Best 10 Soccer Stadiums in England

England is home to some of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums in England, each steeped in history and packed with passionate fans. Our list covers the top 10 best soccer stadiums in England, combining capacity, atmosphere, and visitor experience. From the national stage at Wembley to historic grounds like Old Trafford and Anfield, these venues draw travelers and football aficionados alike. We’ll explore key facts, tour options, and tips for each stadium, ensuring soccer fans and travelers get the ultimate guide.

Table of Contents

Image: Wembley Stadium in London – one of the best soccer stadiums in England (photo: Jonmolo/Wikimedia Commons).

1. Wembley Stadium (London) – The Home of English Football

Capacity: 90,000 (England’s national stadium; largest in UK, 2nd-largest in Europe).
Opened: 2007 (on the site of the original 1923 stadium).
Use: Home of the England national team and site of major finals (FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield).
Highlights: Iconic 134m Wembley Arch, world-class facilities, concerts, and global sporting events.
Tours: Behind-the-scenes stadium tours (including VIP tours on matchdays) are available; official site: wembleystadium.com.

Wembley Stadium is England’s national football (soccer) stadium and often called “The Home of Football”. Built for the 2006 World Cup bid, it opened in March 2007 and features a retractable roof and a striking 134-metre arch. With 90,000 seats, it’s the largest stadium in England and famously hosts the FA Cup Final and England internationals. Fans flock here for both football and concerts. For travelers, Wembley Park tube and multiple train lines make access easy. Visitors can book official Wembley Stadium Tours to go pitchside and visit the dressing rooms. The experience gives soccer fans a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic stadium.

2. Old Trafford (Manchester) – “The Theatre of Dreams”

Capacity: 74,197 (largest club stadium in England; 2nd-largest overall).
Opened: 19 February 1910.
Use: Home of Manchester United F.C.; hosts key matches including FA Cup semi-finals and England internationals.
Nicknames: Theatre of Dreams (coined by Bobby Charlton).
Highlights: Historic stand expansions, museum & trophy room (opened by Pelé), and guided stadium tours.
Tours: Manchester United Stadium Tours and museum with memorabilia; check manutd.com for info.

Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910 and is known worldwide as “The Theatre of Dreams.” The venerable ground has seen multiple expansions; today it seats about 74,000 spectators. It’s the biggest club-operated stadium in England, only second to Wembley for size. Visitors can walk through the East Stand (opened 2000) and see the legendary museum and trophy room, which hold records from United’s past. The stadium tour covers areas like the players’ tunnel and press room, offering a fan-focused experience. Key stats: Old Trafford’s record attendance was 76,962 in 1939, and it regularly hosted FA Cup semi-finals and a 2003 Champions League final. For travelers, the nearby Metrolink tram (Old Trafford stop) and event crowds create a vibrant matchday atmosphere.

3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London) – Cutting-Edge and Multi-Use

Capacity: 62,850 (largest club stadium in London).
Opened: April 2019.
Use: Home of Tottenham Hotspur; also hosts NFL, rugby, boxing, concerts, and events.
Features: 17,500-seat single-tier South Stand (largest in UK), retractable grass pitch system, state-of-the-art sound and video systems.
Tours & Attractions: Guided stadium tours and Dare Skywalk (walk atop the stadium roof).

Tottenham Hotspur’s brand-new stadium opened to rave reviews in 2019. It is London’s largest club stadium, bringing fans incredibly close to the action. The innovative South Stand is a single, unbroken tier of 17,500 seats, making it the UK’s biggest single-level stand. Designed by Populous, the stadium has a retractable natural grass pitch (for switching between soccer and NFL) and over 300 VIP suites. It’s a multi-use venue: besides Premier League matches, it regularly hosts NFL games, boxing matches, rugby, and concerts. For visitors, Tottenham offers tours that include the players’ tunnel, press area, and a view of the pitch. The Skywalk experience even lets thrill-seeking fans climb over the roof for panoramic views of London. Getting there is easy via Tottenham Hale (Overground) and Seven Sisters (Victoria Line) stations.

4. Emirates Stadium (London) – Arsenal’s Modern Home

Capacity: 60,704.
Opened: 22 July 2006.
Use: Home of Arsenal F.C. since 2006.
Features: Cutting-edge design by HOK Sport (Populous), superb pitch quality (nicknamed “The Carpet”), and clear views from steep seating.
Tours: Arsenal Stadium Tours and Club Museum available (legend tours with audio guide).

Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium marked a new era for the club. The 60,704-seat ground is one of the largest in England. Officially opened in 2006, the stadium is often just called Emirates for sponsorship reasons. It features a vast cantilever roof and excellent facilities. The pitch at Emirates is famous for its pristine quality, often referred to as “the Carpet.” Fans can take the Emirates Stadium Tour to see the trophy room, players’ lounge, and even walk pitchside. The state-of-the-art venue also offers cafes and a big club shop. Arsenal matches create a lively atmosphere, and Arsenal legend plaques and displays around the stadium honor the club’s history. Visitors can reach the stadium via Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) or Holloway Road stations.

