Sixfields Stadium
⚽ SIXFIELDS STADIUM ⚽
Northampton Town FC – Your Complete Travel Guide
📍 Capacity: 8,203 | 🚂 Nearest Train: Northampton Station (2 miles) | 🚗 Parking: £3-5 | ☎️ Phone: 01604 683700
📑 Quick Navigation
🟢About Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium has been home to Northampton Town since October 1994, when the Cobblers left their previous home at the County Ground after 97 years. The stadium sits in a natural bowl on the western edge of Northampton, built on a former landfill site, giving it a unique sunken feel as you descend into the ground. With a capacity of 8,203 following the completion of the East Stand in 2025, it’s a compact, functional venue that provides excellent sightlines from all areas.
The stadium is located within the Sixfields Leisure Park, surrounded by retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This out-of-town location makes it easily accessible by car but requires a bit more planning if you’re arriving by public transport. The Cobblers take their nickname from Northampton’s historic shoe-making industry, and their main rivals are Peterborough United, with matches known as the Nene Derby.
🏆 Did You Know?
Northampton Town hold the record for the shortest time taken to go from the bottom tier of English football to the top tier and back down again – just nine years! They reached Division One (now the Championship) in 1965-66, their only season in the top flight. George Best famously scored a double hat-trick against them in an FA Cup match in 1970.
🔵Getting There
🚗 By Car
From the South: Leave the M1 at Junction 15A and take the A43 towards Northampton. Follow signs for Sixfields – the stadium will appear on your right. The journey is well signposted from the motorway.
From the North: Leave the M1 at Junction 16 and take the A4500 (Upton Way) towards Northampton. Continue straight on this road and the stadium will appear on your right after approximately 2 miles.
Sat Nav: Use postcode NN5 5QA
The stadium is extremely well signposted around Northampton, with brown tourist signs directing you to both Sixfields Stadium (football) and Franklin’s Gardens (rugby). The A4500 provides direct access to the venue.
🗺️ Plan your route with AA Route Planner →
🚂 By Train
Nearest Station: Northampton Railway Station (2 miles from the ground)
Northampton station has regular services from London Euston (approx. 1 hour), Birmingham New Street (45 minutes), and other major cities. However, the station is a fair distance from the ground, so you’ll need to consider your onward transport.
🚂 Check live train times at National Rail →
📱 Book train tickets to Northampton →
Journey Times to Northampton:
🔴 London Euston: 55-65 minutes (direct)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: 45-55 minutes (direct)
🟡 Manchester Piccadilly: 2 hours 15 minutes (change at Birmingham)
🟢 Leicester: 50-60 minutes (direct or change at Bedford)
🔵 Milton Keynes: 20-25 minutes (direct)
🟣 Coventry: 35-45 minutes (direct)
⚪ Sheffield: 2 hours 30 minutes (change at Birmingham or Leicester)
Options from the Station:
Bus (Recommended): Several bus routes run from the station area to the stadium area. The Number 15 bus runs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 9 minutes, dropping you at the Bella Italia stop which overlooks the ground. Buses also run from the town centre (routes 5, D1, D2, 9A, 15, 18, X88). Bus stops are just yards from the station exit.
🚌 Plan your bus journey with Stagecoach →
Bus Fare: £3-4
Taxi: Available from the rank directly outside the station (down the steps and across the road). Journey takes approximately 6 minutes and costs £10-13. This is often the most convenient option, especially if travelling in a group.
Walking: The walk takes 30-40 minutes and is well signposted, though not the most scenic route. If you have time and decent weather, it’s certainly doable.
Walking Directions from Station:
- Exit the station (up the steps) and turn right onto Weedon Road/A4500
- Walk for about 500 metres bearing right until you reach the Bus Depot opposite a chip shop
- Cross at the zebra crossing and continue in the same direction
- When the road forks, bear left and you’ll pass Franklin’s Gardens (Northampton Saints rugby ground)
- Continue past new housing developments and up the hill, bearing left
- You’ll eventually reach Halfords – head past this and follow the path to Sixfields Leisure Complex
- The stadium will appear on your left as you descend into the leisure park
🟠Parking
🅿️ Stadium Car Park
Sixfields Stadium has a fair-sized official car park available on matchdays. The car park is well-maintained and rarely gets completely full, though arriving early (60-90 minutes before kick-off) is recommended for the best spots and a quicker getaway after the match.
£3-5 per vehicle
The official car park provides the most convenient access to the ground, though be aware that exiting after the match can take 10-15 minutes as most traffic heads back towards the town centre and the M1, creating queues at the roundabouts.
🚗 Street Parking & Alternatives
There are small patches of unofficial parking on waste ground to the south end of the stadium, which some fans use. These areas can hold a reasonable number of cars and are free, though they fill up quickly on busier matchdays.
