AFC Wimbledon – Plough Lane
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🔵 ABOUT PLOUGH LANE (The Cherry Red Records Stadium)
Plough Lane (or the Cherry Red Records Stadium as it’s currently known), is the spiritual home of AFC Wimbledon, representing one of British football’s most remarkable homecoming stories. The new stadium, opened in November 2020, sits almost exactly on the site of Wimbledon FC’s original Plough Lane ground, which closed in 1991. After three decades of exile – first at Selhurst Park, then following the formation of AFC Wimbledon in 2002 after the infamous Franchise FC situation, playing at Kingsmeadow – The Dons finally returned home.
This modern 9,215-capacity stadium is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s the culmination of an extraordinary journey that saw supporters refuse to accept their club’s relocation to Milton Keynes, instead forming AFC Wimbledon from scratch in the Combined Counties League and rising through nine promotions to reclaim their place in the Football League.
AFC Wimbledon – The Dons – were founded in 2002 after the controversial relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes. Refusing to accept this betrayal, supporters established AFC Wimbledon with the motto “Back Home,” determined to rebuild their club from the grassroots. Starting in the Combined Counties League (ninth tier), the club earned nine promotions in fourteen years, reaching the Football League in 2011 – an unprecedented achievement.
The FA eventually awarded AFC Wimbledon the honours and history of the original Wimbledon FC (who won the FA Cup in 1988 in one of football’s greatest upsets against Liverpool), recognising them as the true continuation.
After years of exile, first at Kingsmeadow and previously at Selhurst Park, AFC Wimbledon finally returned to Plough Lane in 2020. The club’s story is perhaps British football’s greatest tale of supporter resilience, community ownership, and the power of collective determination. The Dons’ fanbase is fiercely loyal, understanding exactly what their club represents – proof that football clubs belong to their communities, not distant owners.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 9,215 (all seated) |
| Opened | November 2020 (4+ years at Plough Lane) |
| Away Section | Cherry Red Records Stand (South Stand) |
| Away Allocation | 1,265 seats (can be reduced for smaller followings) |
| Record Attendance | 9,215 vs Accrington Stanley (League One, 2023) |
🚗 GETTING TO PLOUGH LANE
Plough Lane is located in Wimbledon, southwest London, less than a mile from Wimbledon town centre. The stadium benefits from excellent transport links including Wimbledon mainline station (served by South Western Railway, Thameslink, and Tramlink), Haydons Road station (just a 5-minute walk away), and the London Underground (District Line). The combination of rail, Tube, and tram makes reaching Plough Lane straightforward for away supporters.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Plough Lane Address: Plough Lane, London, SW17 0NR
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Plough Lane benefits from exceptional rail connections. Haydons Road station is just a 5-minute walk from the stadium with regular services from Wimbledon and London Waterloo. Wimbledon mainline station (15-minute walk) offers South Western Railway, Thameslink, and Tramlink services plus the District Line Underground. For a South London stadium, the transport connections are brilliant.
Journey Times to Haydons Road / Wimbledon:
🔴 London Waterloo: 18 minutes to Wimbledon, then 5 minutes to Haydons Road (frequent)
🟠 London Bridge: 30 minutes to Wimbledon via Thameslink (regular service)
🟡 Clapham Junction: 9 minutes to Wimbledon, then 5 minutes to Haydons Road (very frequent)
🟢 Croydon: 25 minutes to Wimbledon via Tramlink (regular tram service)
🔵 District Line: Wimbledon is the terminus – easy connections from Central London
From the Station to Stadium:
From Haydons Road: Turn right out of the station onto Haydons Road, continue for approximately 400 metres, turn left onto Plough Lane – the stadium is immediately visible. Total walk: 5 minutes.
From Wimbledon: Exit onto Wimbledon Hill Road, turn left and walk down towards the town centre, turn left onto The Broadway, continue onto Plough Lane (becomes Durnsford Road). Total walk: 15 minutes.
