⚽ WHAM STADIUM ⚽
Accrington Stanley – Complete Travel Guide
🏟️ ABOUT THE WHAM STADIUM
The Wham Stadium, also known by its original name the Crown Ground, is one of English football’s most characterful and intimate venues. Home to Accrington Stanley since 1970, this compact 5,450-capacity ground sits on the eastern edge of Accrington in Lancashire, offering an authentic lower-league experience that’s as welcoming as it is traditional. The stadium consists of four distinct stands, each with its own personality. The Jack Barrett Memorial Stand runs along half the pitch, providing covered seating, while the Whinney Hill Terrace – affectionately known as “The Cowshed” – occupies the other half on the slopes of Whinney Hill.
The Clayton End (officially the William Dyer Electrical Stand) houses the passionate Stanley Ultras, whilst the Coppice End is the away terrace – completely uncovered, so visiting fans are very much exposed to Lancashire’s unpredictable weather! The stadium’s name comes from a sponsorship deal with What More UK Ltd, though locals still fondly refer to it as the Crown Ground, named after the nearby Crown pub which is now owned by the club itself.
Accrington Stanley Football Club call themselves “the club that wouldn’t die” – and with good reason. The current club was reformed in 1968, just two years after the original Accrington Stanley resigned from the Football League mid-season in 1962 due to financial difficulties. That original club, formed as Stanley Villa in 1891, had played in the Football League from 1921 to 1962. The reborn club spent nearly four decades climbing through non-league football before winning the Conference National in 2006 and returning to the Football League after 44 years away. Known as “The Reds” or “Stanley”, they achieved national fame through a legendary 1989 Milk Marketing Board television advert featuring the line “Accrington Stanley, who are they?” – “Exactly!”
The club has spent most of its recent history in League One and League Two, establishing itself as a proper traditional football club with strong community roots. The passionate fanbase, led by the Stanley Ultras, creates an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams despite the stadium’s modest size. It’s genuine lower-league football with proper character – exactly what away days should be about.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 5,450 (approximately 3,100 seated) |
| Opened | 1968 (55+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Coppice Terrace (uncovered standing) |
| Away Allocation | Typically 1,800 (some seated areas in Eric Whalley Stand if needed) |
| Record Attendance | 5,397 vs Derby County (FA Cup, January 2019) |
🚗 GETTING TO THE WHAM STADIUM
The Wham Stadium sits on the eastern edge of Accrington, approximately one mile from the town centre and just over a mile from Accrington railway station. The postcode for sat navs is BB5 5BX, with the full address being Livingstone Road, Accrington. The stadium is well-connected by public transport, particularly by train from Manchester and Leeds, making it an accessible away day for supporters across the North.
There’s limited on-site parking at the stadium itself which fills up quickly on matchdays, but a large field operates as a matchday car park right next to the ground. Street parking is also available in the surrounding residential streets, though as always, please be respectful of local residents. For most away fans, the train is the recommended option – it’s a straightforward 20-minute walk from the station, or you can jump in a taxi if you prefer.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Wham Stadium Address: Livingstone Road, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5BX
🚂 BY TRAIN – Best Option for Most Away Fans
Why Trains Work: Accrington station is served by Northern Rail with direct trains from Manchester Victoria and Leeds, making it easily accessible from across the North. The station is just over a mile from the ground – a straightforward 20-minute walk down through the town, or a quick taxi ride if you prefer. With regular services throughout the day and decent connections, the train is your best bet for hassle-free travel.
Journey Times to Accrington Station:
🟢 Manchester: 55-60 minutes (direct)
🟢 Leeds: 1 hour 15 minutes (direct)
🟡 Liverpool: 1 hour 30 minutes (change at Manchester)
🟡 Preston: 40 minutes (change at Blackburn)
🟠 Bradford: 1 hour 30 minutes (change at Leeds)
🔴 Newcastle: 3 hours 30 minutes (change at Leeds/Manchester)
Getting from Accrington Station to the Wham Stadium
🚶 Walking (20 minutes)
Exit the station and head down the hill crossing Blackburn Road onto King Street. Continue to the roundabout and cross over taking the Milnshaw Lane exit. At the top, turn left onto Whalley Road (A680) and continue for around half a mile. Turn right into Livingstone Road and you’ll see the stadium on your left. It’s a straightforward walk through the town centre.
