Overlooking the Thames in the Fulham district, the Craven Cottage represents an authentic piece of London’s football history. Built in 1896, it is one of England’s oldest and most distinctive stadiums, and home to Fulham Football Club, London’s oldest club, founded in 1879.
Unlike the modern sports facilities that dot the British capital, Craven Cottage preserves a nostalgic atmosphere and architectural charm that makes it unique in the English football landscape. Its current capacity of 29,600 spectators creates an intimate setting where the closeness to the pitch allows you to experience the action with a particular intensity.
Located on Stevenage Road, in the picturesque Fulham district, this stadium is not merely a venue for sporting competitions, but a true cultural monument that tells the story of English football through its distinctive features, such as the famous Cottage that gives the stadium its name – an authentic Victorian-style building situated in one corner of the ground.
The most iconic and characteristic element of the stadium is undoubtedly the original Cottage from which the entire complex takes its name. This Victorian-style structure stands in the corner between the Putney End and the Riverside Stand and represents a genuine piece of history. Originally built as the hunting lodge of Baron William Craven in 1780, from whom the entire complex derives its name. Today, this building houses the changing rooms for the teams and several rooms used for official functions. With its wooden architectural lines and appearance reminiscent of an English country house, the Cottage is a unique feature among football stadiums worldwide and perfectly captures the traditional, nostalgic atmosphere that defines the entire stadium.
The best vantage point is from the Johnny Haynes Stand, where you can admire the entire structure and take photographs that capture this blend of sport and history.
The history of Craven Cottage begins long before it became a football stadium. In 1780, the site was occupied by a hunting lodge belonging to Baron William Craven, from whom the current name derives. The property was characterised by a Victorian cottage surrounded by woodland, used as a country residence by London nobility.
In 1896, Fulham FC, which until then had played in various local grounds, was granted permission to hold their home matches in the area where the original cottage stood. Players and club volunteers personally worked to transform what was essentially an abandoned field into a suitable playing surface, clearing away wild vegetation and levelling the ground.
The first official match at Craven Cottage was played on 10 October 1896 against Minerva FC. In the early years, the stadium was little more than a field with some temporary structures for spectators. Real development began in 1905, when the club enlisted the celebrated Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, renowned for designing numerous British stadiums of the era, including sections of Old Trafford and Anfield.
Leitch designed the stand on Stevenage Road (today’s Johnny Haynes Stand), characterised by its distinctive red brick facade with white stone elements and distinctive cast-iron balustrades inside. This stand has remained substantially unchanged to this day and was listed as a Grade II historic building in 1987, making it England’s oldest football stand still in use.
During World War II, the stadium suffered damage from bombing raids on London and was temporarily used as a reception centre for evacuees. In the post-war period, the stadium underwent some improvements but always maintained its traditional structure.
1962 marked an important milestone with the installation of floodlighting for evening matches. In the 1970s, following stricter safety regulations introduced after various incidents at British stadiums, Craven Cottage had to adapt, reducing its capacity from around 49,000 spectators in the 1950s to approximately 25,000.
One of the most difficult chapters in the stadium’s history occurred between 2002 and 2004, when Fulham had to temporarily relocate to Loftus Road (Queens Park Rangers’ stadium) whilst Craven Cottage underwent renovation to meet Premier League standards. There were fears the club might permanently leave the historic ground, but fortunately Fulham returned to their traditional home in July 2004.
In recent years, the stadium has seen significant modernisation work, particularly with the complete reconstruction of the Riverside Stand, which began in 2019 and was completed in 2022, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 29,600 spectators whilst improving facilities for supporters and maintaining the historic character of the ground.
Ticket prices for Fulham FC matches at Craven Cottage vary depending on the match category and seat location within the stadium. For Premier League matches, prices typically range from £45 to £90 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors, young adults (18-21 years) and children.
You can purchase tickets in advance through the official Fulham FC website as home matches, especially those against high-profile teams, often sell out quickly. Casual supporters and tourists can access general sales only after season ticket holders and club members have had priority.
For international visitors, Fulham also offers visiting supporter ticket booking through official partners, which often include packages with additional experiences.
It’s advisable to arrive at least 1-2 hours before kick-off to soak in the pre-match atmosphere. After the match, you can visit the official club shop or stop at one of the historic pubs in the area.
The atmosphere during a match at Craven Cottage is an unmissable aspect of the experience. Unlike large modern stadiums, the closeness to the stands and smaller size create an intimate and engaging environment, where supporters’ roars echo with particular intensity.
Fulham’s supporters are known for being passionate yet respectful, creating a family atmosphere that reflects the club’s nature. Particularly evocative is when supporters sing the club’s unofficial anthem, “Meet Me At The Cottage“, paying tribute to the historic stadium itself.
If you’re unable or prefer not to attend a match, an excellent alternative is to take a guided tour of Craven Cottage. Tours are available on various days of the week (except on match days) and offer a comprehensive experience of the stadium, including:
Tours can be booked directly on the official Fulham FC website or at the stadium box office, subject to availability.
Guided tours of Craven Cottage are generally available from Tuesday to Sunday, with multiple departures throughout the day, typically at 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30. Tours are not available on match days and certain public holidays. During the summer season (June-August), when the team is on break, additional times may be offered.
To make the most of a guided tour of Craven Cottage, allow approximately 90 minutes. The tour itself lasts around an hour, but it’s worth factoring in extra time to visit the official club shop and take photographs outside the stadium.
Craven Cottage is located in a picturesque position beside the Thames in the Fulham district and offers several transport options to reach it.
London Underground is the most convenient way to reach the stadium. The nearest station is Putney Bridge (District Line, Zone 2), situated approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk from the stadium. Alternatively, consider Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, Zone 2), though this is about 20 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
Numerous bus routes serve the area around Craven Cottage:
One of the most scenic options for reaching Craven Cottage is the Thames river boat service. The nearest stop is Putney Pier, from where you can reach the stadium with a pleasant 15-minute walk along the river. This mode of travel offers spectacular views of London and is particularly lovely on sunny days.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance. Fulham’s Premier League home matches often sell out, especially those against high-profile teams. Tickets go on sale first to club members and then to the general public.
You can also purchase tickets on match day, but this depends on availability. For less popular matches, tickets may be available at the box office on the day itself, but there is no guarantee. To avoid disappointment, it’s always best to purchase tickets in advance.
Yes, Craven Cottage offers guided tours on most days when there are no matches. Tours last approximately an hour and include access to normally restricted areas such as the changing rooms, press room and touchline. It’s advisable to book in advance on the club’s official website.
Yes, Craven Cottage is considered a family-friendly stadium. The club has received recognition for its commitment to families and offers dedicated areas for younger supporters. During matches, there are specific family zones with pre-match activities for children. Children under 2 don’t need a ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap.
Yes, the stadium offers facilities and services for supporters with disabilities, including:
Yes, the area around Craven Cottage is famous for its traditional pubs. Particularly popular with supporters are The Crabtree (situated along the Thames), The Eight Bells (near Putney Bridge station) and The Duke’s Head (on the Thames embankment at Putney). These pubs tend to fill up quickly on match days, so it’s advisable to arrive well in advance.
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