From Wimbledon (Alternative): Exit via Alexandra Road, turn right onto Gap Road, continue onto Durnsford Road, stadium on your left. Total walk: 12 minutes.
Train Travel Tips:
✓ Haydons Road is the closest station – just 5 minutes’ walk and has regular services from Wimbledon and Waterloo
✓ Wimbledon offers more connections – mainline trains, District Line, and Tramlink all converge here
✓ Book advance tickets for best prices – especially from outside London (via nationalrail.co.uk)
✓ Use contactless/Oyster in London – cheaper than paper tickets for Underground and trains within zones
✓ Allow extra time after the match – Haydons Road is small, so queues can form; alternatively walk to Wimbledon
🔗 Useful Link: National Rail Journey Planner
🚇 BY UNDERGROUND & TRAM
Wimbledon is served by the District Line (Zone 3) and Tramlink services, providing excellent connections from across London and South London.
District Line:
Wimbledon is the southern terminus of the District Line, making it extremely easy to find! Direct connections from Earl’s Court, South Kensington, Westminster, Embankment, Tower Hill, and all stations between.
From Wimbledon station, it’s a 15-minute walk to Plough Lane – exit onto Wimbledon Hill Road, follow into town centre, turn left onto The Broadway/Plough Lane.
Tramlink:
The Tramlink connects Wimbledon with Croydon, New Addington, Beckenham, and Elmers End. Trams run every 7-15 minutes during the day. From Wimbledon tram stop, follow the same walking route as from the mainline station (15 minutes to Plough Lane).
🔗 Useful Link: Transport for London Journey Planner
🚗 BY CAR – Not Recommended
⚠️ Why Driving Doesn’t Work: Plough Lane is in a residential area of South London with extremely limited parking. The stadium has minimal on-site parking (mainly for disabled supporters), and surrounding streets are controlled parking zones. There’s a Congestion Charge (£15 daily) if entering central London during charging hours (07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun). Additionally, South London traffic on matchdays can be horrendous. Honestly, the train/Tube is SO much easier.
If You Must Drive:
From M25 (Clockwise): Exit Junction 10 onto A3, follow towards London, exit onto A238 (Kingston Road), follow signs to Wimbledon, turn left onto Gap Road, right onto Durnsford Road – stadium on right.
From M25 (Anti-clockwise): Exit Junction 7 onto A23, follow towards London/Croydon, merge onto A24, follow signs to Merton/Wimbledon, turn onto Plough Lane.
From Central London: Follow A3 southwest towards Portsmouth, exit onto A238, follow signs to Wimbledon town centre, turn onto Plough Lane/Durnsford Road.
Parking Options:
💷 Park & Ride Recommended: Park at a suburban station (e.g. Epsom, Surbiton, Sutton) and take the train to Wimbledon/Haydons Road – saves stress and money!
NCP Wimbledon: Russell Road, SW19 1QN (10-minute walk) – book online at ncp.co.uk. Fills up quickly on matchdays.
Centre Court Shopping Centre: Limited parking, charges apply, can be busy on matchdays.
Street Parking: Surrounding streets are controlled parking zones (residents only) – don’t risk it, you WILL get a ticket!
💡 Our Verdict: Seriously, take the train. Haydons Road is 5 minutes’ walk from the stadium with regular services from London Waterloo (18 minutes). Driving in South London is genuinely miserable – parking is terrible, traffic is awful, and you’ll spend more time stressed than if you’d just taken the train. The Congestion Charge alone (£15) covers your train fare!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN WIMBLEDON
Wimbledon and surrounding areas offer decent accommodation options, though as this is South London, prices can be higher than regional cities. Staying near Wimbledon station gives you excellent transport links across London. Alternatively, consider areas like Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, or Clapham for more options.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (Under £80)
Travelodge Wimbledon Merton
Budget chain hotel in Colliers Wood (2 miles from stadium). Basic but clean rooms with free Wi-Fi. Colliers Wood Underground station nearby for easy travel. Good value for London.