Street parking is limited in the immediate vicinity, but you can find it within a 5-10 minute walk of the stadium if you’re willing to take a short stroll. The surrounding leisure park has various other car parks serving the restaurants and shops, though these are primarily for customers.
🅿️ Find and book parking near Sixfields with JustPark →
💡 Top Tip
If Northampton Saints rugby team are playing at Franklin’s Gardens at the same time as the football, traffic and parking can be significantly busier. Check the Saints’ fixture list if you’re driving to avoid any surprises. Consider arriving earlier or using public transport on these occasions.
🔴Pubs & Food
Sixfields is located on an out-of-town leisure park, which means the pub options near the ground are limited compared to more traditional city-centre stadiums. However, there are several decent options both at the ground and in the town centre.
Pubs Near the Ground
🍺 The Walter Tull (Formerly The Sixfields Tavern)
Location: Sixfields Leisure Park (5-minute walk from stadium)
Type: Hungry Horse pub/restaurant
This is the main pub option right next to the stadium, named after the historic footballer and soldier Walter Tull, one of the first Black professional footballers in Britain. It’s a typical family-friendly chain pub serving food, showing live sport on multiple screens, and offering a good selection of drinks. While it’s primarily for home fans, away supporters are generally welcome, though bouncers may control entry on busier matchdays. The pub gets very busy in the hour before kick-off.
🍺 Carr’s Bar
Location: Inside the stadium (entrance at back of West Stand)
Type: Club bar
Named after club legend Graham Carr, this is the stadium’s own bar which usually admits away supporters. It shows televised football and serves a range of drinks including draught pints (Carlsberg, Somersby Cider, Carlsberg Export) and bottles. It’s a decent option if you want a drink without venturing into the leisure park, though space can be limited on busier matchdays.
Pints: £4-4.20
Town Centre Pubs (30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride)
🍺 The Malt Shovel Tavern
Location: Opposite the Carlsberg brewery near the railway station
Type: Traditional real ale pub (CAMRA listed)
This is arguably Northampton’s finest real ale pub with 14 hand pumps and regular appearances in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the town centre or railway station. Popular with football fans of all clubs looking for a proper pint before heading to the ground. If you’re walking from here to Sixfields, allow 30-40 minutes. The quality of ale makes it worth the detour for beer enthusiasts.
🍺 The Cordwainer (Wetherspoons)
Location: 33-37 The Drapery, Northampton town centre
Type: Wetherspoons
A large Wetherspoons in the heart of town offering the usual cheap drinks, quick service, and food. Often used by away fans before catching a bus or taxi to the ground. It’s a reliable, no-frills option if you want decent value before the match.
🍔 Food Options
Sixfields Leisure Park Restaurants
The leisure park surrounding the stadium offers numerous chain restaurants, all within easy walking distance:
- TGI Fridays – American-style restaurant with full bar, popular with away fans. Licensed and usually accommodating to moderate numbers of supporters.
- Frankie & Benny’s – Italian-American restaurant with bar, family-friendly
- Bella Italia – Italian restaurant with good pre-match meal options
- Buddies American Diner – Classic American-style diner
- McDonald’s – Fast food option near the ground
- KFC – Fried chicken, convenient for a quick bite
- Pizza Hut – Pizza restaurant and takeaway
- Burger King – Fast food burger option
There’s also a Sainsbury’s supermarket across the road, useful for grabbing snacks or drinks before the match. The Tenpin Bowling Alley bar is another option, serving standard drinks and food with TVs showing live sport.
⚠️ Important Note
While the leisure park restaurants generally welcome away fans in moderate numbers, some venues may restrict entry or require colours to be covered on busier matchdays or for local derbies. The restaurants with licensed bars (TGI Fridays, Frankie & Benny’s) have historically been the most accommodating, but it’s always worth checking on arrival or calling ahead for bigger games.
🟣Accommodation
Northampton offers a decent range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget chains near the stadium to town centre hotels with better transport links. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend fixtures or if there are other events in the area (such as rugby at Franklin’s Gardens or racing at nearby Silverstone).
Near the Stadium
🏨 Travelodge Northampton Upton Way
Distance: Directly opposite Sixfields Stadium
Type: Budget chain hotel
From £35-50 per night
The most convenient option for Sixfields, located right opposite the stadium on the leisure park. Offers no-frills budget accommodation with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, TV, and tea/coffee facilities. Free parking available. No on-site restaurant but breakfast boxes available, and you’re surrounded by dining options. Perfect if you’re driving and want to be as close to the ground as possible.
