklayers Arms on Masons Hill is the clear first choice for away supporters – it’s on the walking route from Bromley South station, welcomes both sets of fans, and is highly recommended by visiting supporters.
The Wetherspoons (Richmal Crompton) near Bromley South is a reliable fallback. Note that due to ongoing EFL compliance development work during parts of the season, alcohol availability inside the away section at the ground has been variable – check with your club before travelling.
🍺 Pubs Welcoming Away Fans
🍺 The Bricklayers Arms (143 Masons Hill, Bromley, BR2 9HW)
The go-to pub for away fans visiting Hayes Lane is well-established as the most popular pre-match spot for visiting supporters. Located on Masons Hill, it’s conveniently on the walking route from Bromley South station to the ground. A classic, traditional local with a friendly atmosphere, good selection of real ales and lagers, outdoor seating, live sport on the screens, and a genuine mix of home and away supporters on matchdays. Highly recommended by virtually every away guide out there – and for good reason.
Distance to Stadium: 15-minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Bitter End (Masons Hill, next door to the Bricklayers Arms)
A tiny micropub sitting right next door to the Bricklayers Arms that serves authentic ale straight from the barrel. A brilliant little spot for real ale enthusiasts who want something a step above the standard pub experience. It’s small, so it can get busy on matchdays – worth popping in for one before heading next door or to the ground.
Distance to Stadium: 15-minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Crown of Bromley (Masons Hill, Bromley)
A little further up Masons Hill from the Bricklayers Arms, the Crown is another option confirmed as welcoming to away fans. A bigger venue with more space if the Bricklayers is packed out, and a solid all-round pub with good food options if you fancy a proper pre-match meal rather than just a pint.
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 – the borough has a good line in famous residents), this Wetherspoons sits opposite Bromley South station and is the obvious first stop for fans arriving by train who want a quick drink before making the walk to the ground. It does what Wetherspoons always does – cheap drinks, basic food, no fuss, and a welcome to all. Particularly handy for early arrivals or those wanting food before the match.
Distance to Stadium: 20-minute walk | Price: £
🍺 The Partridge (near Bromley South, Churchill Theatre area)
A larger, welcoming pub near Bromley South station, housed in a characterful former bank building. Serves a good range of cask ales, has decent pub food, and draws a lively matchday crowd. A solid option for a proper sit-down pub lunch before heading to the game, especially if you arrive in Bromley earlier in the day.
Distance to Stadium: 20-minute walk | Price: ££
⚠️ At the Stadium (Home Fans Only)
⚠️ Ravens Bar – Home Fans Only
The Ravens Bar at Hayes Lane is a members-only social club for home supporters and is not accessible to away fans. Don’t bother trying – head to the Bricklayers Arms instead, and you’ll have a far better time.
⚠️ Away fans not admitted
🍔 Food Options: Inside the ground, the away section has a food and drinks outlet serving hot and cold matchday basics. For something more substantial before the game, 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, chains, and independent restaurants. The town centre is about 10-15 minutes from the ground.
🐦 Local Tip: Arrive early enough to have a proper drink at the Bricklayers Arms – it’s on your walking route and genuinely one of the better pre-match pubs at this level. No need to rush past it!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BROMLEY
Bromley is part of Greater London, which means you have the entire capital’s accommodation scene at your disposal – a huge advantage over most League Two away days. Options range from budget chains right in Bromley town centre to the full range of London hotels, a short train ride away. Bromley itself has a decent selection of hotels to suit most budgets, and the town centre is extremely well connected for pre- and post-match exploration.
💷 Budget Options (£60–£90 per night)
Travelodge London Bromley
Reliable, no-frills budget accommodation right in Bromley town centre – can’t argue with the location for a football away day. Walking distance from Bromley South station, the town centre pubs, and the Churchill Theatre. Book early for the best prices.
Location: Bromley Town Centre | Book: travelodge.co.uk
Premier Inn London Bromley
Premier Inn’s Bromley option offers consistent quality at reasonable prices. A safe, reliable choice with good beds, decent breakfast options, and the usual Premier Inn guarantee. Popular, so book ahead for weekends.