5. Anfield (Liverpool) – Legendary Kop and History

Capacity: 61,276.
Opened: 1884 (became Liverpool’s home in 1892).
Use: Home of Liverpool F.C.; famous for its matchday atmosphere (Kop End).
Highlights: Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley statues, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” singing on matchdays, and a new Main Stand (2016) increasing capacity.
Tours: Liverpool FC Stadium Tours and museum (includes access to Kop, pitchside, and award plaques).

Anfield is deeply embedded in English football lore. With 61,276 seats after recent expansions, it’s the fifth-largest in England and an absolutely buzzing place on game day. The Kop terrace (covered since 1992) and the newly expanded Main Stand (opened 2016) are particularly notable. Historic gates, statues of Liverpool legends Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, and massive “You’ll Never Walk Alone” banners welcome fans. The stadium’s steep stands create an intimidating acoustics advantage – it’s often called “Anfield atmosphere”. Tours let visitors sit in the Kop, walk through players’ tunnels, and see the press room. Liverpool’s official site lists tour times and booking. Anfield is a short walk from Liverpool’s city center, near the Merseyrail stations Sandhills and Kirkdale, making it accessible for a day trip.

6. City of Manchester Stadium (Etihad) – Modern and Multi-Purpose

Capacity: 53,600 (domestic football).
Opened: 2002 (as athletics venue) and 2003 (converted for soccer).
Use: Home of Manchester City F.C. since 2003; used for England internationals and major events.
Features: Initially built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, converted to soccer with expandable tiers; record attendance ~54,000.
Multi-Use: Hosted the 2008 UEFA Cup final, England matches, Rugby World Cup games, concerts and even a boxing world title bout.

Known as the Etihad Stadium (after sponsors), Manchester City’s home was originally the 2002 Commonwealth Games arena. It reopened for football in 2003 and has since been expanded (to over 53,000 seats for league games). The stadium’s bowl design and cantilever roof were advanced for their time. It’s easily reached by metro (Etihad Campus tram stop) and features a large fan zone. Aside from Premier League action, it hosts Rugby World Cup and Major League Baseball training in winter, and concerts in summer. For example, it hosted the 2008 UEFA Cup final. The City Football Academy training ground (adjacent to stadium) and tours add to the attraction for visitors. An official ManCity stadium tour covers the dressing rooms, players tunnel, and a skywalk above the pitch.

7. London Stadium (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) – Olympic Legacy

Capacity: ~60,000 (football configuration; originally 80,000 for 2012 Olympics).
Opened: 5 May 2012 (as Olympic Stadium).
Use: Built for 2012 Summer Olympics/Paralympics; since 2016, primary home of West Ham United.
Features: Unique roof over an athletics track; second-largest stadium in England by capacity. Hosts athletics meets, concerts, and the annual London Marathon finish line.
Notes: West Ham fans refer to it as The London Stadium. Tours are available via West Ham official site.

The London Stadium was the centerpiece of the 2012 Olympics. Located in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it hosted the Games’ athletics events and ceremonies, and later a world track record. After a major conversion (covering most of the track and adding seats), it now seats about 60,000 for soccer. West Ham United moved here in 2016, making it their home ground. On matchdays, fans see a rainbow seating pattern and have new facilities (West Ham museum, expanded club shop). Despite the track, the atmosphere can be electric – West Ham’s 2018 Europa League win was celebrated here. The stadium also has its own history: it was once proposed as a Spurs home. Visitors can tour the venue via West Ham’s tour programs. The nearby Stratford station (serving Tube, DLR, and rail) and plentiful buses make it visitor-friendly.

8. St James’ Park (Newcastle upon Tyne) – The Magpies’ Fortress

Capacity: 52,305.
Opened: 1892 (Newcastle United’s home since).
Use: Home of Newcastle United; known for passionate Geordie crowd and the Gallowgate End.
Highlights: Intense atmosphere, “swinging gates” screen (large video display), and impressive roof expansions (1990s).
Tours: Newcastle United Stadium Tours (classic and rooftop) via club website.

St James’ Park perches atop a hill on Barrack Road and has been Newcastle United’s proud home since 1892. With 52,305 seats, it’s among England’s larger stadiums. The fans famously belt out “Blaydon Races” and other anthems, creating one of the country’s most electric atmospheres. The Gallowgate End is a focal point for the noisy home crowd. Architecturally, St James’ Park was fully redeveloped in the 90s, replacing its old terraces with seating and adding roofs on all sides. Recent improvements include a giant HD screen and more hospitality areas. Visitors can book stadium tours through newcastleunited.com; options include climbing up to the Gallowgate rooftop for views of the Tyne. St James’ Park is just a short walk from Newcastle Central and St James Metro stations. It’s a must-see for fans wanting an authentic Newcastle experience.