📍 Distance: 2 miles from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £60-75
Premier Inn Wimbledon South
Reliable budget chain in South Wimbledon (1.5 miles). Comfortable rooms, on-site Thyme restaurant, free Wi-Fi. South Wimbledon Tube station nearby. Consistently good service.
📍 Distance: 1.5 miles from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £70-85
Airbnb Options
Various private rooms and small apartments available around Wimbledon, Merton, and Tooting. Can offer better value than hotels, especially for groups. Check reviews carefully.
💷 From: £50-80 per night
💷💷 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-150)
Antoinette Hotel Wimbledon
Boutique hotel just off Wimbledon High Street (1 mile from stadium). Stylish rooms with contemporary design, friendly service, excellent breakfast. Walking distance to restaurants and bars. Very popular during Wimbledon tennis fortnight!
📍 Distance: 1 mile from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £95-130
Dog & Fox Hotel
Historic coaching inn right in Wimbledon village (1.5 miles). Traditional pub downstairs with hotel rooms above. Character property with excellent on-site food and drinks. Wimbledon Common nearby for morning walks.
📍 Distance: 1.5 miles from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £110-145
Holiday Inn Wimbledon
Modern chain hotel near Wimbledon station (1 mile). Well-appointed rooms, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness centre. Convenient location for both stadium and central London exploration.
📍 Distance: 1 mile from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £100-140
💷💷💷 PREMIUM OPTIONS (£150+)
Hotel du Vin Wimbledon
Upscale boutique hotel in Wimbledon village (1.5 miles). Luxurious rooms in converted Victorian building, Egyptian cotton bedding, monsoon showers. Excellent on-site bistro and wine bar. Beautiful setting near Wimbledon Common.
📍 Distance: 1.5 miles from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £180-250
Cannizaro House
Five-star luxury mansion hotel on edge of Wimbledon Common (2 miles). Stunning Grade II listed Georgian house, elegant rooms, award-winning restaurant, beautiful gardens. The most prestigious option in the area – genuinely special.
📍 Distance: 2 miles from Plough Lane | 💷 From: £220-350
Central London Hotels
Consider staying in central London (Westminster, South Kensington, Victoria) for wider hotel choice and tourist attractions. District Line direct to Wimbledon makes this viable – approximately 30-40 minutes on the Tube.
💷 From: £150-400+ depending on location and standard
📋 ACCOMMODATION BOOKING TIPS
🎾 Avoid Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight: Hotel prices TRIPLE during the Championships (late June/early July) – book early or stay elsewhere!
🚇 District Line Advantage: Staying anywhere on the District Line works – Earl’s Court, Putney, Richmond all have direct connections
💷 Book Early: London hotel prices increase closer to dates – booking 4-6 weeks ahead often saves £30-50
🚂 Consider Park & Stay: Hotels in Kingston, Richmond, or Sutton can be cheaper with excellent train connections
🍺 FOOD & DRINK IN WIMBLEDON
Wimbledon offers a good mix of traditional pubs, modern bars, and restaurants. The town centre (near Wimbledon station) has the most options, whilst Wimbledon Village has a more upmarket feel. Away supporters are generally welcome in most establishments, though the immediate stadium area is more residential with limited options.
🍺 RECOMMENDED PUBS
🏆 The Sultan
Traditional boozer in Wimbledon town centre (1 mile from stadium). Fuller’s pub with good selection of ales, lively matchday atmosphere, welcomes away fans. Decent pub food available. Can get busy before kick-off.
📍 Location: 78 Norman Road, SW19 1BT | 🚶 1 mile from Plough Lane
🏆 The Wibbas Down Inn
Wetherspoons in Wimbledon town centre (1 mile). Standard ‘Spoons offering – cheap drinks, food available, large venue so usually space. Mixed crowd on matchdays. Reliable budget option.
