⚽ THE MEMORIAL STADIUM ⚽
Bristol Rovers – 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 bristolrovers.co.uk for the latest ticketing, parking and matchday updates before you travel. ⚠️ The Memorial Stadium is a cashless venue — bring a bank card or contactless payment only. Bags larger than A4 size are not permitted inside the ground.
🏟️ ABOUT THE MEMORIAL STADIUM
The Memorial Stadium, known universally as “The Mem”, sits on Filton Avenue in the Horfield area of north Bristol, about two miles from the city centre. Opened in 1921, it was built as a memorial to local rugby union players who lost their lives in the First World War, making it one of football’s most historically significant grounds.
The ground has a wonderfully eclectic mix of stands. The West Stand resembles a cricket pavilion because it used to be one. The North Stand is a covered terrace home to the most vocal Gasheads. The South Stand, recently redeveloped, adds modern seating. It all adds up to a ground with genuine character and atmosphere.
Away supporters are typically housed in the Dribuild East Stand terrace, with the option of seats in part of the South Stand for those who prefer cover. The terrace offers a good view despite being relatively shallow, with the open-air setting meaning you’ll want to dress for the weather. A pop-up bar for away fans operates underneath the South Stand.
Bristol Rovers were founded in 1883, initially as the Black Arabs FC, and have been playing in their iconic blue-and-white quartered shirts since 1931. Known as “The Gas” (a nickname Bristol City fans intended as an insult, adopted with pride by Rovers supporters, referencing the gasworks near their old Eastville ground) and “The Pirates” (reflecting Bristol’s seafaring heritage).
Rovers have spent most of their history in the lower divisions, with their proudest era coming in the early 1970s under Don Megson. Famous names include Geoff Bradford, Ian Holloway (both as a player and as a manager), Rickie Lambert, and Marcus Stewart. The club song “Goodnight Irene” echoes around The Mem on matchdays and is one of football’s most distinctive anthems.
Relegated from League One at the end of 2024-25, Bristol Rovers begin the 2025-26 season back in League Two with a clear aim of an immediate return to the third tier. Ownership under the Al-Qadi family has stabilised the club, with ambitious plans to redevelop The Mem to a 16,500 capacity. Expect passionate, vocal home support and a ground that feels genuinely alive on matchday.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS – 2025-26
| Capacity | ~12,000 (mix of seated and standing) |
| Opened | 1921 (Bristol Rovers in residence since 1996) |
| Address | Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BF |
| Away Section | Dribuild East Stand terrace (turnstiles 24–26) + South Stand seats (turnstiles 27–29) |
| Away Allocation | Typically around 1,100 (terrace). South Stand seats available for large followings |
| Record Attendance | 12,011 vs West Bromwich Albion (friendly, 1996) |
| Nickname | The Gas / The Pirates / The Mem |
| Division | Sky Bet League Two (2025-26) |
| ⚠️ Cashless Venue | Card and contactless payments only — no cash accepted anywhere inside the ground |
| Club Website | bristolrovers.co.uk |
| Ticket Office | 0117 909 6648 | bristolrovers.co.uk/tickets |
🚗 GETTING TO THE MEMORIAL STADIUM
The Memorial Stadium sits on Filton Avenue in Horfield, north Bristol, about two miles from Bristol city centre. The main access point is from Filton Avenue, there is no other entrance to the ground. Bristol is well-served by the national rail network, and the 2024 opening of Ashley Down station now makes the ground genuinely walkable from the train.
Driving is possible but parking is limited and residential streets around the ground have restrictions. Street parking exists further away on Muller Road and Gloucester Road, but expect a 10–20 minute walk. There is no dedicated away car park at The Mem.
Bristol is connected to the national rail network via two main stations: Bristol Temple Meads (city centre) and Bristol Parkway (north Bristol). Both are accessible from London Paddington, Cardiff, Birmingham, and beyond. Several bus routes also serve the ground from Temple Meads and Bristol city centre.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Memorial Stadium Address: Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BF
🚂 BY TRAIN – Bristol is Well Connected
Why Trains Work: The opening of Ashley Down station in late 2024 was a game-changer for away fans. It’s served by trains from Bristol Temple Meads and is just under a mile from the ground, making The Mem genuinely easy to reach by rail for the first time. Alternatively, Bristol Parkway is the main interchange for those coming from further afield.