Pros: Location, free parking, budget-friendly
Cons: Basic amenities, out-of-town location, can be noisy on matchdays
🏨 Premier Inn Northampton South West (Harlestone)
Distance: 10-minute walk from stadium
Type: Mid-range chain hotel
From £50-80 per night
Clean, comfortable rooms with the reliable Premier Inn standard. Features a pub restaurant next door (Hungry Horse), free parking, and comfortable king-size beds. Good choice for those wanting something a step up from budget accommodation while staying near the ground. Walking distance to the stadium but also accessible to the town centre by car or bus.
Pros: Good quality, restaurant next door, free parking
Cons: Slightly further walk than Travelodge
Town Centre & Other Options
🏨 Park Inn by Radisson Northampton Town Centre
Distance: 1.5 miles from stadium (5 minutes from train/bus station)
Type: Mid-range hotel
From £70-110 per night
Modern hotel right in the town centre, just 5 minutes’ walk from the railway and bus stations. Offers 146 rooms, on-site leisure centre, bar/grill, and is ideally located for exploring Northampton’s pubs and restaurants before the match. Excellent choice if you’re arriving by train or want to experience the town centre nightlife. You’ll need to get a bus or taxi to the ground (10-15 minutes).
📱 Book at Park Inn by Radisson →
Pros: Central location, near station, on-site facilities
Cons: Need transport to stadium, slightly pricier
🏨 Holiday Inn Northampton
Distance: 2 miles from stadium
Type: Mid-range chain hotel
From £60-95 per night
Riverside location with free parking, brasserie, bar, and mini-gym. Rooms are comfortable and well-decorated, with both a bath and a shower. Children under 12 stay free. Good all-round option offering quality accommodation with easy access to both the stadium and M1 motorway. Approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Sixfields.
Pros: Free parking, good facilities, family-friendly
Cons: Requires driving or taxi to stadium
🏨 Hilton Northampton
Distance: Just off M1, 10 minutes from town centre
Type: Upper mid-range hotel
From £80-130 per night
Upmarket option with gym, swimming pool, and modern rooms featuring 32-inch TVs and work desks. Free weekend parking. Convenient for drivers who want more facilities and comfort. Located just off the M1, making it easy to access the stadium or continue your journey the next day.
Pros: Pool and gym, comfortable rooms, weekend parking
Cons: Higher price point, out of town
🏨 Booking Tips
- Book early for Saturday fixtures and when Northampton Saints rugby team are at home
- If combining with a visit to Silverstone Circuit, accommodation books up months in advance
- Town centre hotels offer better pub and restaurant access but require transport to the stadium
- Hotels near the stadium are perfect for driving fans wanting convenience
- Check for Park & Ride schemes if staying in town and driving to the match
🔴The Ground
Away Section
Away supporters are housed in the Moulton College South Stand behind one of the goals. The typical allocation is around 900 seats, though this can be increased to approximately 1,250 for larger followings by opening up additional seats in the adjacent East Stand along the side of the pitch.
The away end is a single-tier stand identical to the Dave Bowen Stand at the opposite end. Views are excellent from all areas with no obstructions, though legroom can be tight in the back rows. Access is via a walkway at the front of the stand, and you descend into the ground due to its bowl construction.
⚠️ Ticket Process
Be aware that Northampton require you to buy a ticket from the ticket office before entering the ground – there are no pay-at-turnstile options for away fans. This means you may need to queue twice: once at the ticket office and again at the turnstiles. Arrive early to avoid missing kick-off, especially for busier fixtures. Tickets are generally £2 cheaper if purchased in advance rather than on matchday.
Facilities
The away end facilities are functional if basic. There’s a small kiosk at the back of the stand selling drinks (including draught pints and bottles) and food. The toilets are adequate for the size of the away allocation. Mobile phone signal is generally good throughout the ground.
Concourse Prices:
- Pints: £4.00-4.20
- Bottles: £4.20
- Soft drinks available
- Pies and hot food options
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Sixfields can vary significantly depending on how Northampton are performing and the size of the away following. The bowl design helps retain noise when both sets of fans are in good voice. Away fans generally create the better atmosphere, and the acoustics are decent for generating noise.
Home fans are located in the West Stand (main stand with club facilities), Dave Bowen North Stand (opposite the away end), and the recently completed East Stand family section. The compact nature of the ground means you feel close to the action despite the single-tier design.
The Four Stands
- West Stand (Main Stand): The largest stand, seating approximately 3,880, containing club offices, hospitality areas, changing rooms, and supporters’ bar. Recently renamed the Jackson Grundy Stand due to sponsorship.
- Dave Bowen North Stand: Single-tier stand behind the goal, named after the ex-player and manager who led the club from Division Four to Division One in the 1960s.
- East Stand (Family Stand): Seats around 2,379 fans. This stand, left incomplete for a decade due to financial issues, was finally finished in 2025, adding executive boxes for the first time in the club’s history.
