⚽ HIGHBURY ⚽
Fleetwood Town FC – Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025-26
ℹ️ 2025-26 Season Guide: All information has been researched and verified for the current season. Always check fleetwoodtownfc.com for the latest ticketing, parking and matchday updates before you travel. ⚠️ Highbury Stadium is a CASHLESS venue – cards and contactless only, no cash accepted at turnstiles or food outlets. Fleetwood has no train station; plan your connection via Blackpool North and the tram or bus. This is Fleetwood’s second consecutive season in League Two (2025-26).
⚽ ABOUT HIGHBURY STADIUM
Highbury Stadium is a compact, atmospheric ground on the Lancashire coast in the small fishing port of Fleetwood. Don’t confuse it with Arsenal’s old home – Highbury takes its name from the adjacent Highbury Avenue. First opened in 1939 and rebuilt almost entirely since 2006, it holds just over 5,300 spectators, making it one of the smallest grounds in the EFL.
The Parkside Stand is the impressive main stand, running the full length of the pitch and featuring seating, executive boxes, and hospitality. Opposite sits the smaller Highbury Stand. Behind the goals are the covered Memorial Stand (home end) and the Percy Ronson Terrace (away end). Away fans are housed in the Percy Ronson Terrace (standing, up to ~800) and a section of the Parkside Stand (seating, ~300). Views are excellent throughout – steep terracing with no pillars in the away end.
Fleetwood Town’s modern story is genuinely remarkable. The current club was formed in 1997 as Fleetwood Wanderers and won six promotions in ten years under benefactor Andy Pilley, reaching League One by 2012 and winning the League Two play-off final at Wembley in 2014 against Burton Albion. Jamie Vardy was their talisman during the Conference-winning season of 2011-12, scoring 31 league goals before moving to Leicester City.
The Cod Army, as Fleetwood are known, have a proud and passionate fanbase rooted in the town’s maritime heritage. The Memorial Stand is named in memory of those lost in conflict and at sea – a poignant nod to Fleetwood’s fishing community. Rivalries are keenest with Blackpool and Accrington Stanley. Charlie Adam – the former Blackpool, Liverpool and Scotland midfielder – is a popular figure having returned as head coach.
After relegation from League One in 2024, Fleetwood enters 2025-26 in their second consecutive League Two season under new head coach Pete Wild, who replaced Charlie Adam in December 2024. Jamie Pilley, son of the former chairman, took over ownership in 2024 and the club has stabilised off the pitch. Expect a vocal home support in an intimate, old-school football setting.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS – 2025-26
| Capacity | 5,327 (mix of seated and terraced standing) |
| Opened | 1939 (fully rebuilt 2006–2012) |
| Address | Park Avenue, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6TX |
| Away Section | Percy Ronson Terrace (standing) – turnstiles 1–3 at junction of Hatfield Avenue & Highbury Avenue; Parkside Stand seating – turnstiles 1–2 by club shop on Park Avenue |
| Away Allocation | Up to ~1,100 (800 standing, 300 seated) |
| Record Attendance | 5,194 vs Rochdale, 2008 |
| Cashless Venue | ⚠️ YES – cards and contactless only. No cash accepted. |
| Nickname | The Cod Army / The Fishermen |
| Division | Sky Bet League Two (2025-26) |
| Club Website | fleetwoodtownfc.com |
| Ticket Office | 01253 775 080 | fleetwoodtownfc.com/tickets |
🚗 GETTING TO HIGHBURY STADIUM
Highbury Stadium is one of the more remote League Two destinations, sitting on the tip of the Fylde Peninsula on the Lancashire coast. The town of Fleetwood has no railway station – the nearest is Poulton-le-Fylde, over five miles away, making it the furthest distance from station to stadium in the entire Football League. However, don’t let that put you off – the options to get there are well established and part of the fun.
By car, Highbury is reached quickly via the M6, M55 and A585 – a straightforward drive from most of the north and Midlands. Street parking is available around the ground, supplemented by a large free car park at Affinity Lancashire (the former Freeport Fleetwood shopping centre). There’s no dedicated car park at the stadium itself.