Journey Times to Bristol Temple Meads:
🔴 Newcastle: approx. 3 hrs 30 mins (change at Bristol Parkway or direct)
🟠 Leeds: approx. 2 hrs 45 mins (change at Bristol Parkway or direct)
🟡 Birmingham: approx. 1 hr 30 mins (direct)
🟢 London Paddington: approx. 1 hr 45 mins (direct GWR)
🔵 Cardiff Central: approx. 50 mins (direct)
🟣 Exeter: approx. 1 hr (direct)
Getting from Bristol to the Memorial Stadium
🚂 Ashley Down Station (15–20 min walk from The Mem)
Take a local train from Bristol Temple Meads to Ashley Down (opened late 2024) on the Gloucester line. It’s just under a mile to the ground — a pleasant and straightforward walk along Muller Road and down Filton Avenue. This is the best option for most away fans arriving by rail.
🚌 Bus from Temple Meads or City Centre (30–40 mins, approx. £2–3)
Buses 70, 71, 72 and 73 run from Bristol Temple Meads towards the ground and stop on Gloucester Road / Filton Avenue, around 5–10 minutes’ walk from the stadium. From Bristol Parkway, take the 73, 73A or 73B (approx. 20 minutes). Check timetables at firstbus.co.uk.
🚕 Taxi (15–20 mins, approx. £10–15)
Taxis and Ubers are readily available from both Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. The recommended drop-off point is Filton Avenue, as it’s the only access point to the ground. Share with others to keep costs down on the way back.
💡 Top Tip: Consider building in time to enjoy Gloucester Road before the match, it’s one of Bristol’s most vibrant streets, lined with independent shops, cafes and pubs. Take the bus or walk from Ashley Down and make a proper afternoon of it.
🚆 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🚆 Bristol Rovers Official Site: bristolrovers.co.uk
🚗 BY CAR – Limited Parking, Plan Ahead
The Memorial Stadium is signposted from the main motorway junctions — brown-and-white signs from the M32 (from the M4) and the M5 (junction 16). It’s a straightforward drive to the ground, but parking is the challenge, there is no dedicated away supporter car park and the surrounding streets are predominantly residential.
If You’re Driving:
- From the North/East (M4): Exit M4 at junction 19, join the M32. Travel 3.1 miles to junction 2, take the third exit (signposted Horfield/Southmead) and follow brown signs to the Memorial Stadium along Muller Road, then left onto Filton Avenue.
- From the South/West (M5): Exit M5 at junction 16 (signposted A38 Thornbury/Filton). Join the A38 (Gloucester Road) southbound and travel approximately 4–5 miles. Turn left into Filton Avenue at the traffic lights; the ground is immediately on your right.
- Sat Nav: Use postcode BS7 0BF for the ground itself.
Parking Options:
- Muller Road: Popular choice for street parking; typically a 10–15 minute walk to the ground. Check signage carefully for any restrictions.
- Gloucester Road (A38): Further back, 15–20 minute walk, but often easier to find a space. Plenty of pubs and cafés to pass on the way.
- Kellaway Avenue and surrounding streets: Cross Gloucester Road opposite the Wellington pub and you’ll find more residential parking 15–20 minutes from the ground.
- No parking at the ground: The small stadium car park is reserved for disabled badge holders (bookable in advance via ticketing@bristolrovers.co.uk) and officials — do not attempt to park here.
💡 Top Tip: Gloucester Road is a long, busy stretch with free on-street parking along much of it. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off, park on Gloucester Road, have a drink at one of the pubs along the way, and walk the last stretch to the ground. It turns a parking headache into part of the pre-match experience.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR THE MEMORIAL STADIUM
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: The pubs directly nearest to the ground, the Queen Vic, the Anchor, and the Royal Oak on Filton Avenue, are best avoided by visiting supporters. Stick to the Gloucester Road options below, which are welcoming to away fans, or pre-match in Bristol city centre. There is no alcohol available to away supporters inside the ground.
