🏇 WHADDON ROAD 🏇
Cheltenham Town – Your Complete 25/26 Travel Guide
🏟️ ABOUT WHADDON ROAD
Nestled in a quiet residential corner of north-east Cheltenham, Whaddon Road – officially known as the EV Charger Points Stadium for sponsorship purposes- is one of English football’s most charmingly compact grounds. Built on the former site of the Berkeley Hunt kennels in 1927, the ground has been home to Cheltenham Town since 1932. It has a total capacity of 7,066, making it one of the smaller venues in the EFL, with a mix of seating and terracing spread across four covered stands.
Away supporters are housed in the all-seated Hazlewoods Stand behind the goal, which opened in 2005 and holds around 1,100 fans. The Main Stand (Jelf Stand) along the western touchline is the oldest structure, dating from 1963 and offering a classic terrace-and-seat combination. The Colin Farmer Stand on Wymans Road is the largest at 2,000 seats, home to the vocal “1887 Red Army” supporters, while the Prestbury Road End provides a traditional terraced experience. It’s a proper old-fashioned football ground, squeezed between suburban streets, with a real community feel. Views from the away end are excellent throughout – the compact size actually works in your favour!
Cheltenham Town – The Robins – were formed in 1887 and have had one of non-league football’s most remarkable rise-and-fall-and-rise stories. After decades in the Southern League, they famously won the 1998 FA Trophy at Wembley, then clinched the Conference title in 1998-99 to enter the Football League for the first time. That spell in the EFL saw them reach as high as the third tier, including an FA Cup fifth-round run in 2002 that included victories over Burnley and Oldham.
Relegated back to the National League in 2015, they bounced back immediately as Conference champions with a record-breaking 101 points in 2015-16. They went on to win the League Two title in 2020-21, earning a return to League One, before dropping back down to League Two in 2024. Steve Cotterill – the manager who first brought them into the Football League – sensationally returned to the hotseat in September 2025. Cheltenham’s main local rivalry is with Forest Green Rovers, a fixture cheerfully known as ‘El Glosico’. The club’s famous red and white colours are synonymous with determination and punching above your weight.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Stadium Name | EV Charger Points Stadium (universally known as Whaddon Road) |
| Capacity | 7,066 (mix of seating and terracing) |
| Opened | 1927 (home to Cheltenham Town since 1932) |
| Away Section | Hazlewoods Stand (all-seated, behind the goal) |
| Away Allocation | Typically up to 1,100 seats (extra capacity available for large followings) |
| Record Attendance | 8,326 vs Reading, FA Cup 1st Round, 17 November 1956 |
| Address | Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5NA |
| Club Website | www.ctfc.com |
🚗 GETTING TO WHADDON ROAD
Cheltenham is a well-connected Regency spa town in Gloucestershire, sitting just off the M5 motorway. The EV Charger Points Stadium (Whaddon Road) is located about 1.5 miles to the north-east of Cheltenham town centre in a quiet residential neighbourhood. The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa, roughly 2 miles from the ground – a 40-minute walk, but taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. The town also has good road links from the M5 (junctions 10 and 11), making it accessible from all directions. This is a cracking away day destination – Cheltenham itself is a genuinely beautiful town, and there are plenty of brilliant pubs, restaurants, and tourist attractions to enjoy before and after the match.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
EV Charger Points Stadium Address: Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5NA
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Regency Town is Well Connected
Why Trains Work: Cheltenham Spa is a well-served station on the Great Western main line, with direct services from London Paddington, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond. The station sits about 2 miles west of Whaddon Road – too far to walk comfortably – but a taxi costs around £9 and takes roughly ten minutes. There’s usually a good taxi rank outside the station. Trains are definitely the recommended way to travel here.
Journey Times to Cheltenham Spa Station:
🔴 London Paddington: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes (direct)
🟠 Manchester Piccadilly: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (change at Birmingham)
🟡 Birmingham New Street: approx. 50–60 minutes (direct)
🟢 Bristol Temple Meads: approx. 45 minutes (direct)
🔵 Cardiff Central: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (direct)
🟣 Leeds: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes (change at Birmingham)
🔴 Gloucester: approx. 12 minutes (direct)
Getting from Cheltenham Spa to Whaddon Road
🚶 Walking (40 minutes)
Exit the station and turn right onto Gloucester Road. Follow for half a mile, then turn right onto St George’s Street. Continue onto Clarence Parade, then Clarence Street, then Fairview Road. Turn left onto Winchcombe Street and continue until you reach Whaddon Road on your right. Scenic but lengthy – only if you enjoy an explore!