9. Villa Park (Birmingham) – Historic Home of Aston Villa

Capacity: 42,918.
Opened: 1897 (opened with a friendly vs Blackburn Rovers).
Use: Home of Aston Villa; historically hosted numerous cup finals (until Wembley opened).
Highlights: The Holte End stand, classic Victorian lower-ground architecture, and England internationals (16 matches up to 1983).
Future: Plans approved (2022) to expand Villa Park to 50,000 seats, though construction was paused in 2023.

Villa Park is one of England’s oldest major grounds. Construction finished in late 1896, and it opened in April 1897. The stadium can seat about 43,000 fans today. It was England’s national stadium for FA Cup finals until Wembley opened; indeed, it hosted 14 finals between 1897 and 1970. Its most famous stand is the Holte End, named after a refurbished hotel on the site – a great banked terrace covered in 2001 that was the largest single stand in Britain. Aston Villa regularly updates the stadium; modern additions include the Doug Ellis (Trinity Road) Stand. Recently, Villa Park was earmarked for expansion: a new 17,000-seat stand would increase capacity beyond 50,000, although redevelopment was postponed. Fans can visit on matchdays or book tours via the Villa website. Conveniently, it’s within walking distance of Witton and Aston train stations.

10. Stamford Bridge (London) – Chelsea’s Compact Stadium

Capacity: 40,173.
Opened: 28 April 1877 (originally an athletics ground; Chelsea founded 1905).
Use: Home of Chelsea F.C.; the club has played there since 1905.
Features: All-seater since 1990s, close intimate stands, and several club-related memorials (Stamford Bridge name origin, Chelsea Pensioner statue).
Notes: Plans to replace or rebuild Stamford Bridge have been proposed, but the club remains here. Tours available via chelseafc.com.

Stamford Bridge is Chelsea’s ground in Fulham, West London. It’s one of the older stadiums – opening in 1877 as an athletics venue, before Chelsea FC was formed. Today it holds about 40,000 fans. The stadium is nicknamed “The Bridge”, and over the years it’s been significantly modernized (floodlights, new stands, a modern pitch). Fans appreciate the tight stands (some have obstructed views) but the atmosphere at Chelsea matches is always passionate. Although Chelsea have long planned a new stadium on this site, they currently remain at Stamford Bridge. The ground has hosted FA Charity Shields and even some baseball and rugby in the past. A Chelsea stadium tour takes in the home and away dressing rooms, and a museum of club memorabilia. Being just off the District Line (Fulham Broadway station), it’s easy for visitors to reach.

Conclusion

England’s soccer stadiums are landmarks of sporting history, blending cutting-edge design with rich heritage. From the monumental Wembley Stadium – the symbol of English football – to historic grounds like Old Trafford and Anfield, each stadium offers fans a unique experience. Visiting these best soccer stadiums in England is a must for travelers and football fans: you’ll walk in the footsteps of legends, enjoy world-class facilities, and soak up electric atmospheres. Whether you take a guided tour, catch a Premier League match, or attend a big event, these venues promise memories to last a lifetime.

Each stadium is fan-friendly and well-connected by public transport. For up-to-date tour info and tickets, check the official stadium websites (e.g. wembleystadium.com, spurs.co.uk, liverpoolfc.com, etc.). We also recommend adding structured data (Article and FAQ schema) to help others find this guide. Share this list with fellow soccer lovers, and comment below on which stadium you’d visit first or any personal experiences – your feedback helps boost engagement and sharing. Enjoy your stadium adventure in England!

FAQ

Q: What is the largest soccer stadium in England?
A: The largest soccer stadium in England is Wembley Stadium in London, with 90,000 seats. It is England’s national stadium and hosts major finals and the national team’s matches.

Q: Which soccer stadiums in England offer public tours?
A: Many of England’s top stadiums have tours. For example, Wembley offers a behind-the-scenes tour, and Old Trafford has the Manchester United Stadium Tour. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Anfield both have visitor tours, as do Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) and St James’ Park (Newcastle). Check each club’s official website for tour bookings.

Q: Which is the newest soccer stadium in England?
A: The newest in our list is Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in April 2019. It replaced Spurs’ former ground and features state-of-the-art amenities and a retractable pitch.

Q: How can I easily visit multiple soccer stadiums?
A: Most stadiums are well-served by public transport. In London, Wembley (tube/train), Tottenham (tube/overground), Emirates (tube), Chelsea (tube) and West Ham’s London Stadium (tube/train) are all on the Tube or rail network. In Manchester, Old Trafford and Etihad are near Metrolink tram lines. Newcastle’s St James’ Park is a short walk from the Metro. Planning a stadium tour road trip? Many UK cities are connected by train – e.g., Birmingham’s Villa Park, Liverpool’s Anfield, and Manchester’s grounds can be reached within 2-3 hours from London by train.

Q: Are these stadiums only used for soccer?
A: No. While soccer (football) is their primary use, many of these venues are multi-purpose. Wembley and Tottenham host American football (NFL) and concerts. The London Stadium was built for Olympic athletics and now hosts athletics meets, rugby, and music events. Etihad Stadium hosted rugby World Cup games and concerts. These versatile uses add to the appeal for travelers.