By rail, head to Blackpool North as your arrival point. From there, the famous Blackpool tram runs all the way along the Fylde Coast seafront to Fleetwood Ferry – a brilliant, scenic journey of around 40 minutes. Buses 1 and 14 also cover the route. A taxi from Blackpool North to the ground costs around £15–20. It’s an away day with a proper sense of adventure.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Highbury Stadium Address: Park Avenue, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6TX
🚂 BY TRAIN – Head to Blackpool North, Then Tram or Bus
Why Trains (Still) Work: Fleetwood has no station, but Blackpool North is a well-connected hub with direct services from Manchester, Preston, Leeds and beyond. Once there, the iconic Blackpool tram whisks you up the Fylde Coast seafront all the way to Fleetwood – it’s one of the most memorable journeys in League Two. Allow around an hour from Blackpool North to the stadium.
Journey Times to Blackpool North Station:
🔴 London Euston: approx. 3 hrs (change at Preston or Manchester)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: approx. 2 hrs 30 mins (change at Preston)
🟡 Leeds: approx. 1 hr 45 mins (direct or change at Preston)
🟢 Manchester Victoria: approx. 1 hr (direct)
🟢 Manchester Piccadilly: approx. 1 hr 10 mins (via Victoria)
🔵 Preston: approx. 30 mins (direct, very frequent)
🟣 Liverpool Lime Street: approx. 1 hr 20 mins (change at Preston or Kirkham)
Getting from Blackpool North to Highbury Stadium
🚋 Blackpool Tram – The Scenic Route (approx. 40 minutes, around £3–4)
Walk down Talbot Road from Blackpool North station (5–7 minutes) to North Pier tram stop on the Promenade. Catch a northbound tram to Fleetwood Ferry terminus – the tram runs along the famous Fylde seafront through Cleveleys, turning inland at Cleveleys for the last stretch to Fleetwood. Alight at Fleetwood Ferry or Lord Street stops, both within 5–10 minutes’ walk of the stadium. Trams run every 10–12 minutes. Check blackpooltransport.com for timetables and fares.
🚌 Bus – Routes 1 or 14 (approx. 30–40 minutes)
Bus 14 (every 12 minutes, most frequent option): Catch from alongside Blackpool North station on Talbot Road – alight at Poulton Road/Highbury Avenue in Fleetwood, a 5-minute walk from the stadium. Journey time around 40 minutes. Bus 1: From the North Pier end of Talbot Road/Promenade – runs every 30 minutes, journey time around 30 minutes, alight at Hatfield Avenue near the stadium. Check blackpooltransport.com for timetables.
🚕 Taxi (approx. 25 minutes, around £15–20)
There’s a taxi rank outside Blackpool North station. Cost is around £15–20, depending on traffic. Excellent value for a group of 4–5 splitting the fare. Fleetwood Taxis: 01253 872 000. A popular choice for away fans who want a direct, fuss-free journey.
💡 Top Tip: The tram is the most enjoyable way to arrive – travelling along the famous Blackpool promenade with sea views on one side is genuinely one of the best approaches to any League Two ground. Buy a return ticket at the tram stop to save time after the match.
🎫 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🎫 Fleetwood Town Official Site: fleetwoodtownfc.com
🚗 BY CAR – Easy off the M55, Plenty of Free Parking Nearby
Driving to Highbury Stadium is straightforward. Leave the M6 at junction 32 and take the M55 west towards Blackpool, then exit at junction 3 onto the A585 towards Fleetwood. It’s a well-signed route up the Fylde Peninsula. The stadium sits in a residential area – there’s no dedicated away car park, but there are good free options nearby.
If You’re Driving:
- From the M6/South (M6 J32 → M55 → A585): Leave the M6 at junction 32. Join the M55 westbound towards Blackpool. Exit the M55 at junction 3 (A585 Fleetwood/Kirkham). Follow the A585 north towards Fleetwood. At the roundabout with Blackpool & Fylde College, go straight on. Pass Fleetwood Fire Station on your left, then turn left, then left onto Radcliffe Road. Turn right onto Stanley Road – the stadium is at the bottom on the left.
- From Blackpool/East (A585): Follow the A585 north directly into Fleetwood. As above, once approaching the town centre.