- Moulton College South Stand (Away End): Single-tier stand for away supporters, identical to the North Stand.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The natural bowl setting provides interesting photo opportunities from outside the ground. Some fans watch from the banks surrounding the stadium (though binoculars would be needed for a decent view!). The descent into the ground as you approach makes for a unique arrival experience compared to most grounds.
🟡Matchday Tips
⏰ Arrival Time
- Arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off to allow time for the two-queue system (ticket office then turnstiles)
- Add extra time if Northampton Saints are playing rugby at the same time
- Car parks fill up 45-60 minutes before kick-off for popular fixtures
- Buses from town can be busy in the hour before kick-off
🎫 Ticket Information
- Advance tickets are £2 cheaper than matchday prices
- No online ticket sales for away fans – must buy at the stadium ticket office or through your own club
- Family tickets and concessions available
- Disabled facilities available with advance notice – contact the club on 01604 683700
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Sixfields is a fairly family-friendly venue for an away day. The leisure park setting means there are plenty of food options suitable for children, and the restaurants like Frankie & Benny’s and Bella Italia are welcoming to families. The ground itself has good facilities and sightlines from all areas. The two-queue system can test younger children’s patience, so keep them entertained!
♿ Accessibility
The stadium has disabled access throughout, with wheelchair spaces and facilities for disabled supporters and their carers in all stands. Contact the club in advance on 01604 683700 to arrange appropriate access. The leisure park setting means step-free access is possible from the car parks. One carer is admitted free with each disabled supporter.
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
- The two-queue system (ticket office, then turnstiles) – allow extra time
- Limited legroom in back rows of the away end
- Post-match traffic can be slow exiting the leisure park, especially towards town/M1
- Limited pub options for away fans near the ground – plan accordingly
- Check if Northampton Saints rugby team are playing at home – affects parking and traffic
- Weather can be an issue – the bowl setting means it can feel exposed on cold, wet days
🌟 Make the Most of Your Visit
- If you enjoy real ale, make time for the Malt Shovel Tavern in town – it’s excellent
- The leisure park restaurants are handy for post-match food before heading home
- Northampton town centre has some historic charm – worth exploring if you arrive early
- Silverstone Circuit is only 10 miles away if you’re a motorsport fan
- Althorp House (Diana, Princess of Wales’ family home) is 4 miles away for those interested in heritage
🟢Local Attractions
If you’re making a weekend of it or arriving early, Northampton and the surrounding area offer several interesting attractions:
In Northampton
- Northampton Museum and Art Gallery – Houses the world’s largest collection of footwear, celebrating the town’s shoe-making heritage
- 78 Derngate – Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house, the designer’s only architectural work in England
- Delapré Abbey – Beautiful historic building with expansive grounds, site of the Battle of Northampton (1460)
- Royal & Derngate Theatre – Victorian theatre with modern productions
- Northampton Town Centre – Mix of modern shopping and historic architecture, including medieval streets
Near Northampton
- Silverstone Circuit – (10 miles) Home of the British Grand Prix, museum and driving experiences available
- Althorp House – (4 miles) Ancestral home of the Spencer family, childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales
- Billing Aquadrome – (8 miles) Water park and leisure resort
- Sulgrave Manor – (20 miles) Ancestral home of George Washington
- Towcester Racecourse – (9 miles) Historic horse racing venue
⭐The Verdict
Sixfields is a straightforward, functional away day that won’t set the world alight but provides everything you need for a decent day out. The stadium itself is typical of 1990s out-of-town developments – practical, accessible by car, and surrounded by leisure facilities rather than traditional pubs.
The main advantages are excellent sightlines from the away end, easy access to the motorway, and plenty of family-friendly food options nearby. The main drawbacks are the two-queue ticket system, limited pub options for away fans near the ground, and the somewhat soulless leisure park setting.
If you’re driving, it’s a very convenient away day with free-flowing motorway access and reasonable parking. If you’re on the train, budget extra time for the bus or taxi from the station, or be prepared for a 30-40 minute walk. The bowl setting gives the ground a unique feel as you descend towards it, and on a bright day with both sets of fans in good voice, the compact nature helps create a decent atmosphere.
Overall, Sixfields represents a solid 7/10 away day – not spectacular, but certainly not a chore. It’s one of the more accessible and well-organised lower-league grounds, though it may lack the character of more traditional venues.
⭐ Away Day Rating: 7/10
Pros: Excellent sightlines, good road access, family-friendly, decent facilities
Cons: Two-queue ticket system, limited away pubs, out-of-town location, slow post-match exit
📞Useful Contacts & Links
🚂 Transport
National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk | 03457 48 49 50
Trainline: thetrainline.com
Stagecoach Buses: stagecoachbus.com
ℹ️ Tourist Information
Visit Northamptonshire: northamptonshire.com
Silverstone Circuit: silverstone.co.uk
© 2026 Football Nonsense
Complete Away Day Travel Guides for English Football League Grounds
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.