🚕 Taxi (10 minutes – Recommended!)
Taxis queue at the rank outside the station and cost around £9 to Whaddon Road. Quickest and most convenient option – especially useful if you want maximum pub time in town before the game!
🚌 Bus
Several local bus services run from near the station towards the Prestbury Road / Whaddon Road area. Check Stagecoach for local services. Fares are typically £2–3.
Book tickets: National Rail Enquiries
🚗 BY CAR – M5 Access from All Directions
Stadium Postcode: GL52 5NA
Directions:
From M5 (Junction 10): Take the A4019 towards Cheltenham. At the large roundabout (McDonalds on the left), turn left. Continue over the double mini-roundabout and after 300 yards turn right into Swindon Lane. Cross the level crossing, go straight over the next roundabout (passing the racecourse), then turn right into Albert Road. At the bottom turn left into Prestbury Road and follow signs to Whaddon Road – the ground is on the left.
From M5 (Junction 11): Turn right towards Cheltenham. Cross the first roundabout (GCHQ on the left), turn left at the next roundabout onto Princess Elizabeth Way and follow signs for the town centre and Prestbury Road, then on to Whaddon Road.
🅿️ Parking:
Parking at and around Whaddon Road is limited due to the residential setting. There is very little on-street parking near the ground, and the club’s own car park is small.
Best Option: Park in a town centre car park (£3–5) and take a taxi or bus, or walk via Winchcombe Street (around 30 minutes from the centre). The town has several multi-storey and surface car parks near The Promenade and High Street.
💡 Tip: Cheltenham Racecourse (just north of the ground) occasionally offers matchday parking – worth checking in advance.
⚽ AWAY FAN INFORMATION
The Hazlewoods Stand – Your Home for the Day
Away fans are accommodated in the Hazlewoods Stand, an all-seated single-tier stand behind the goal at the Whaddon Road end of the ground. It opened in 2005 and holds approximately 1,100 supporters. For larger away followings, some additional capacity may be made available in the Colin Farmer Stand along the side. Entry is via turnstiles on Whaddon Road, between a house and the adjacent bowls club, a uniquely British football experience!
The views from the Hazlewoods Stand are generally very good throughout, though sitting a few rows back will give you the best sightlines to both goals. Leg room and facilities are fine for a League Two ground.
Tickets & Prices
Cheltenham Town offer very competitive ticket pricing. Standard adult admission is typically from £18–£20, with concessions available for seniors and students. Children’s tickets can be as low as £4–£7.
Tickets are available through your own club’s ticket office (in the allocation sent to the visiting club) or directly from Cheltenham’s ticket office at the stadium (Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm). Online: ctfc.com/tickets. Prices may increase slightly on matchday, so book in advance where possible.
Matchday Atmosphere
Cheltenham fans are passionate about their club and proud of their Football League history. The 1887 Red Army in the Colin Farmer Stand are the vocal lot – expect a proper atmosphere, especially for local derbies. Away supporters are well treated at Whaddon Road, with friendly stewarding and a welcoming attitude. The Robin’s Nest bar at the ground allows both home and away fans inside for £1 entry.
💡 Tip: The compact, enclosed nature of Whaddon Road means atmosphere carries brilliantly – your away end will sound loud here!
🍺 PUBS & BARS – Cheltenham’s Brilliant Drinking Scene
Cheltenham punches well above its weight as a pub town – it’s a Regency spa town with a vibrant nightlife, great craft beer scene, and plenty of welcoming venues for travelling supporters. Head into the town centre for a good pre-match session.
🏆 Recommended Pubs for Away Fans
Sandford Park Alehouse – An absolute gem and one of the finest real ale pubs in the Cotswolds. Award-winning pub near the town centre with over 20 rotating draught beers and a lovely courtyard garden. Hugely popular with locals but extremely welcoming – a must-visit for beer lovers.
Tailors Bar (4 Cambray Place, GL50 1JS) – A brilliant sports bar in the town centre with two big screens, five plasma screens, and nine televisions. Serves Wadworths ales and has a great menu. Lively but friendly atmosphere, well-suited to away fans wanting to watch early games.
Kemble Brewery Inn (Fairview Street) – A traditional backstreet boozer near the route to the stadium. CAMRA-listed, known for real ales and a proper local pub feel. Good for pre or post-match, and welcoming to away supporters. It’s just off the walking route between town and Whaddon Road.
DEYA Taproom – Cheltenham’s own acclaimed craft brewery taproom, near Cheltenham Spa station. Perfect for those arriving by train – exceptional craft ales brewed on-site. One of the country’s leading craft breweries. Get here early as it’s popular!
