Round up your fellow cricket fans and take a trip to the historic Oval Cricket Ground. Also known as The Kia Oval or simply The Oval, this iconic sports venue plays a big role in the world of UK cricket and has been entertaining fans with its cricket games since 1845. As the home ground of Surrey Country Cricket Club, The Oval Cricket Ground hosts both national and international games to 25,500 spectators.
Whether you’re planning a day out or a fun weekend away, The Oval Cricket Ground promises plenty of delicious food options, good public transport links, and above all, some thrilling, live-action British cricket. Read on to find out more about The Oval Cricket Ground, including notable matches and events, how to get there and where’s best to grab a bite to eat.
Kia Oval is located in Kennington, which is in the South London Borough of Lambeth, UK.
You can also get to The Oval Cricket Ground from Oval London Underground station served by the Northern line, Vauxhall London Underground station served by the Victoria line, London Buses stopping at Vauxhall bus station, and River Bus services stopping at Vauxhall (St George Wharf) Pier.
Things to do at The Oval Cricket Ground
While the cricket matches are undeniably the main attraction here at The Oval Cricket Ground, there’s so much more on offer both within and beyond the stadium. On match days, both the Surrey Fixtures and International Cricket draw in a crowd, while on non-match days you can make the most of grounds tours, fun sports events, and plenty of things to do in the surrounding areas of Oval and Vauxhall.
Cricket matches
Whether you’re supporting England at an international game or rooting for your local team in one of the Surrey Fixtures, there’s nothing better than watching your favourite team play live right before your very eyes, and Kia Oval isn’t short of thrilling matches.
International games take place in the summer months and showcase some of the world’s biggest cricketing teams. Meanwhile, the Surrey Fixtures are from March to September, where you can watch both men’s and women’s matches against other British county teams.
Not to be missed is the popular Vitality Blast --also known as T20 Blast-- which is a fast-paced, 14-match tournament with the UK’s top counties split into traditional north and south groups. Each team plays seven matches at home and seven matches away, with the top four in each group moving on to the quarterfinals. It’s then a battle between the best teams to see who can take home the winning trophy.
Ground tours
If you want to continue with all things cricket, ei her on the same day or as part of a weekend away, then why not treat your group to an exciting tour of the grounds? During your tour you’ll follow in the footsteps of your favourite cricket players with exclusive access to the cricket field, commentary boxes, Peter May stand and members’ pavilion.
Events
Thanks to The Oval’s exciting events that take place throughout the year, the fun doesn’t have to end when the matches are over! Not to be missed is Pride of Lions Day, an annual day of entertainment taking place in July which is dedicated to the club’s under-16 members. Expect activities and games, competitions, and a grounds tour. You’ll even be treated to the unique opportunity to watch the Surrey team train, as well as a not-to-be-missed meet and greet with some of the players afterwards.
Test your cricket knowledge in July’s Members’ Quiz or visit the ground in August for a screening night, where you can watch some of the best videos and interviews about the Club on the big screen. September sees the cricket season come to an end, but before it’s all over, you can choose from events like the End of Season Awards, panel interviews and a fascinating evening forum. You can even host your own event at this iconic venue.
Things to do around Oval and Vauxhall
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with a group of friends or with the family, you’ll find plenty to do around the local areas of Oval and Vauxhall. Nearby parks include Kennington Park, Vauxhall Park and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, which would all serve as great spots for a picnic on a summer’s day.
Lovers of gin won’t want to miss the Beefeater Gin Distillery, which is just a seven-minute walk away from the grounds and includes both a fascinating tour of the distillery and a delicious gin-tasting experience.
Other nearby attractions include Newport Street Gallery and Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing, or for some family-friendly fun head to Vauxhall City Farm, where you can get up close and personal with a range of farmyard animals including an alpaca or two.
Food and drink
The Kia Oval offers plenty of food and drink options around the grounds, so even the pickiest members of the group will be satisfied. During the County Championships and Royal London Cup fixtures you can take your pick from sit-down dining at Deep Blue Restaurant and The Feathers Pub, as well as a selection of burger vans, beer carts and an ice-cream van located in the Pavilion forecourt for those who want to grab food on the go.
If you’re visiting on T20 match days, you can take your pick from a selection of tasty street food vendors located in the food village at the Vauxhall End of the ground.
Members can enjoy a bite to eat at the Alcock Room, while popular dining options around the stadium include Caribbean food at Coco’s Bar & Kitchen, Japanese food at Taro, bistro dining at 24 The Oval, and refreshing drinks options at Mother Kelly’s.
Places to stay around The Oval Cricket Ground
Whatever your budget and group size, you’ll find plenty of places to stay near The Oval Cricket Ground. For a luxury getaway, you can choose between Staybridge Suites, Park Plaza London Riverbank and Dolphin House Apartments.
Those on a budget can opt for the Best Western Plus Vauxhall, where visitors can get 10% off lowest rates through SWR Rewards. Or check out Travelodge London Vauxhall or Belgrave Hotel London.
If you’re visiting with family, take your pick from The Belgrave, 69 The Grove B&B, and Kennington B&B.
The Oval Cricket Ground accessibility
The Oval Cricket Ground are passionate about providing an accessible environment for guests of all abilities and have created a handy Access Guide containing information for visitors with accessible needs and requirements.
