Charlton Athletic (The Valley) Directions & Information
Last updated : 17 August 2005 By Paul Farrington
What's the ground like?The construction of the North Stand has transformed the ground. What was a single tier separate stand, is now a large two tiered affair, extending and completely enclosing the North East & North West corners.
The re-development of this area of the ground was completed in 2002 and in total houses 9,000 fans. Both sides have also been re-developed in the mid 1990's and anyone who saw the derelict Valley a few years back, now wouldn't believe their eyes.
The West Stand on one side is a good sized two tiered stand, whilst opposite, is the smaller single tiered East Stand, where the vast open terrace, reputedly the country's biggest, was located until demolished in the 1990's. There is a row of executive boxes that run across the back of this stand and it has a television gantry suspended beneath its roof.
The older South Stand, behind the goal, is given to away supporters and now looks out of place in its smart surroundings. On one side of this is a police control box. The stadium doesn't have any floodlight pylons as such, but has rows of small floodlights running across the tops of the stands.
The stadium is overlooked by a block of flats beyond the South Stand and it is not uncommon to see fans out on their balconies watching most of the game for nothing. In one corner of the stadium between the Jimmy (South) Seed & East Stands, there is a large video screen.
What's it loke for away fans?Away fans are housed in the Jimmy Seed (South) Stand at one end of the ground, which is slightly raised above pitch level, making for a generally good view. Up to 3,000 away fans can be accommodated in this end.
However, if the visiting team are unlikely to sell their full allocation of 3,000 tickets, then this end may be shared with home fans. This stand being older than the rest of the ground, looks somewhat tired and for those used to other modern premiership grounds, may find it somewhat of a shock.
Peter Inwood a visiting Leeds fan adds; 'There is one solitary supporting column in the entire ground and guess where it is? Right in the middle, behind the goal, in the away supporters end. Very annoying it is as well.
However, I would commend the stewards, who took a relaxed attitude to the away supporters who stood throughout the match, although expect to be searched on the way in'. Otherwise the height between rows is good and the stand quite steep, keeping you fairly close to the playing action. It is worth noting that if your team is allocated the whole stand, that there are refreshment areas on either side of the stand.
As to be expected those located by the entrance turnstiles, tend to be busiest, whilst those on the other side of the stand are normally less congested. The refreshment kiosks serve the usual array of hot dogs, pasties and burgers. These outlets are supplemented by separate hot dog stalls. There is also a Ladbrokes betting kiosk inside the ground.
I was quite impressed with the atmosphere at the Valley and I can see why many away fans see it as one of their favourite away days to the capital. The Charlton fans are clearly passionate about their team, but in a non-intimidating way.
I had pleasant day out and would go again. I was particularly impressed with the loud P.A. system that played some great music before the game commenced and it was no surprise when just before the teams came out onto the pitch that 'Into The Valley....' rocked around the stadium.
It is worth noting that you can only gain entrance to the ground by ticket, which you have to buy from a ticket booth beforehand.
Where to drink?
Simon Phillips informs me that 'The Antigallican, a big pub near Charlton station, seems to be the favourite haunt of away supporters'. However, it can get very busy and this is not helped by the local Police not allowing fans to drink outside. It is a rather basic pub but has real ale available (albeit a lone handpump) and also offers a selection of filled rolls and pork pies.
Whilst Colin Gilham recommends the 'Rose of Denmark' on Woolwich Road. The pub not only allows in away supporters but absolutely welcomes them.
They have a photo display on the wall of fans from visiting clubs that have frequented the pub this season and it also has SKY television'. Please note that this is a home supporters only pub after the game.
To find these pubs come out of Charlton station and turn left into Charlton Church Lane and the Antigallican pub is down on the right hand corner. If you continue down to the t-junction with the Woolwich Road and turn left you will reach the Rose of Denmark further down on the left.
There is also the Charlton Liberal Club, to which away fans are welcome on payment of an entry fee of £1. This is more spacious, less busy, has a large screen television and families are welcome. The club can be found by turning right out of Charlton station and walking 300 yards up the hill on the left hand side of the road, past the row of shops.
The club is a five minute walk from the away end, but like the Rose Of Denmark, it becomes a home supporters only venue after the game. Alternatively alcohol is available in the away end before kick off, but strangely not at half time.
How to get there?
Leave the M25 at Junction 2 and follow the A2 towards London. When the A2 becomes the A102(M), take the A206 towards Woolwich and you will come to the ground on your right. If you cross over the Thames or reach Blackheath, then you have gone too far.
Street parking, but due to a local residents parking scheme, not in close vicinity to the ground or Charlton railway station. However as you come off the A2 onto the A206, there is some street parking to be had on your right, in a couple of streets, before you reach the Rose of Denmark pub.
Colan Hyde informs me that you can also park at the Thames Barrier visitor centre (cost £5). Colin Gilham adds; 'There is some street parking to be had around the industrial estates in the area, in Westmoor Street, Eastmoor Street (the very road where the club was apparently formed 100 years ago!), Warspite Road and Ruston Road. If you are coming up the Woolwich Road from the the Blackwall Tunnel, then as you go past the ground, the industrial estates are on the left hand side.
Click
here for a map of the ground.
By Train/Tube
The ground is in walking distance of Charlton railway station, which is served by Charing Cross and London Bridge mainline stations. On Saturdays there are also services from Cannon Street station.
Colin Gilham informs me; 'Come out Charlton station into Charlton Church lane (all exits lead onto this road). and turn right and cross over to the other side. Take the next left into Floyd Road and then right into Valley Grove for the away section entrance'.
Darryl Chamberlain adds; 'Although Charlton station is very close to the Valley, many people will find it easier to take the (far more reliable) tube. Using the Jubilee Line to get to North Greenwich station and then take a short ride on buses 161, 472 or 486 to get to the ground'.
 | The view from the away end |
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