🚕 Taxi (5 minutes)
A taxi from the station to the ground should cost around £5-6 and takes about 5 minutes. Taxis are usually available at the station on matchdays.
🔗 Plan Your Journey: Check live times at National Rail | Northern Rail services operate this route
🚙 BY CAR – Limited Parking
Sat Nav Details:
Postcode: BB5 5BX
Address: Livingstone Road, Accrington, Lancashire
Key Routes:
From M65 Junction 7: Take the exit for Accrington and follow Dunkenhalgh Way to the traffic lights. Go straight through onto Hyndburn Road. Continue to the viaduct roundabout and take the fourth exit onto Eastgate. Follow through to Manchester Road (A680), travel for 1.3 miles, turn right onto Newton Drive, then first right onto Hollins Lane. The stadium is nearby – follow local signs.
From the North/East: Use the M65 westbound to Junction 7, then follow directions above.
From Manchester: Take A56/M66 northbound, join M65 eastbound to Junction 7, then follow directions above.
Parking Options:
⚠️ Stadium Car Park: Very small and fills up extremely quickly. Arrive early if you want a space here.
✅ Matchday Field Car Park: Large field right next to the stadium operates as overflow parking on matchdays. Your best bet.
Street Parking: Available in surrounding residential streets but please be respectful of residents.
💡 Honest Advice: Parking can be tight on matchdays and the train station is well-connected. Unless you’re coming from a remote location, the train is genuinely easier for this one.
🍺 WHERE TO DRINK
⭐ The Crown Inn
Distance: Right next to the stadium (2 minutes walk)
The Crown is the pub for Wham Stadium – it’s literally next door to the ground and owned by Accrington Stanley FC itself, so every penny you spend here goes straight to the club. This smart L-shaped pub welcomes both home and away fans with genuine Northern hospitality. Expect proper pub grub served daily (including brilliant breakfasts), a decent selection of real ales including Boltmaker, Doom Bar and John Smith’s, plus live sport on multiple screens. I
t gets absolutely rammed on matchdays with a brilliant atmosphere, and there’s a beer garden if the weather’s kind. The famous milk advert reference (“Accrington Stanley, who are they?” – “Exactly!”) is celebrated here with good humour. Quiz nights on Mondays, live music on Fridays. Food is excellent quality and reasonably priced – their Sunday roasts and match day specials are particularly popular. Arrive early on big games as it fills up fast!
📍 263 Whalley Road, Accrington, BB5 5AD | ☎️ 01254 381002
The Grey Horse Hotel
Distance: 5 minutes walk from the ground
Another welcoming option near the stadium, The Grey Horse offers away fans a warm Lancashire welcome with decent real ales and a tasty menu. It’s slightly quieter than The Crown so can be good if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Traditional pub atmosphere with friendly locals and staff who are used to football fans on matchdays.
📍 Near Whalley Road, Accrington
The Greyhound Inn
Distance: 3 minutes from the ground
Very close to the stadium and welcoming to away supporters. A proper local with a good atmosphere on matchdays and decent beer selection. Popular with both sets of fans.
🍺 Top Tip: The Crown Inn is genuinely excellent and supports the club financially. All the local pubs near the ground are welcoming to away fans – it’s proper traditional Lancashire hospitality. Just be respectful and you’ll have a great time.
🍴 WHERE TO EAT
The Crown (Pub Food)
As mentioned above, The Crown serves excellent pub grub with generous portions at very reasonable prices. Their matchday menu includes proper staples like fish and chips (£11), rump steak with all the trimmings (£17), chicken schnitzel, pies, and brilliant burgers. Sunday roasts are particularly popular and they do a cracking breakfast if you’re there early. Everything comes out piping hot and the quality is consistently good.
Oaklea Fish & Chip Shop
Located opposite The Grey Horse pub, this chippy is always busy on matchdays for good reason. Proper Lancashire fish and chips with generous portions and reasonable prices. Perfect if you want something quick before the match.