📍 Location: 6-12 Gladstone Road, SW19 1QT | 🚶 1 mile from Plough Lane
🏆 The Dog & Fox
Historic coaching inn in Wimbledon Village (1.5 miles). Fuller’s pub with character, excellent food menu, good selection of ales. More upmarket atmosphere than town centre options. Beautiful setting near Wimbledon Common.
📍 Location: 24 High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DX | 🚶 1.5 miles from Plough Lane
⚠️ Pub Safety Note
Wimbledon pubs are generally welcoming to away fans. The immediate stadium area is residential with limited pub options. Most away supporters drink in Wimbledon town centre before walking to the ground. The atmosphere is usually friendly, but keep colours low-key in very busy pubs.
🍽️ RESTAURANTS & CAFES
Banana Tree Wimbledon
Southeast Asian restaurant near Wimbledon station. Excellent Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes, generous portions, good value. Quick service makes it ideal for pre-match meals. Vegetarian options available.
📍 Location: 71-73 The Broadway, SW19 1QE
Bill’s Wimbledon
Casual dining in Wimbledon town centre. All-day British menu, breakfast, brunch, burgers, and sharing plates. Relaxed atmosphere, good for families. Reliable chain with consistent quality.
📍 Location: 2-4 High Street, Wimbledon, SW19 5DX
Côte Brasserie Wimbledon
French brasserie near Wimbledon station. Classic French dishes, good wine selection, elegant setting. Set menus offer decent value. Perfect for a more upmarket pre-match meal.
📍 Location: 40-42 High Street, SW19 5AU
⚡ Quick Bites
Centre Court Shopping Centre: Food court with various chains (McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, etc.). Wimbledon Village: Various cafes and sandwich shops for lighter options. The Broadway: Multiple takeaway options including pizza, kebabs, and fish & chips.
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN WIMBLEDON
Wimbledon is famous worldwide for tennis, but there’s more to explore beyond the Centre Court. The area combines suburban charm with excellent connections to central London’s attractions – just 20-30 minutes on the District Line to Westminster, South Kensington, and beyond.
🏆 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
🎾 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
World-famous museum at the All England Club (1.5 miles). Explore the history of tennis, see Centre Court, championship trophies, and interactive exhibits. Tours available (book ahead!). Essential for tennis fans but fascinating for anyone interested in sporting heritage. Open year-round except during the Championships.
📍 Location: Church Road, SW19 5AE | 💷 Entry: Museum £13, tours from £25
🌳 Wimbledon Common
Beautiful 1,100-acre common with woodlands, heathland, and ponds. Perfect for morning walks, the famous Windmill (now a museum), horse riding, and simply enjoying nature. The common inspired the Wombles books! Absolutely free and genuinely lovely – proper escape from London hustle.
📍 Location: Access from Wimbledon Village | 💷 Entry: Free
🏛️ Buddhapadipa Temple
Stunning Thai Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens (1 mile). The temple features traditional Thai design with ornate decorations and serene grounds. Completely unexpected in suburban London! Respectful visitors welcome. Free entry but donations appreciated.
📍 Location: 14 Calonne Road, SW19 5HJ | 💷 Entry: Free (donations welcome)
🏰 Wimbledon Village
Charming village atmosphere with independent shops, cafes, and pubs (1.5 miles). High Street has boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Old Rectory and historic buildings add character. Perfect for a pre-match wander – feels surprisingly rural for Zone 3!