The Frog & Fiddle – A popular, lively venue known for live music and a big screen for sport. 14 screens, pool tables, and a buzzing atmosphere. Good for a group of away fans looking for some pre-match energy.
Robin’s Nest (At the Stadium) – The club’s supporters’ bar at Whaddon Road welcomes both home and away fans for just £1 entry. Serves drinks and bar snacks. Opens before the match and is a good option if you’ve arrived near the ground.
⚠️ Pub Safety Notes
Cheltenham is generally a very safe and welcoming town for away supporters. Stick to the town centre pubs, which are neutral and accustomed to visiting fans. The Kemble Brewery Inn and Robin’s Nest are specifically recommended for away followers near the ground. Avoid wearing your colours to any pubs not listed above – standard sensible advice for any away day.
🍽️ FOOD – From Quick Bites to Regency Dining
At the Stadium
Concourse facilities at Whaddon Road offer the standard matchday fare – pies, burgers, hot dogs, and hot drinks at typical League Two prices (£4–5 for most items). There is also a fish and chip shop just 150 yards past the stadium on Whaddon Road itself, and another near the Sudley Arms pub on Prestbury Road – both handy for a pre-match feed. The Robin’s Nest bar serves hot food between 12:00 and 2:45pm on matchdays.
In Cheltenham Town Centre
The Promenade & High Street – Cheltenham’s famous Promenade is lined with cafés, chain restaurants, and independent eateries. For a quick pre-match bite, there are plenty of options including Nando’s, Byron Burger, and various independents. The Brewery Quarter development also has a solid selection of casual dining.
The Vine (Bath Road) – A traditional pub that’s also a brilliant Thai restaurant. Fantastic food at very reasonable prices, especially the Early Bird menu. Well worth a visit if you’re making a day of it – book in advance for matchdays.
Montpellier District – Cheltenham’s upmarket dining quarter with independent restaurants, wine bars, and café culture. Perfect for a leisurely lunch before an evening kick-off. Try the area around Montpellier Walk and Bayshill Road for relaxed, high-quality options.
Wetherspoon’s – The Moon Under Water (313-315 High Street) – The reliable Spoons option with competitive food and drink prices, 14 screens for live sport, and a large beer garden. Solid choice for a budget-friendly pre-match session.
🏨 ACCOMMODATION – Stay in Style in a Regency Spa Town
Cheltenham is a fantastic overnight destination – it’s one of the most complete Regency towns in England, with brilliant independent hotels, boutique B&Bs, and dependable national chains. Book well in advance, especially around the famous Cheltenham Festival race meeting in March!
💰 Budget Options
Premier Inn Cheltenham Town Centre – Reliable and affordable, located opposite the buzzing Brewery Quarter and within easy reach of The Promenade. Modern, comfortable rooms from around £60–80 per night. The most convenient budget option in the town centre.
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre – Opposite the Brewery Quarter, this well-located 3-star hotel includes complimentary continental breakfast. A solid, reliable choice for an overnight stay, from around £70 per night.
⭐ Mid-Range Options
The George Hotel – A stylish, centrally located hotel near the Town Hall, with a smart new design aesthetic and competitive pricing. Guests also get free access to a nearby gym. A great mid-range base in the heart of town, from around £80–110 per night.
Citrus Hotel Cheltenham – Central location, four minutes’ walk from Cheltenham Town Hall. Rooms with complimentary breakfast from around £55, plus 24-hour bar and snacks. A great-value option bang in the middle of town.
🌟 Luxury Options
Hotel du Vin & Bistro – Boutique hotel in a Regency townhouse setting on Parabola Road, close to the Montpellier district. Elegant rooms, superb bistro, and a fantastic wine cellar. A genuinely special stay. From around £150–200 per night.
No. 131 – Award-winning boutique hotel on The Promenade, one of the finest addresses in Cheltenham. Beautiful Regency building with luxurious rooms, a great restaurant and bar. From around £180–250 per night – well worth it for a special weekend.
🎯 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS – Make a Proper Weekend of It!
Cheltenham is one of England’s most rewarding away day destinations away from the football – a genuinely beautiful Regency spa town with excellent cultural attractions, stunning parks, and the Cotswolds on the doorstep. This is absolutely a place to make a weekend of it.