📍 Whalley Road, Accrington
Accrington Town Centre
The town centre (about 15 minutes walk from the ground) has the usual high street options including McDonald’s, various takeaways, and local cafes. Accrington Market is worth exploring for its food stalls and traditional Lancashire fare.
Stadium Catering
The Wham Stadium offers typical matchday fare including burgers, pies (Clayton Park Pies are the local favourite), hot dogs, and drinks. Prices are reasonable for lower-league football. The pies are decent and genuinely hot!
🍴 Food Tip: The Crown does brilliant food and you’re supporting the football club when you eat there. Their portions are generous and prices very fair – you won’t leave hungry!
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN ACCRINGTON
⭐ Haworth Art Gallery – Lancashire’s Tiffany Treasure
This is Accrington’s genuine hidden gem. Haworth Art Gallery houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe – over 140 pieces donated by Joseph Briggs, an Accrington lad who emigrated to New York aged 17 and rose to become General Manager of Tiffany Studios. The collection includes stunning Art Nouveau vases, lamps (including classic Peacock designs), mosaics, and stained glass that would look at home in any major American museum.
The gallery itself is a beautiful Grade II listed Arts & Crafts house built in 1909, bequeathed to the people of Accrington by brother and sister William and Anne Haworth. Set in nine acres of parkland with a rose garden and woodland walks, it’s a proper gem. The Gallery Kitchen serves excellent lunches and afternoon tea in the original Arts & Crafts dining room. Admission is FREE (donations welcome). Open Wednesday-Friday 2pm-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-4:30pm. Definitely worth an hour or two before the match!
📍 Manchester Road, Accrington, BB5 2JS | ☎️ 01254 233782
Accrington Market & Town Hall
Accrington’s covered market is a proper traditional Lancashire market with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. It’s got genuine character and the kind of atmosphere that’s becoming increasingly rare. The Victorian Town Hall on Blackburn Road is worth a look from the outside – a grand reminder of when Accrington was at the heart of the cotton industry. The town centre retains some fine Victorian architecture alongside more modern developments.
📍 Market Hall, Blackburn Road, Accrington
Accrington Pals Memorial
A poignant memorial to the Accrington Pals, one of Britain’s most famous World War I regiments. The Pals battalions were volunteer forces where men from the same town served together – tragically, this meant entire communities were devastated when casualties occurred. The Accrington Pals suffered horrific losses on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. It’s a moving reminder of the town’s history and sacrifice. Located in Oak Hill Park, it’s easily accessible and worth paying respects.
The Lancashire Countryside
Accrington sits in beautiful Lancashire countryside with the Pennine Hills offering stunning views. If you’re making a weekend of it, the Forest of Bowland (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is nearby, as are picturesque villages like Whalley with its ruined abbey. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal offers pleasant towpath walks. If you fancy something more touristy, Blackpool is about 40 minutes away.
✨ Worth Knowing: Accrington was famous for producing “Accrington Nori” bricks – the hardest and densest bricks in the world, used in the construction of the Empire State Building and Blackpool Tower. The town’s industrial heritage is fascinating if you dig into it!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY
💷 Budget Options (Under £60)
Travelodge Blackburn M65
About 6 miles from the stadium, this budget chain hotel offers reliable no-frills accommodation with free parking. Easy access from the M65 and represents decent value for money.
Above Hotels, Burnley
Located about 5 miles away in Burnley, this modern hotel offers free breakfast, parking, and contemporary rooms. Good value and convenient for the M65.
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£60-100)
Premier Inn Blackburn Town Centre
About 6 miles from Accrington, this Premier Inn offers comfortable rooms with the chain’s trademark quality. Includes on-site restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. Good base for exploring the area.
Holiday Inn Express Burnley M65, Jct.10
Modern hotel near Junction 10 of the M65, about 5 miles from the stadium. Includes free breakfast, free parking, contemporary rooms, and easy motorway access. Reliable mid-range choice.
