Charlton Athletic FC – The Valley
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
⚔️ ABOUT THE VALLEY
The Valley is one of English football’s most famous grounds, home to Charlton Athletic since 1919 (with a brief hiatus between 1985-1992). Located in South East London near Greenwich, this 27,111-capacity stadium has witnessed over a century of footballing history and drama. The ground sits in a natural valley, hence the name, creating a unique amphitheatre-like atmosphere. What makes The Valley truly special is its remarkable story of fan ownership and resurrection.
When the club was forced to leave in 1985, supporters campaigned relentlessly for seven years to return, finally achieving their dream in 1992. This deep connection between club and community makes The Valley one of football’s most passionate venues.
Charlton Athletic – The Addicks – have a proud history dating back to 1905, including an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and a period in the Premier League. The club has become renowned for producing exceptional young talent through one of England’s finest academies, developing players like Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, and Ademola Lookman.
The distinctive red and white colours have been worn since the club’s formation (with one brief exception in 1923-24), and the nickname “The Addicks” comes from a local fishmonger who rewarded the team with haddock and chips. The Valley’s unique location near historic Greenwich, combined with excellent transport links and a friendly atmosphere, makes this a brilliant away day experience.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 27,111 |
| Opened | 1919 (returned 1992 after a 7-year exile) |
| Away Section | Jimmy Seed (South) Stand |
| Away Allocation | Up to 3,000 seats (typically around 2,000) |
| Record Attendance | 75,031 vs Aston Villa (FA Cup, 1938) |
| Nickname | The Addicks |
🚗 GETTING TO THE VALLEY
The Valley is brilliantly located in South East London with excellent public transport links. The nearest stations are Charlton (mainline) and North Greenwich (Jubilee Line), both within easy reach. The ground sits just off the A206, making it accessible by car too, though public transport is strongly recommended for matchdays.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
The Valley Address: Floyd Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8BL
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: The Valley is exceptionally well-served by London’s transport network. Charlton station is a 10-minute walk from the ground, whilst North Greenwich (Jubilee Line) offers tube access with a short bus ride or 20-minute walk. For most away fans, this is by far the easiest option!
Main Station Options:
🚂 CHARLTON STATION (BEST OPTION!)
Distance: 10-minute walk to The Valley
Services: Southeastern trains from London Bridge, Waterloo East, Cannon Street, Charing Cross
Journey Times: London Bridge (12 mins), Waterloo East (15 mins), Victoria (change at London Bridge, 25 mins total)
The Walk: Exit station, turn right onto Charlton Church Lane, follow signs to The Valley. Easy, flat, well-signposted walk.
🚇 NORTH GREENWICH STATION (JUBILEE LINE)
Distance: 20-minute walk OR 5-minute bus ride (161, 472, 486)
Why Choose: Direct Jubilee Line from West London, Westminster, Kings Cross
The Walk: Exit station, cross Millennium Way, follow Drawdock Road then Woolwich Road to the ground
The Bus: Buses 161, 472, 486 from North Greenwich station towards Woolwich stop near The Valley
🚂 WOOLWICH ARSENAL (ELIZABETH LINE)
Distance: 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus (161, 486)
Why Choose: Elizabeth Line access from Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street
Good For: Fans arriving from west or central London on the Elizabeth Line
🚗 BY CAR
Postcode for Sat Nav: SE7 8BL
Motorway Routes:
From M25 (South): Exit Junction 2, A2 towards London, exit at Danson Interchange onto A206, follow to Charlton
From M25 (North): Exit Junction 1b, A206 towards Woolwich/Charlton
From Central London: A2 eastbound to Blackwall Tunnel, then A2 to Charlton
Parking Options:
🅿️ Official Stadium Car Parks: Very limited matchday parking at The Valley
Cost: £10-15 (book well in advance)
Note: Extremely limited availability – usually restricted to season ticket holders
🏙️ North Greenwich (O2 Arena): Large multi-storey car park
Cost: From £6 for 4+ hours
Distance: 20-minute walk or short bus ride to ground
Advantage: Huge capacity, easy access to/from motorway, good pub/restaurant options at O2
🏘️ Street Parking (Residential Areas): Limited street parking around Charlton and Woolwich
Cost: Free on some streets but check restrictions carefully
Important: Many streets have matchday restrictions – read signs carefully and be respectful of residents
💡 Top Parking Tip: Honestly, public transport is king for The Valley! The train from central London is quick and easy. If you must drive, North Greenwich car park is your best bet – park at the O2, have a pre-match pint, then bus or walk to the ground.
