Since many decades the country has been a host of some of the most iconic events in the history of cricket. And with the upcoming test series, it is evident that the stadiums in England will again brim with the excited audience shouting at the top of their voice. Thus to ignite that sporting spirit inside the travelers, here is a list of 10 best England stadiums that are known for much more than cricket.
1.Edgbaston
An abode for the Warwickshire County Cricket Club, the Edgbaston stadium also called the County ground is the second largest cricket ground in United Kingdom after the Lord’s. One of the oldest stadiums in England, this place is known to be a common host of one day internationals, test matches, and Twenty20 internationals. It came into the limelight after being the hosting ground for T20 domestic finals day for more than one day as compared to any other ground. Dating back to the time of 1886, the first match of Warwickshire took place with MCC which was witnessed by around 3,000 spectators for two days. Since then this cricket ground has been an eye-witness of numerous iconic milestones, one of them being the scene of Brian Lara’s world record of first class score of 501 not out. This classic cricket ground has seen adequate development with time, which includes the installation of extra seating and disrupted downpour among all the test-grounds in England which will let you enjoy your match without worrying about the untimely rainfall.
Speciality: Second largest cricket ground in England.
Location: Birmingham, UK
Established on: 1882
Capacity: 25,000 people
Fact about the stadium: Edgbaston was the host of the epic clash battle between Australia and England in the 2005 Ashes.
2.Ageas Bowl
Another legendary cricket ground of England, the Ageas Bowl was initially called the Rose Bowl. Located at the countryside of Southampton, this picturesque ground is the perfect place to relax and watch a match under the sun. Though the stadium is just a decade old, but despite that it shines in the listing of the best stadiums in England. Home to the Hampshire country club, this stadium outshined in the league after being the regular fixture on England’s white ball schedule and hosting the inaugural test match against Sri Lanka in 2011. This newbie in the cricket arena is also known for its stylish circular pitch which is complemented by the classic pavilions and stands. Hands down, amongst all the cricket grounds in England, this one is certainly one of the best. So if you’re a cricket buff and looking for a relaxing day out, then this stadium settled at the outskirts will be your final resort.
Speciality: Houses a luxurious hotel & spa.
Location: West End, Hampshire
Established on: 2001
Capacity: 15,000 (25,000 with temporary seating)
Fact about the stadium: A 171-bedroom Hilton hotel has just opened at the ground which also offers spa and restaurant, which gives the chance to stay close to the ground.
3.Headingley
Located just close to the Headingley Rugby stadium, this iconic stadium has been the home for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club since the past 120 years. An epicentre for sports in Leeds, this ground has witnessed the loudest cheers and lifetime moments in the history of cricket. From the historic moment of triple centuries by ‘the don’, Australia’s Sir Donald Bradman to the time when Yorkshire’s very own Geoffrey Boycott scored his 100th century, this ground has been an eye-witness of many such milestones. Though the stadium is proudly known for being a host of numerous iconic cricket matches, yet it’s not the prettiest places to watch a game. But to keep its enthusiastic visitors joyous, the club has unveiled its “Headingley Master Plan” which will involve a grand renovation project including the installation of permanent floodlight pylons and reconstruction of North-South stand which will increase the seating capacity to 20,000 and more in the coming 20 years.
Speciality: One of the most prepossessing cricket grounds.
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Established on: 1890
Capacity: 17,500
Fact about the stadium: The stadium hosted its first concert in 2015, where Ska band Madness performed in front of 7,500 people
4. Lords
The list of best cricket stadiums in England cannot start without the mention of Lord’s in London. Lord’s is the biggest cricket stadium in England. Commonly known as the home of cricket, this iconic ground has captured the first spot since many decades in the cricket league. The stadium is named after Lord Thomas who was the owner of the Marylebone Cricket Club and the European Cricket Council. This legendary cricket ground has witnessed more than 100 test matches in the past 201 years. Lord’s is the place where Graham Gooch became the first highest test run scorer at the ground with 2,015 runs, meanwhile bowler Ian Botham made 69 wickets. The stadium is not just known for being the host of the iconic matches, but it’s architectural beauty will also leave you awestruck. From the magnificent Victorian pavilion to the Honours board and the Old Father Time weathervane, every corner of the stadium asks for a Instagram action.
Speciality: Biggest cricket stadium in England
Location: London, UK
Established on: 1814
Capacity: 28,000
Fact about the stadium: The stadium has a tradition of having a lunch at the Lord’s Tavern and enjoy a meal of their famous British beef burgers on the first Test match of summer.