💷💷💷 Upmarket Options (£100+)
Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Set in a stunning 700-year-old manor house with 17 acres of grounds, this is your upmarket option about 6 miles away. Features a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre, award-winning restaurant, and beautiful gardens. Perfect if you’re treating yourself or making a proper weekend of it.
Northcote, Langho
About 8 miles away, this is a proper luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Beautiful rooms, exceptional dining, and impeccable service. If you want to combine football with fine dining, this is your spot.
💡 Accommodation Tip: Accrington itself has limited hotels, so most fans stay in nearby Blackburn (6 miles) or Burnley (5 miles), both easily accessible via the M65. Book early for big games as options are limited.
👥 AWAY FAN EXPERIENCE AT THE WHAM STADIUM
The Coppice Terrace – Your Home for the Day
Away fans are housed in the Coppice Terrace behind one of the goals, with a typical allocation of around 1,800 (though this can be increased for big games). Here’s what you need to know: it’s standing-room only and completely uncovered, so you’re entirely at the mercy of Lancashire’s weather. If it’s raining, you will get wet. If it’s cold, you will feel it. Dress appropriately – proper coat, waterproof if possible, and layers.
However, the view from the Coppice Terrace is actually excellent. You’re close to the pitch with unobstructed sightlines and when the action’s at your end, you’re right on top of it. The lack of a roof means the acoustics aren’t great for generating atmosphere, but determined away followings still manage to make plenty of noise. If demand requires it, away fans can also be allocated seats in the Eric Whalley Stand to the side of the Coppice Terrace. Ticket prices are very reasonable for League Two – typically around £20 for adults, with concessions and kids’ tickets significantly cheaper.
Facilities & Atmosphere
The Wham Stadium is proper lower-league football – no frills, genuine character, and a traditional matchday experience. The facilities are basic but perfectly functional. Food and drink kiosks serve the usual matchday fare (pies, burgers, hot drinks) at reasonable prices. Toilets are adequate. The home support, led by the Stanley Ultras in the Clayton End, creates a passionate atmosphere especially for big games. The compact nature of the ground means you feel part of the action. It’s the kind of ground where you can hear the players shouting and feel the intensity of lower-league football. Some fans love it for its authenticity, others find it a bit bare-bones – but that’s part of its charm. This is proper grassroots football.
⚠️ Weather Warning: We cannot stress this enough – the away end is completely open to the elements. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. We’ve seen away fans get absolutely soaked and frozen. You’ve been warned!
💡 MATCHDAY TIPS & ADVICE
✅ Arrive Early for The Crown: If you want to drink at The Crown (and you should – it’s supporting the club), get there at least 90 minutes before kick-off. It gets absolutely packed on matchdays.
🌧️ Check the Weather: Seriously, this is crucial. The away end has no cover whatsoever. If rain is forecast, bring waterproofs. If it’s cold, wear layers. You’ll be standing in the open air for two hours.
🚂 Trust the Train: Parking is genuinely limited and the station is well-connected with frequent services. The 20-minute walk from Accrington station is straightforward and you’ll avoid matchday traffic.
🎫 Book Tickets in Advance: With a capacity of just 5,450, big games can sell out. Book through your own club or via Accrington Stanley’s website (01254 356950).
🏛️ Visit the Haworth: If you’re arriving early, the Haworth Art Gallery is genuinely worth an hour or two. The Tiffany glass collection is world-class and admission is free. Not many away days offer that!
🍺 Support The Crown: Remember, The Crown pub is owned by Accrington Stanley FC, so your drinks money goes directly to supporting the club. It’s a win-win situation.
🤝 Be Respectful: The local pubs welcome away fans with proper Lancashire hospitality. Be respectful and you’ll have a brilliant time. Everyone’s generally very friendly.
♿ ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Disabled Access: The Wham Stadium has wheelchair accessible areas with dedicated spaces for disabled supporters and their carers. Accrington Stanley are generally very accommodating for disabled supporters.
Parking: Disabled parking is available at the stadium – contact the club in advance to arrange this.