🎫 AWAY SUPPORTER ALLOCATION
| Your Section | Jimmy Seed (South) Stand |
| Allocation | Typically 2,000-3,000 seats (can be increased for bigger fixtures) |
| View | Good views of the pitch, though the stand is set back behind the goal and feels a bit separate from the main ground |
| Facilities | Basic but functional facilities – the stand shows its age but has character |
| Atmosphere | Can create excellent noise with the low roof helping acoustics – proper old-school away end! |
✅ Away Fan Experience: The Jimmy Seed Stand is a traditional away end with bags of character. Yes, it’s a bit dated and set back from the pitch, but it has a proper old-school feel and away fans can generate brilliant noise. The location is perfect – South East London with Greenwich and the O2 on the doorstep. Charlton fans are generally very friendly!
🍺 PUBS & FOOD FOR AWAY FANS
Charlton and the surrounding area have some decent pub options, though many immediately near the ground are home fans only on matchdays. Your best bet is often Greenwich (15-minute walk) or North Greenwich (O2 Arena) which offer brilliant choices and welcome away supporters.
🍻 RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR AWAY FANS
North Greenwich (O2 Arena)
📍 Location: Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX (20 min walk or short bus to ground)
Why Visit: Massive entertainment complex with numerous pubs and restaurants. Slug & Lettuce, All Bar One, Craft Beer Co all welcome away fans. Safe, family-friendly, loads of choice.
Away Fans: Very welcome – purpose-built for crowds, completely neutral
Greenwich (Town Centre)
📍 Location: Greenwich town centre, SE10 (15 min walk from ground)
Why Visit: Beautiful historic area with excellent pubs. The Greenwich Union, Trafalgar Tavern, and Cutty Sark Tavern all good choices. Stunning riverside location.
Away Fans: Very welcoming – tourist area so mixed crowds
The Anchor & Hope
📍 Location: 2 Riverside, Charlton, SE7 7SS
Why Visit: Riverside pub near the ground, generally welcomes both sets of fans. Good beer garden.
Away Fans: Welcome but gets busy – arrive early
The Valley Cafe
📍 Location: Inside The Valley (Harvey Gardens entrance)
Why Visit: Charlton’s official club bar – often allows away fans on matchdays. Check in advance.
Away Fans: Sometimes welcome – call ahead to check
⚠️ Important Note: Many pubs immediately around The Valley are home fans only on matchdays. The Liberal Club, Antigallican, and others near the ground are best avoided. North Greenwich (O2) or Greenwich town centre are your safest, friendliest options with loads of choice!
🍽️ FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Greenwich Market
📍 Location: Greenwich town centre, SE10 9HZ
Perfect For: Brilliant street food market with cuisines from around the world. Great for pre-match food!
O2 Arena Restaurants
📍 Location: Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
Perfect For: Nando’s, Wagamama, Pizza Express, TGI Fridays – all the chains you know, all welcome away fans.
Goddards at Greenwich
📍 Location: 22 King William Walk, SE10 9HU
Perfect For: Traditional pie and mash! A proper London institution since 1890.
Greenwich Grind
📍 Location: 4-6 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BG
Perfect For: Excellent brunch, coffee, and cocktails. Perfect for early kick-offs!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH EAST LONDON
Accommodation options near The Valley are somewhat limited, but Greenwich offers excellent hotels with brilliant transport links. Central London is also easily accessible via train or tube if you prefer staying in the heart of the capital.
💰 BUDGET OPTIONS (£60-90)
Travelodge Greenwich
📍 Location: Armitage Road, SE10 0JH
Distance: Greenwich centre, 20 minutes to The Valley
Why Stay: Great value, clean rooms, near Greenwich attractions and DLR.