🏇 Cheltenham Racecourse
One of the world’s most famous horse racing venues, home to the legendary Cheltenham Festival in March – one of the great sporting events in the British calendar. The racecourse is about a mile from Whaddon Road and offers racing throughout the year. If there happens to be a race meeting near your football visit, don’t miss it! cheltenham.co.uk
🎨 The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum
Cheltenham’s free art gallery and museum on Clarence Street, housed in a stunning Regency building. Features fine art, decorative arts, and local history collections. One of the best free attractions in the South West. Close to the town centre and well worth an hour before heading to the game. cheltenhammuseum.org.uk
⛲ Pittville Pump Room & Park
A stunning Grade I-listed Regency building set within beautiful parkland, about a mile from the town centre. You can still sample the natural spa waters here! The surrounding Pittville Park is excellent for a pre-match stroll and is surprisingly close to Whaddon Road – great for a morning walk before heading to the match. visitcheltenham.com
🌿 The Cotswolds
Cheltenham is your gateway to the Cotswolds – one of England’s most beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stunning villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, and Burford are within 30 minutes by car. Make a Saturday night of it and explore the Cotswolds on Sunday morning before heading home. cotswolds.com
🏛️ The Promenade & Montpellier
Cheltenham’s famous tree-lined Promenade is one of Britain’s finest shopping streets, with a beautiful Neptune Fountain at its heart. Wander down into the chic Montpellier district for independent boutiques, wine bars, and outdoor café culture. It’s genuinely one of the most attractive town centres in England.
🎭 Everyman Theatre
One of Gloucestershire’s finest entertainment venues, the Everyman Theatre on Regent Street hosts a diverse programme of drama, dance, comedy, and music throughout the year, plus the annual pantomime. Well worth checking out if you’re staying over. everymantheatre.org.uk
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY INFORMATION
At the Stadium
Whaddon Road is a friendly, family-safe environment. The Family Section is located in Block C of the Main (Jelf) Stand. Away supporters with young children are welcome in the Hazlewoods Stand – the compact size of the ground means it can feel very safe and intimate for family groups. Disabled supporters should contact the club in advance to arrange wheelchair spaces in the dedicated area. Contact the club on 01242 573 558 for accessibility enquiries.
Family-Friendly Attractions Nearby
Cheltenham and the surrounding area are excellent for families. Pittville Park has a boating lake and open spaces. The Cotswolds offer brilliant countryside walks and picturesque villages. The Wilson Museum is free and educational. For rainy day options, Flight Club (interactive darts and fun) in the town centre is excellent for older children and teens.
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS
Cheltenham Town FC
Club Website: www.ctfc.com
Visiting Supporters Info: ctfc.com/fans/visiting-supporters
Tickets: ctfc.com/tickets
Telephone: 01242 573 558
Address: Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5NA
Transport
National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk
Stagecoach Bus (local services): stagecoachbus.com
National Express Coaches: nationalexpress.com
Tourism & Local Info
Visit Cheltenham: visitcheltenham.com
Cheltenham Racecourse: cheltenham.co.uk
Cotswolds Tourism: cotswolds.com
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS – Why You’ll Love This Away Day
A trip to the EV Charger Points Stadium (Whaddon Road) is one of the hidden gems of the League Two away day calendar. Yes, it’s a small ground – but that’s precisely part of its charm. Squeezed into a residential neighbourhood, with a proper mix of terracing and seating, and surrounded by suburban streets, it’s exactly the kind of traditional English football ground that gives the Football League its unique character. The away end is comfortable, the views are good, and the atmosphere is warm. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced proper football.
But what really elevates a Cheltenham away day is the town itself. Cheltenham is genuinely beautiful – one of England’s finest Regency towns, with a world-class pub and café scene, brilliant restaurants, fantastic free attractions, and some of the best shopping outside London.
Whether you fancy an award-winning real ale at the Sandford Park Alehouse, a stroll along The Promenade, a visit to Pittville Pump Room, or a lazy Sunday morning exploring Cotswolds villages, this is a destination that rewards those who make a proper trip of it. The DEYA Taproom alone is worth the train fare!
Cheltenham Town are a club with genuine Football League heritage and a proud, passionate fanbase. The Robins have bounced between the EFL and the National League more than once, but their supporters have remained fiercely loyal throughout. This season, there’s renewed optimism at Whaddon Road. This is a friendly, welcoming club with proper football soul, and that makes for a great away day every time.
⚽ Football Nonsense Verdict
Stadium Character: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Authentic, compact, full of personality
Town / City: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Cheltenham is genuinely outstanding
Pub Scene: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Exceptional for a town this size
Transport Links: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Good rail connections, just plan the last mile
Overall Away Day Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ – Highly Recommended!
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🏇 Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
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.