- Sat Nav: Use FY7 6TX for the stadium.
Parking Options:
- Affinity Lancashire (FY7 6AE) – FREE, approx. 700 spaces: The former Freeport Fleetwood retail park on Anchorage Road. Around 700 free spaces – the best option for away fans. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the stadium and close to the Fleetwood Stanley Road tram stop, making it ideal if you’re arriving by tram.
- Gordon Road (FY7 6UF) – FREE street parking: A reliable street parking option very close to the ground. Residential – be mindful of any parking restrictions.
- Addison Road (FY7 6UH) – FREE street parking: Another popular option among away fans, literally moments from the stadium. Arrive early to secure a spot.
- Fleetwood Council Car Parks: Several council-owned car parks in the town centre if the above fill up.
💡 Top Tip: Affinity Lancashire is the safest bet for large numbers – 700 free spaces rarely fill up even for a busy matchday. Post-match exit from Fleetwood can be slow via the A585 bottleneck, so consider leaving promptly or having a pint in Fleetwood town centre and waiting for traffic to clear first.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR HIGHBURY STADIUM
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: Fleetwood is a welcoming, laid-back away day. Away fans are genuinely well looked after here – the home supporters are known for being friendly and hospitable. Jim’s Bar at the stadium is open to both home and away fans and is the recommended pre-match choice. There are very few pubs immediately around the ground, but the town centre (10–15 minutes’ walk) has a decent selection. Blackpool – just 40 minutes by tram – is the obvious choice for a longer pre-match session if making a day of it.
🍺 At the Stadium
🍺 Jim’s Bar – Highbury Stadium (behind the Memorial Stand)
The top recommendation for away fans at Highbury. Jim’s Bar is open to both home and away supporters, with a good selection of drinks, TVs showing live sport, hot snacks and a genuine pre-match atmosphere. It’s where home and away fans mix freely, making it one of the more convivial stadium bars in League Two. Arrive early as it gets busy. Cashless only.
🍺 Fleetwood Town Centre (10–15 minutes’ walk)
🍺 The Strawberry Gardens – Fleetwood Town Centre
Consistently one of the most recommended pubs in Fleetwood for away fans. Great selection of ales, a large car park, a restaurant with food served daily, and multiple TV screens. Both home and away fans are welcome. Relaxed and spacious – a proper pub worth seeking out for a pre-match pint and a bite to eat before heading to the ground.
🍺 The Thomas Drummond – Fleetwood Town Centre (Wetherspoons)
Fleetwood’s JD Wetherspoons, set in a converted Victorian building (a former Sunday school). The reliable away fan option – cheap drinks, food all day, and a relaxed mixed atmosphere. The curry here gets particular praise from visiting fans. Easy to find in the town centre, and the tram stops right nearby.
🍺 The Royal Oak – Fleetwood Town Centre
A traditional, iconic Fleetwood pub with a loyal following – locally known as “Deaduns” and one of the few pubs that has avoided the wave of closures affecting many town centre locals. Well-kept beers, friendly staff and a proper community pub atmosphere. Close to the London Street tram stop for easy access from Blackpool.
🍺 Blackpool Pre-Match Option
🍺 Blackpool Town Centre (40 minutes by tram)
If you’re making a day of it, Blackpool has an enormous range of pubs, bars and entertainment on the promenade and town centre. Head out to Blackpool first, enjoy a couple of hours, then take the tram north to Fleetwood for the match. The tram stops right outside the stadium area. A brilliant way to make Highbury Stadium an all-day event.
🍔 FOOD NEAR HIGHBURY STADIUM
🍔 At the Ground
Stadium Concourse Food Kiosks
Both the Percy Ronson Terrace and the Parkside Stand have food kiosks serving the traditional matchday range – burgers, hot dogs, pies and chips. Quality is functional rather than exceptional. Cashless only – cards and contactless required. Jim’s Bar also serves hot snacks before kick-off.
🍔 Near the Ground
Fish & Chip Shops – Opposite the Stadium and Town Centre
There’s a fish and chip shop right opposite Highbury Stadium – perfect for a pre-match feed, and entirely in keeping with a visit to a Lancashire fishing port. More chippy options can be found throughout the town centre a short walk away. For a proper Fleetwood experience, fish and chips are non-negotiable.