5.The Oval
Another striker in the xcricket league, the Oval Stadium in England is located at the south-east end. An abode for the Surrey County Cricket Club, this stadium was the first place to host the International Test cricket in 1880. Apart from this, the ground is known for hosting the first representative football match between England and Scotland in 1870. And not to forget, this ground has also witnessed the first ever FA Cup final. But the most iconic memory of the stadium is being the birthplace of Ashes just after the game played by Australia in 1882 and won by seven runs in just a timespan of two days. After this incident a mock-obituary printed by a sports newspaper led to the formation of Ashes Urn. Dramatic isn’t it? Along with these historical moments, the stadium has seen immense developments which also includes the OCS stand in 2005.
Speciality: Witnessed a multitude of historic moments.
Location: Kennington, London, UK
Established on: 1845
Capacity: 23,500
Fact about the stadium: The Oval stadium was the first sports arena to have the original gas lamps in 1889.
6. Sophia Gardens
Holding a strong league among the most beautiful stadiums in England, the Sophia Gardens was a home to the Glamorgan County Cricket Club since 1967, and currently it is an established venue for hosting international test cricket. Standing adjacent to the city centre and River Taff, this stadium came into the limelight in the international cricket arena after hosting the 1999 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand. The stadium went through an extensive redevelopment which was followed by a successful staging of sold-out Ashes Test matches in 2009-2015. The stadium now boasts a ground with state-of-the-art-player facilities along with a modern pavilion and media center.
Speciality: One of the most advanced stadiums, with up-to-date facilities.
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Established on: 1893
Capacity: 15,643
Facts about the stadium: The stadium was one of the hosting venues for the 2013 ICC champions trophy along with Oval and Edgbaston.
7. Trent Bridge
Among the famous cricket stadiums in England, the Trent Bridge stands as one of the places which is known for hosting Test, One-Day International and County Cricket. This international stadium is home to the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. The Trent Bridge stadium came into existence as a cricket ground in the 1830’s and hosted its first test match in 1899 where England was playing against Australia. Apart from its iconic history, the Trent bridge ground is considered one of the best places to watch cricket in the world. In 2007, the stadium went down a redevelopment phase in which a new stand was constructed in the space of the Parr Stand and the West Wing. Undoubtedly, amongst the multitude of cricket grounds in England, this is one of the most high-end stadiums!
Speciality: State-of-the-art architecture
Location: West Bridgford, Nottingham
Established on: 1841
Capacity: 17,500
Facts about the stadium: Before hosting cricket matches, the Trent Bridge was known for hosting football matches and the Notts County Football Club was known for playing at this ground since 1860’s
8.The Riversid
A host for many international matches, the Riverside ground is commonly known as the Emirates Riverside for sponsorship reasons. This ground was accepted for the first-class cricket in 1991 and later made conditional during the development of a new-test match cricket ground. The construction work of the ground started in 1990 at the Riverside ground located just opposite the Lumley castle in England. In 2008, the ground went through another reconstruction where permanent floodlights were installed and permanent seating was done which covers the entire ground and gives an easy view accessibility to the audience.
Speciality: One of the most picturesque cricket grounds.
Location: Chester-Le-Street, County, Durham
Established on: 1995
Capacity: 17,000
Facts about the stadium: The cricket ground hosted its first cricket match in 18th May 1995 played by Durham and Warwickshire.
9.Old Trafford
A home to the Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864, this cricket ground in Manchester is the second oldest test match venue in England. In the initial years around 1857, this ground was home to the Manchester Cricket Club which moved onto the meadows of the de Trafford estates. Apart from being a host of the most iconic matches, the Old Trafford stadium is also a tremendous venue to host musical concerts and singers like Rihanna and Green Day have performed here and grooved the audience. This year, this cricket ground is listed as one of the icc world cup 2019 stadiums.
Speciality: Houses Hilton Garden Hotel, a luxury hotel with rooms accompanied by balconies that offer views of the pitch.
Location: Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England
Established on: 1857
Capacity: Domestic- 19,000, International- 26,000, Concerts- 50,000
Facts about the stadium: The Old Trafford ground hosted its first Ashes Test in England in July 1884.
10. County Ground Bristol
Locally known as the Nevil road, the stadium is also called the The Brightside Ground due to sponsorship reasons. This cricket ground is home to the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. In the initial years of founding the ground, it was named the Ashley Down Ground which was purchased by W.G Grace in 1889. After this the club again bought the ground in the year of 1933 and reverted to its original name. This ground is known for hosting one day internationals and it is also a host of four matches in the 2019 icc world cup. In the year of 2009, the ground went through a redevelopment phase which included the increase in seating capacity. Now the stadium also has a media centre and well designed conference room.
Speciality: Top-tier facilities
Location: Nevil Road, Ashley Down, Bristol
Established on: 1889
Capacity: 8,000
Facts about the stadium: The ground was again sold in 1976 to The Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground and changed its name to Phoenix County Ground until it was brought again by the club later.
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