Accrington Station: The station has step-free access to Platform 1 via a ramp from Paxton Street, though it’s quite steep. Platform 2 has step-free access via a gently sloping footpath from Eagle Street. There’s a stepped footbridge between platforms (24 steps up, 25 down with rest platforms). Staff can assist if needed.
Booking Assistance: For disabled access requirements or to arrange assistance, contact Accrington Stanley on 01254 356950 or email the club via their website well in advance of your visit.
Passenger Assist: For rail travel assistance, call Northern Rail on 0800 138 5560 (Textphone 18001 0345 7 225 225).
🔒 LOCAL AREA & SAFETY
Accrington is a friendly Lancashire town and visiting supporters generally report a warm welcome. The area around the stadium is residential and safe on matchdays. The local pubs, particularly The Crown, welcome both home and away fans with no issues – it’s all very good-natured. As with any away day, use common sense: keep colours covered if you’re drinking in town, don’t go looking for trouble, and respect the locals.
The atmosphere is typically very friendly and lower-league football tends to have less edge than higher divisions. The walk from the station to the ground takes you through the town centre and is perfectly safe. If you’re driving, the immediate area around the stadium can get busy on matchdays but there are rarely any significant problems. Just be patient with traffic and respectful when parking in residential streets. Overall, Accrington is one of the friendlier away days in the lower leagues.
🎯 FINAL THOUGHTS – IS THE WHAM STADIUM WORTH THE TRIP?
The Wham Stadium divides opinion, and it’s easy to see why. This is proper, unvarnished lower-league football – no corporate sheen, no fancy facilities, no illusions of grandeur. The away end is completely exposed to the elements, which can make for a thoroughly miserable experience if you’re caught in Lancashire rain without proper waterproofs. The facilities are basic, the ground is tiny, and if you’re used to modern all-seater stadiums with every comfort, this might feel like a step back in time.
But here’s the thing: for many supporters, that’s exactly what makes Accrington Stanley special. This is authentic grassroots football at one of England’s smallest and most characterful League grounds. Where else can you drink in a pub that’s owned by the football club itself, knowing your beer money is supporting the team? The Crown Inn alone is worth the trip – brilliant atmosphere, decent food, genuine welcome to away fans, and all proceeds go to keeping “the club that wouldn’t die” alive and kicking.
The stadium might lack creature comforts, but you’re close enough to the action to hear every shout, feel every tackle, and experience football as it was meant to be – raw, passionate, and real. The compact nature means the atmosphere can be electric when both sets of fans are up for it. Yes, you’ll get wet if it rains. Yes, the legroom isn’t Premier League standard. But you’re watching League Two football at a ground with genuine character and history, in a town with a fascinating industrial heritage.
If you’re ticking off grounds, this is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with football in the first place. The Stanley Ultras create proper noise, the local pubs welcome away fans with open arms, and there’s something genuinely heartwarming about a club that’s fought so hard to survive and thrive despite everything thrown at them.
And here’s the bonus most people don’t know about: Accrington has the Haworth Art Gallery, home to Europe’s largest collection of Tiffany glass. It’s genuinely world-class, it’s free to enter, and it’s set in beautiful parkland. How many away days can offer you lower-league football and internationally important art in one trip? Combine the match with a couple of hours at the Haworth, have a few pints at The Crown supporting the club financially, and you’ve got yourself a proper day out.
Just remember to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for that uncovered away terrace. Come prepared for the elements, embrace the grassroots football experience, and you’ll have a brilliant time. The Wham Stadium might not be fancy, but it’s got heart, character, and proper Northern welcome. That’s worth more than undersoil heating and padded seats any day of the week. “Accrington Stanley, who are they?” Now you know exactly who they are – and they’re well worth a visit.
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
Accrington Stanley FC: 01254 356950
Website: www.accringtonstanley.co.uk
Email: info@accringtonstanley.co.uk
Twitter: @ASFCofficial
National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50
Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Northern Rail: 0800 200 6060
Passenger Assist: 0800 138 5560
The Crown Inn (matchday pub): 01254 381002
Website: www.crownaccrington.co.uk
Haworth Art Gallery: 01254 233782
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⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Travel Guide Collection
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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.