🍺 Gloucester Road Pubs (Safe for Away Fans)
🍺 The Sportsman & Annexe (Nevil Road / Seymour Road, BS7 9EQ)
The undisputed go-to for away fans heading to The Mem. Two pubs operating side by side: The Sportsman is a large, no-frills sports bar with pool tables, big screens and plenty of room; the Annexe next door is a more traditional real-ale pub with a covered beer garden and hand pumps. Both are welcoming to visiting supporters. Regularly recommended and in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
🍺 The Drapers Arms (447 Gloucester Road, BS7 8TZ)
A popular micropub on Gloucester Road with an excellent selection of cask ales and craft beers. It’s listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and attracts a relaxed, mixed crowd. Compact but brilliant for a proper pre-match pint, with a great range of drinks on the bar.
🍺 The Wellington (Gloucester Road, BS7)
Owned by Bath Ales, this pub sits on Gloucester Road, a short distance from the ground and usually attracts a mix of home and away fans without too much tension. Serves food, has a decent real ale selection, and is a solid option if the Sportsman is too busy. Easy to spot on the A38.
🍺 The Prince of Wales (Gloucester Road)
Another well-regarded Gloucester Road pub, reported as friendly to visiting supporters and worth stopping in if you’re walking up from Montpelier or Ashley Down. Has a good range of ales and a pleasant atmosphere. Check in advance if planning to take children.
🍺 Bristol City Centre (Recommended for Pre-Match)
🍺 Wetherspoons at Bristol Temple Meads
Convenient and affordable, right inside the station. Good for grabbing food and a drink on arrival before heading out to explore or taking the bus/taxi up to the ground. Reliable as a budget pre-match option.
🍺 Bristol City Centre & Harbourside
Bristol has one of England’s best city centre pub and bar scenes. The Harbourside, Clifton Village, and Stokes Croft all offer fantastic independent bars and pubs. If you’re making a full day of it, this is where to start, then hop on the bus up to the ground with plenty of time to spare.
💡 Away Bar at The Mem: There is a pop-up bar for away fans located underneath the South Stand at the ground. No alcohol is served in the away terrace area itself, but the bar is accessible nearby. Cards/contactless only — no cash.
🍔 FOOD NEAR THE MEMORIAL STADIUM
Inside the Ground
The away end tea hut is visible from the terrace so you won’t miss the action while queuing. Standard match-day fare: pies, hot dogs, burgers, chips, and hot drinks. Expect decent quality for a League Two ground. Remember: cards and contactless only — no cash accepted.
Near the Ground
Bristol Fryer (Gloucester Road)
A reliable chip shop on Gloucester Road, popular on matchdays. Perfect for pre-match fish and chips before heading up to the ground — and far better than anything inside.
Gloucester Road Cafés and Takeaways
Gloucester Road is renowned for having one of the longest stretches of independent shops and eateries in the UK. There are curry houses, pizza places, cafés, and sandwich bars all along the route from Ashley Down up to the ground. Ideal for a proper pre-match meal.
Bristol City Centre
For a proper sit-down meal, Bristol city centre is outstanding. Stokes Croft, Clifton Village, and the Harbourside all have excellent independent restaurants covering every cuisine. Come early, have a great meal, then head up to the ground. Bristol is genuinely one of England’s best food cities.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE MEMORIAL STADIUM
Budget
Premier Inn / Travelodge – Bristol City Centre
Multiple options in the city centre, from around £55–75 per night. Easy access to transport for the ground and perfectly placed for exploring the city.
Holiday Inn Express Bristol – Filton
Located less than a mile from the Memorial Stadium — the closest hotel to the ground. Basic but convenient if you want to minimise travel. From around £65 per night.
Mid-Range
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City
Well-regarded city centre hotel close to Temple Meads. Modern, comfortable rooms with good transport links. From around £90–120 per night.
Moxy Bristol
A modern, design-led hotel in the city centre with a lively bar and social spaces. Well-reviewed and good value for the standard. From around £85–120 per night.
Premium
Number 38 Clifton
A boutique hotel in the stunning Georgian Clifton area, close to the Suspension Bridge and Clifton Village. From around £150–200 per night. Perfect for a full Bristol weekend.
Hotel du Vin Bristol
A luxurious option in the city centre, set in a stunning sugar warehouse. Known for its wine collection and fine dining. From around £160–250 per night.
🏛️ THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL
Bristol is one of England’s most rewarding cities to visit. From the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to world-class museums, brilliant street art and a fantastic food-and-drink scene, there’s plenty to fill a full matchday weekend here.