Premier Inn London Greenwich
📍 Location: 43-81 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JL
Distance: Greenwich centre
Why Stay: Reliable chain, good breakfast, perfect location for Greenwich exploring.
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£90-150)
Novotel London Greenwich
📍 Location: 173-185 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA
Distance: Greenwich centre, 15 minutes to ground
Why Stay: Modern hotel with pool and gym, great Greenwich location.
Intercontinental London – The O2
📍 Location: 1 Waterview Drive, SE10 0TW
Distance: North Greenwich, 20 minutes to ground
Why Stay: Right at the O2 with loads of bars/restaurants, great for matchday.
⭐ UPMARKET OPTIONS (£150+)
Clarendon Hotel
📍 Location: 8-16 Montpelier Row, Blackheath, SE3 0RW
Distance: Blackheath village, 15 minutes to ground
Why Stay: Charming boutique hotel in beautiful Blackheath village.
Central London Hotels
📍 Location: Various central locations
Distance: 20-30 minutes to Charlton station by train
Why Stay: If you want to explore London properly, central hotels with good links to Charlton station work brilliantly!
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN GREENWICH & CHARLTON
The Valley is brilliantly located near Greenwich – one of London’s most historic and beautiful areas. Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with maritime history, stunning architecture, and great attractions. Make a weekend of it!
🚢 Cutty Sark
📍 Location: King William Walk, SE10 9HT
What: The world’s last surviving tea clipper ship. Climb aboard this stunning 19th-century vessel and explore maritime history.
Cost: £17.50 adults / £9 children
🔭 Royal Observatory Greenwich
📍 Location: Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ
What: Stand on the Prime Meridian! Home of Greenwich Mean Time with stunning views over London. Astronomy exhibits and planetarium.
Cost: £18 adults / £10 children
🏛️ National Maritime Museum
📍 Location: Park Row, SE10 9NF
What: World’s largest maritime museum with over 2 million items. Nelson’s jacket, royal barges, and brilliant interactive exhibits.
Cost: FREE!
🏛️ Old Royal Naval College
📍 Location: King William Walk, SE10 9NN
What: Stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful Painted Hall (“Britain’s Sistine Chapel”), and fascinating naval history.
Cost: Grounds free / Painted Hall £12.50
🎪 The O2 Arena
📍 Location: Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
What: Massive entertainment complex with concerts, comedy, cinema, restaurants, bars. Also offers “Up at The O2” – climb over the dome!
Cost: Varies / Up at The O2 from £35
🌳 Greenwich Park
📍 Location: SE10 (behind Royal Observatory)
What: Beautiful Royal Park with the best views over London! Perfect for Sunday morning walks before heading home.
Cost: FREE!
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
⚔️ The Addicks: Charlton fans are passionate about their club and proud of The Valley’s remarkable comeback story – expect proper atmosphere!
🎵 Red Red Robin: Listen for the legendary “Red Red Robin” anthem before kick-off – a Charlton tradition since 1962!
🏛️ Perfect Location: Greenwich on the doorstep makes this an exceptional away day – world-class attractions and brilliant pubs
💪 Valley Party Spirit: The fans fought for 7 years to get their ground back – there’s a real community feel at The Valley
🤝 HOW TO BEHAVE
✅ DO: Show your colours proudly • Explore Greenwich – it’s stunning • Try the street food at Greenwich Market • Visit the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory • Use public transport – it’s brilliant • Respect The Valley’s comeback story • Enjoy the O2 if you’re there early
❌ DON’T: Try drinking in home pubs near the ground • Cause trouble • Rush away – Greenwich is world-class • Miss the Greenwich attractions • Drive when public transport is so good • Forget to check which pubs welcome away fans
📗 QUICK REFERENCE
| Stadium Postcode | SE7 8BL |
| Away Allocation | 2,000-3,000 seats (Jimmy Seed Stand) |
| Nearest Train | Charlton (10 min walk) OR North Greenwich tube (20 min walk/short bus) |
| Best Transport | Train to Charlton station + 10 min walk OR Jubilee Line to North Greenwich |
| Parking | From £6 (North Greenwich O2 car park best option) |
| Must Try | Greenwich Market food, Goddards pie & mash, O2 restaurants! |
| Must Visit | Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, The O2! |
⚡ TOP TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
📋 BEFORE YOU GO
🚂 Plan Your Route: Decide between Charlton station (easiest walk) or North Greenwich (better pre-match options)
🎫 Digital Tickets: Have tickets ready on your phone and arrive 60-90 minutes before kick-off
🍺 Check Pubs: Many pubs near the ground are home fans only – stick to Greenwich or O2 for safety
🚶 GETTING THERE
🚂 Charlton Station: Quickest option – 10-minute walk, well-signposted, easy and flat
🎪 North Greenwich: Better for pre-match atmosphere – O2 has loads of pubs/restaurants, then short bus or 20-min walk
🚗 If Driving: North Greenwich car park is genuinely your best bet – huge capacity, easy exit, great facilities
🏛️ GREENWICH EXPERIENCE
🌟 World Heritage Site: Greenwich is genuinely spectacular – The Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory, stunning architecture. Arrive early!