Morrisons Supermarket – near the A585
If you’re arriving by car and want to stock up before the match, there’s a Morrisons near the main road into Fleetwood. Good for snacks, drinks and supplies at sensible prices before heading to the ground.
Fleetwood Market – Town Centre
A brilliant traditional market with around 250 indoor stalls and 50 outdoor stalls selling fresh produce, street food and a wide range of goods. One of the best markets on the Fylde Coast and a great lunchtime option if you’re in Fleetwood early. Check opening days before visiting
🏨 WHERE TO STAY NEAR HIGHBURY STADIUM
Fleetwood itself has limited hotel options, but Blackpool – just 7 miles away – has one of the largest concentrations of accommodation of any town in England. For an overnight stay, Blackpool is by far the most practical and enjoyable base, with everything from budget B&Bs to large seafront hotels, and the tram taking you directly to Highbury Stadium on matchday.
🏨 Budget
Travelodge / Premier Inn – Blackpool
Multiple budget chain hotels in Blackpool town centre and near the station. Reliable, affordable and well placed for the promenade, evening entertainment and the tram north to Fleetwood. Book well in advance for weekend fixtures. travelodge.co.uk | premierinn.com
B&Bs – Blackpool Seafront
Blackpool has hundreds of traditional B&Bs along the seafront and side streets. Excellent value, often with breakfast included, and a genuine seaside experience. Check booking.com for availability close to your fixture date.
🏨 Mid-Range
North Euston Hotel – Fleetwood (FY7 6BT)
A historic seafront hotel right in Fleetwood town centre, originally a Victorian railway hotel. An atmospheric choice if you want to stay in Fleetwood itself rather than Blackpool, with great views over the Wyre Estuary and easy walking distance to the stadium and town centre pubs.
🏨 Upmarket
Hilton Blackpool / Imperial Hotel – Blackpool North Promenade
The top end of Blackpool’s accommodation offering. The Imperial is a grand Victorian seafront hotel with genuine character; the Hilton offers modern corporate facilities. Both sit on the North Promenade, very close to the tram stop for Fleetwood. Perfect for a proper football weekend on the Fylde Coast.
🏛️ THINGS TO DO IN FLEETWOOD & THE FYLDE COAST
Fleetwood is a proudly working-class Lancashire port town with real character. Its maritime heritage, Victorian town planning and Fylde Coast setting make it a genuinely interesting place to spend a day. And with Blackpool just 40 minutes away by tram, there’s no shortage of things to fill the hours before kick-off.
🏛️ Fleetwood Museum – FREE (Queen’s Terrace, Fleetwood)
An excellent free museum telling the story of Fleetwood’s fascinating history – its maritime heritage, salt-mining, fishing industry, cargo trade and past as a Victorian seaside resort. Changing exhibitions, children’s activities and a cosy café. A must if you want to understand why this town feels so different from its neighbours. fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk
🏖️ Fleetwood Promenade & Rossall Point Observation Tower
Fleetwood has a scenic promenade with views across the Wyre Estuary towards the Cumbrian hills. The Rossall Point Observation Tower offers 360-degree views over the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay on clear days. A brilliant pre-match walk along the seafront, with the fresh Lancashire air and the distinctive Pharos Lighthouse as a backdrop.
⛵ Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry – small fee
A short ferry crossing over the Wyre Estuary takes you to Knott End-on-Sea for a different view of the Lancashire coast. One of the oldest ferry services in the country and a charming, quirky thing to do before a match. Brilliant if you’re making a proper day of it, especially in summer. Check visitfleetwood.info for timings.
🏪 Fleetwood Market – Town Centre
One of the great traditional Lancashire markets with around 250 indoor and 50 outdoor stalls. Fresh produce, street food, clothing, crafts and all manner of bargains. Hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. A brilliant way to spend a morning before the match – check opening days as it doesn’t run every day.