📍 Location: Wimbledon Village, SW19
🏛️ CENTRAL LONDON (20-30 MINS)
Westminster & Big Ben: 30 minutes on District Line – see Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and iconic London landmarks
Natural History Museum: 25 minutes on District Line to South Kensington – world-class FREE museum, absolutely brilliant
Tower of London: 40 minutes via District Line – historic fortress, Crown Jewels, 900+ years of history
British Museum: Change to Northern Line at Embankment – FREE world treasures including Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies
⚽ MATCHDAY TIPS
🚂 Use Haydons Road: Closest station – just 5 minutes’ walk. Saves you a 15-minute walk from Wimbledon station
🍺 Drink in Town Centre: Limited options near stadium – head to Wimbledon town centre for better pub choice
⏰ Arrive Early: Small stadium means compact concourses – get in early for food/drinks to avoid queues
🎾 Wimbledon Tennis: If visiting during Championships (late June/early July), expect much busier area and higher prices!
🏆 WIMBLEDON EXPERIENCE
🌳 Wimbledon Common: Beautiful 1,100-acre common perfect for pre-match walks – inspired the Wombles!
🎾 Tennis Museum: World-class Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – essential for tennis fans, fascinating for everyone
🏰 Historic Village: Wimbledon Village has charming shops and cafes – surprisingly rural feel for South London
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏡 Homecoming Story: Plough Lane represents one of football’s most remarkable journeys – 18 years from exile to home!
💙 Passionate Supporters: Dons fans understand what their club represents – genuine community ownership and supporter power
🏆 FA Cup Winners: The original Wimbledon FC won the FA Cup in 1988 – one of football’s greatest upsets, beating Liverpool!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Plough Lane is experiencing one of British football’s most inspiring stories. AFC Wimbledon’s return home in 2020 represents the culmination of an 18-year journey that began when supporters refused to accept their club’s relocation to Milton Keynes. In 2002, fans formed AFC Wimbledon from scratch in the Combined Counties League (ninth tier) with one simple mission: “Back Home.” Through nine promotions in fourteen years, reaching the Football League in 2011, and finally building this beautiful stadium on the site of the original Plough Lane,
The Dons proved that football clubs belong to their communities, not distant owners. The FA’s decision to award AFC Wimbledon the honours of the original Wimbledon FC (including that glorious 1988 FA Cup triumph) recognised them as the true continuation. This isn’t just a football club – it’s living proof of what supporter determination can achieve.
But Plough Lane is just the beginning of your South London adventure. Wimbledon itself offers excellent attractions – the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum at the All England Club is world-class (tours available year-round except during the Championships), showcasing the history of tennis and allowing you to see Centre Court. Wimbledon Common is genuinely beautiful – 1,100 acres of woodlands and heathland that inspired the Wombles, perfect for morning walks.
The Buddhapadipa Temple is a stunning Thai Buddhist temple with peaceful gardens, completely unexpected in suburban London. Wimbledon Village has charming boutique shops, galleries, and cafes with a surprisingly rural atmosphere. And you’re just 20-30 minutes from central London’s attractions via the District Line – Westminster, the Natural History Museum, Tower of London, and everything the capital offers are easily accessible.
The logistics are brilliant – Haydons Road station is literally 5 minutes’ walk from Plough Lane with regular services from London Waterloo (18 minutes). Alternatively, Wimbledon station offers mainline trains, District Line, and Tramlink connections from across London and the South. Our advice? Arrive early at Wimbledon town centre, grab lunch at Banana Tree or drinks at The Sultan, explore Wimbledon Village or take a walk on the Common, then either take the short train to Haydons Road or enjoy the 15-minute walk to the ground.
After the match, Wimbledon’s bars and restaurants offer plenty of options, or you’re connected straight back into London’s vast entertainment options.
Take the train to Haydons Road, experience one of football’s greatest supporter triumphs, and discover why Wimbledon’s homecoming story is inspiration for every football fan who believes clubs belong to their communities!
💙 Back Home – The Dons Are Where They Belong! 💛
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ AFC Wimbledon: 020 8547 3528 | afcwimbledon.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 020 8547 3528 | afcwimbledon.co.uk/tickets
🚇 Transport for London: 0343 222 1234 | tfl.gov.uk
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Wimbledon: wimbledon.com
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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.