🍴 Food Scene: Greenwich Market has brilliant street food, and there are excellent restaurants throughout the area
📸 Photo Ops: Stand on the Prime Meridian, views from Greenwich Park, the Painted Hall – this place is Instagram gold!
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
⚔️ The Valley Story: Charlton fans fought for 7 years to return – there’s real emotion and pride here
🏟️ Old School Feel: The Jimmy Seed Stand is traditional with bags of character – proper away day experience
❤️ Friendly Fans: Charlton supporters are generally welcoming – just avoid the home pubs near the ground!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting The Valley is about much more than just 90 minutes of football. This is a ground with one of English football’s most remarkable stories – when Charlton were forced to leave in 1985 due to financial difficulties, supporters mounted a relentless seven-year campaign to return. The “Valley Party” even stood candidates in local elections, and in 1992, 8,000 fans celebrated an emotional homecoming. That fighting spirit and deep community connection makes The Valley special – you’re not just visiting a stadium, you’re visiting a monument to fan power and determination.
The location is genuinely brilliant. Greenwich – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is right on the doorstep with the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory (stand on the Prime Meridian!), National Maritime Museum, and stunning Greenwich Park offering world-class attractions. The Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall is breathtaking, often called “Britain’s Sistine Chapel.” North Greenwich and the O2 Arena provide brilliant pre-match pub and restaurant options with something for everyone. And the transport links are excellent – Charlton station is a quick 10-minute walk, whilst the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich gives tube access from across London.
Charlton Athletic – The Addicks – have a rich history including an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and producing exceptional young talent through their renowned academy. The nickname comes from a local fishmonger who rewarded the team with haddock and chips! You’ll hear the legendary “Red Red Robin” anthem before kick-off, a Charlton tradition since 1962 that still gives fans goosebumps. The red and white colours have been worn since 1905 (with one brief exception), and the passionate fanbase creates brilliant atmosphere in this natural valley setting.
The Jimmy Seed Stand where away fans sit is admittedly a bit dated and set back from the pitch, but it has proper character and creates brilliant noise with that low roof amplifying the atmosphere. It’s old-school football at its finest. Yes, pub options immediately around the ground are limited for away fans, but Greenwich town centre and the O2 more than make up for it with outstanding choices. The combination of accessible London location, world-class attractions, excellent transport, and a ground with genuine soul makes this a superb away day.
Our advice? Get to Greenwich or North Greenwich early on Saturday morning. Explore the Cutty Sark, climb to the Royal Observatory for stunning London views, grab lunch at Greenwich Market’s brilliant street food stalls, have a pint in one of the riverside pubs, then either walk or bus to The Valley. Soak up the unique atmosphere of a ground that refused to die, enjoy the match, then either head back to Greenwich for Saturday night or stay over Sunday to properly explore this magnificent part of London. The Valley delivers history, character, and a brilliant day out – don’t rush away!
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
⚔️ Charlton Athletic FC: 020 8333 4000 | charltonafc.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 03330 14 44 44
🚇 TfL Journey Planner: tfl.gov.uk
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Greenwich: visitgreenwich.org.uk
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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, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.