🏟️ Blackpool – 40 Minutes by Tram
The big draw of the Fylde Coast. The Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, three Victorian piers, the famous Illuminations and miles of golden beach all await. An unmissable English seaside experience. Combine a morning in Blackpool with an afternoon at Highbury Stadium via the famous tram for the perfect away day double-header.
🚀 Farmer Parr’s Animal World – Fleetwood (FY7 8JZ)
A fantastic family-friendly farm attraction on the outskirts of Fleetwood with hands-on animal experiences, tractor rides, a play area and seasonal events. Perfect if you’re bringing the kids along for the away day. Entry for a family of four is very reasonable. farmerparrs.com
🏞️ Affinity Lancashire (Former Freeport) – Fleetwood (FY7 6AE)
The large retail and leisure park on Anchorage Road, which also serves as the best free parking option for the match. Good for shopping, coffee and a browse before heading to the ground. A Morrisons is nearby for match-day provisions.
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
⚠️ Cashless Venue: Highbury Stadium is fully cashless – cards and contactless only at turnstiles, kiosks and Jim’s Bar. Make sure you have a working card before you travel.
🍺 Jim’s Bar – Use It: Jim’s Bar opens to both sets of fans and is the heart of the Highbury matchday experience. Arrive early, grab a drink, watch the pre-match build-up on the TVs and soak up the atmosphere.
⏰ Turnstiles: Open 90 minutes before kick-off. Away fans on the Percy Ronson Terrace use turnstiles 1–3 (junction of Hatfield Avenue and Highbury Avenue); seated fans use turnstiles 1–2 by the club shop on Park Avenue.
🏟️ Intimate & Loud: With just 5,327 capacity, Highbury is one of the smallest EFL grounds. The covered terraces concentrate the noise brilliantly – this is proper old-school football with a genuinely atmospheric home end.
🐟 Fish & Chips Pre-Match: You’re in Fleetwood – it would be rude not to. Grab a portion from the chippy opposite the ground before kick-off. It’s one of those away day rituals that’s entirely location-appropriate.
♿ Disabled Access: Three accessible parking bays are available for away fans (blue badge required, must be displayed). Contact the club at tickets@fleetwoodtownfc.com to arrange in advance.
🚋 Post-Match Tram: If you came by tram, the Stanley Road stop is a short walk from the stadium. Services back to Blackpool run regularly. Post-match traffic on the A585 can be slow – if driving, consider waiting 20–30 minutes before setting off, or popping back to Jim’s Bar for a quick one.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Highbury Stadium is one of League Two’s more unusual destinations – small, characterful and located in a proper Lancashire port town. The Percy Ronson Terrace gives you good sightlines and a covered, atmospheric standing experience. Jim’s Bar, open to both sets of fans, is one of the most welcoming pre-match venues in the division. This is proper grassroots football with real community soul.
Don’t rush in and out. Fleetwood has a fascination all of its own – the museum, the promenade, the famous market, the ferry crossing and the best fish and chips you’ll find anywhere. And with Blackpool just 40 minutes away by tram, you can build an entire day around the away trip without much effort. The tram journey along the Fylde seafront is genuinely one of the best approaches to any League Two ground in the country.
Remember: cashless only at Highbury – sort your card out before you travel. Use Jim’s Bar, grab fish and chips outside, and take the tram. It’s one of those away days you’ll remember long after the final whistle, for all the right reasons. The Cod Army are a passionate, welcoming bunch and Fleetwood is unlike anywhere else in the EFL.
🐟 Enjoy Your Away Day at Highbury Stadium – Home of the Cod Army! 🐟
📞 USEFUL CONTAC
🏟️ Fleetwood Town FC: 01253 775 080 | fleetwoodtownfc.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 01253 775 080 | fleetwoodtownfc.com/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚋 Blackpool Transport (Trams & Buses): blackpooltransport.com
🚕 Fleetwood Taxis: 01253 872 000
ℹ️ Visit Fleetwood: visitfleetwood.info
🏛️ Fleetwood Museum: fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk
📸 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
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⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
For more away day guides across all four divisions, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. Information researched and verified for the 2025-26 season — always check fleetwoodtownfc.com for the latest matchday details before travelling. ⚠️ Highbury Stadium is a cashless venue.
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.