🌉 Clifton Suspension Bridge — FREE to visit
Bristol’s most iconic landmark and one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s greatest achievements. Opened in 1864, it spans the dramatic Avon Gorge with breathtaking views. The visitor centre (Leigh Woods side) is free and open daily 10 am–5 pm. Free guided tours run at 3 pm on weekends between Easter and October. Hard hat tours of the hidden vaults are also available to book.
🚢 Brunel’s SS Great Britain — ssgreatbritain.org
The world’s first ocean-going steam-powered iron ship was designed by Brunel and launched in 1843. Now beautifully restored in Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard. Adults from around £20; excellent for families and history lovers. Consistently one of Bristol’s top-rated attractions. Don’t miss the interactive engine room.
🎨 Bristol Street Art & Banksy Trail — FREE
Bristol is the home of Banksy, and the city is littered with world-class street art. Stokes Croft is the epicentre, but you’ll find murals all over the city. Pick up a self-guided street art map, or join a Where the Wall tour for a deeper look at the scene.
🏛️ M Shed — FREE — bristolmuseums.org.uk
A brilliant and innovative museum on the Harbourside that tells the story of Bristol through its people, from the city’s role in the slave trade to its music and protest culture. Interactive, thought-provoking, and completely free. One of the best free museums in England. Open Tues–Sun.
🏛️ Bristol Museum & Art Gallery — FREE
Home to world-class collections of fine art, natural history, and archaeology. There’s always a Banksy piece or two on display. Located in the beautiful civic quarter near Park Street — easy walking distance from Bristol Temple Meads. A brilliant rainy-day option.
⛵ Bristol Harbourside & Ferries
The Floating Harbour is the heart of the city — a stunning stretch of water surrounded by converted warehouses, bars, restaurants, and museums. Hop on a Bristol Ferry Boat for a relaxed tour of the harbour and waterfront. Cargo at Wapping Wharf is a must-visit collection of independent food and drink containers right on the water.
🌿 Clifton Village & The Downs
Clifton is one of Bristol’s most beautiful neighbourhoods — stunning Georgian architecture, boutique shops, great independent restaurants, and the Clifton Downs (200 acres of open grassland) just behind. Walk out to the Suspension Bridge from here and take in some of the finest views in England.
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🎵 “Goodnight Irene”: Bristol Rovers’ beloved anthem is genuinely one of football’s great crowd songs — expect it to be belted out with real passion at The Mem.
🏟️ Open Terrace: The away terrace is uncovered, so dress for the weather — especially for autumn and winter fixtures. The view is good despite the shallow steps.
💳 Cashless Only: The Memorial Stadium is entirely cashless — this includes the tea hut, bar, and ticket booth. Bring a bank card or contactless device; no exceptions.
👜 Bag Policy: Keep bags to A4 size or smaller to avoid delays at the turnstiles. Larger bags will not be permitted and there are no left luggage facilities.
🍺 Away Bar: There is a pop-up bar for away supporters under the South Stand — worth visiting before kick-off. No alcohol is served in the away terrace itself.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
The Memorial Stadium is one of English football’s great character grounds, quirky, historic, and full of atmosphere. Yes, the away terrace is open to the elements and the facilities are basic, but that’s part of the charm. This is proper, old-school football, and The Mem delivers an authentic matchday experience that many modern stadiums simply can’t replicate.
Bristol is genuinely one of England’s finest cities. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and M Shed alone would make it worth visiting. Add in the Harbourside, the Banksy street art, and the brilliant independent food and drink scene on Gloucester Road — and a trip to The Mem is a proper away day worth making a weekend of.
Arrive early, stop on Gloucester Road at the Sportsman, Annexe, or Drapers Arms for a pre-match pint, walk up to the ground, and soak up the atmosphere. The Gasheads are passionate and knowledgeable — you’ll be well received if you come in good spirits. Check your card is contactless before you leave home; the cashless policy is strictly enforced.
⛽ The Mem: proper football, proper Bristol 🏴️
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
📻️ Bristol Rovers FC: 0117 909 6648 | bristolrovers.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 0117 909 6648 | bristolrovers.co.uk/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 First Bus Bristol: firstbus.co.uk/bristol
ℹ️ Visit Bristol: visitbristol.co.uk
🌉 Clifton Suspension Bridge: cliftonbridge.org.uk
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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 bristolrovers.co.uk for the latest matchday details before travelling. Note: The Memorial 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.