Location: Bromley | Book: premierinn.com
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£90–£150 per night)
The Bromley Court Hotel
A well-regarded independent hotel with good facilities, a bar and restaurant on site, and a reputation for friendly service. A step up from budget chains, and a good choice if you want a bit more character for your away-day stay.
Location: Bromley | Book: bromleycourthotel.co.uk
Brama (Bromley)
A newer, boutique-style hotel option in the Bromley area offering stylish, modern rooms in a convenient location. A good middle-ground between the budget chains and a full-blown luxury stay.
Location: Bromley | Book: booking.com
💷💷💷 Central London Option (£130–£250+)
Central London Hotels (Victoria / Waterloo)
With Bromley South just 20-25 minutes from London Victoria by direct train, staying anywhere in central or south London is a completely viable option. This opens up the full range of London hotels and allows you to combine the football with a proper London weekend – West End shows, riverside walks, world-class museums, the works. If you haven’t done a London away day properly, this is the one to do it for.
Location: Central London | Book: booking.com
⚠️ Booking Advice
Bromley’s hotels can get busy at weekends, particularly in the summer months and around major events at the Churchill Theatre or O2 Arena (just 30 minutes away). Book ahead for Saturday matchdays, and consider staying in central London if you want maximum flexibility and entertainment options before and after the game.
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN BROMLEY
Bromley might not scream “must-visit destination” at first glance, but this well-heeled south London suburb has a genuinely impressive set of attractions up its sleeve – and the proximity to central London means you’ve effectively got the entire capital to explore. The borough itself has fascinating historical connections (Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution here, for goodness’ sake), brilliant caves, and excellent green spaces. Combined with the London advantage, this is actually one of the more rewarding away-day locations in League Two.
🦕 Down House – Charles Darwin’s Home (Must Visit!)
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 (just a short bus or taxi ride from Bromley South – take the R8 bus) is managed by English Heritage and is genuinely brilliant. Stand in the study where he wrote the most influential book in the history of biology, walk the famous Sand Walk in the gardens where he strolled daily to think, and take the Sir David Attenborough-narrated audio tour around the house. It’s properly special, and completely unexpected as part of a League Two away day.
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 genteel suburb of Chislehurst lies a staggering 22-mile network of hand-carved chalk and flint tunnels that date back to medieval mining – and possibly much older. During World War II, they served as Britain’s largest air-raid shelter, housing up to 15,000 Londoners nightly. In the 1950s and 60s they became a rock music venue where David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix performed. Tours leave every hour from 10 am and last around 45-50 minutes. Open Wednesday to Sunday (and daily during school holidays). Atmospheric, fascinating, and unlike anything else you’ll find on an away day – highly recommended.
Cost: Adults approx. £8, Children approx. £5 | Info: chislehurst-caves.co.uk | Time: Allow 1.5 hours
🎭 Churchill Theatre
Bromley’s excellent Churchill Theatre is located right in the town centre, a short walk from Bromley South station, and has a consistently strong programme of West End transfers, musicals, comedy, and drama. If you’re making a full weekend of it, checking what’s on at the Churchill for the Friday or Saturday evening is well worth doing – it’s a proper theatre with good acoustics, comfortable seating, and an enthusiastic local audience.
Cost: Varies by show | Info: atgtickets.com | Time: Allow 2-3 hours
🌿 High Elms Country Park
For those who like a morning walk before the football, High Elms Country Park is a gorgeous 400-acre expanse of woodland, parkland, and meadows just a short drive from the ground. Free to visit, it’s perfect for blowing away the cobwebs on a matchday morning. The park also connects to Bromley’s rich natural history, fitting for a borough that produced Darwin himself.
Cost: FREE | Info: bromley.gov.uk | Time: As long as you like
🏙️ Central London (The Big One)
Let’s not pretend this isn’t the real trump card. You’re 20 minutes by train from one of the greatest cities on earth. If you’re making a weekend of this trip, the options are essentially limitless: the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the South Bank, Borough Market, Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark, the O2, the West End, world-class restaurants – all within easy reach of Bromley South. A Bromley away day, if you choose to treat it as one, is a London weekend with a football match attached.
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 an ambitious football club finally evolving into the EFL.
🚂 London Advantage: You’re 20-25 minutes from London Victoria – combine the football with London’s world-class restaurants, theatres, and attractions for a truly memorable away day weekend.
🎟️ Buy in Advance: There are absolutely no on-the-day ticket sales at Hayes Lane – away fans must purchase online before travelling. Don’t turn up hoping to pay on the gate.
🎵 Musical Heritage: Bromley has produced an impressive roll call of musical talent – David Bowie, Billy Idol, and Kate Bush all have Bromley connections. The borough punches well above its weight culturally.
🏟️ Historic Moment: Bromley are only in their second EFL season having waited 132 years for Football League football – you’re witnessing a genuine piece of football history.
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🎫 Tickets – Advance Only: No exceptions – all away tickets must be purchased online in advance through your club’s ticketing platform. Check your club’s website well ahead of the match. Prices are typically around £20-22 for adults.
🏟️ Away Section (2025-26): Away fans are currently accommodated in the new East Stand, completed in October 2025. Entry is via Entrance 4. The new stand is covered and purpose-built – a significant improvement on what visiting supporters experienced in Bromley’s first EFL season.
🍺 Alcohol at the Ground: Alcohol availability in the away section has been variable during the development works – check with your club before travelling for the latest information. The Exit 2 outlet in the away area serves food and drinks.
💰 Cash: The nearest cashpoint to the stadium is at the Southern Co-Operative on Homesdale Road, approximately half a mile away. Plan ahead if you need cash.
🎶 Atmosphere: Hayes Lane has genuine character, and Bromley’s fan base – buoyed by their historic EFL promotion – is enthusiastic and passionate. The North Terrace home end generates good noise, and this is exactly the type of community-rooted ground that makes League Two football special.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Hayes Lane is a genuinely rewarding League Two away day destination – and one with a surprisingly compelling backstory. Bromley FC’s 132-year wait for EFL football finally ended in the summer of 2024 with National League play-off glory, giving this ground an emotional resonance that newer, more polished stadiums often lack.
The new East Stand (completed October 2025) means visiting supporters are now properly housed in decent, covered facilities, and the overall atmosphere at Hayes Lane has the buzz of a club still pinching itself about where it finds itself. It’s compact, it’s characterful, it’s unmistakably South London, and on a good matchday it hums with genuine football energy. The Bricklayers Arms is one of the better pre-match pubs you’ll find at this level, and the whole experience has a refreshing authenticity.
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 by direct train, means this away day comes with the entire capital as its backdrop. Combine the football with a London weekend, and you’ve got something genuinely special: Chislehurst Caves on the Saturday morning (underground tunnels where Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix played – what’s not to love), 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, before your team attempts their own survival of the fittest in League Two.
Just remember the one golden rule before you go: buy your ticket in advance. No exceptions, no on-the-day sales, no showing up hopefully at the gate. 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 Two’s more unexpectedly interesting away days. Bromley FC have earned their place in the EFL the hard way, over 132 years of patience – the least we can do is make the trip.
Hayes Lane: a new name in the EFL, an old soul in South London football – absolutely worth the trip!
🐦 Up the Ravens! 🐦
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Bromley FC: 020 8460 5291 | bromleyfc.co.uk
🎫 Tickets: bromleyfc.co.uk/tickets (advance purchase only – no on-the-day sales)
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Transport for London (TfL): tfl.gov.uk
ℹ️ Visit Bromley: whatsoninbromley.com
🦕 Down House (English Heritage): english-heritage.org.uk
🪨 Chislehurst Caves: chislehurst-caves.co.uk
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🐦 Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
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© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. Information correct at time of publication – always verify details before travelling.
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.