Fulham were founded in 1879 and are London's oldest professional football club. Based at Craven Cottage on the banks of the River Thames, the club have one of the most recognisable grounds in English football. Fulham have spent much of their history moving between the top two divisions, with their identity closely tied to West London, traditional matchday surroundings and a loyal local support.
Craven Cottage is one of the most distinctive grounds in English football, sitting on the bank of the River Thames beside Bishops Park in west London. It is not a modern out-of-town stadium and that is a large part of its appeal. The walk through the park, the riverside setting, the old red-brick cottage in the corner and the tight residential streets around the ground make it feel very different from most Premier League venues.
The stadium is made up of the Johnny Haynes Stand, Hammersmith End, Putney End and Riverside Stand. The Johnny Haynes Stand is the historic listed stand along Stevenage Road and gives Craven Cottage much of its traditional character. The Hammersmith End is the main home end and usually contains the loudest Fulham support. The Putney End is at the opposite end and houses away supporters, while the redeveloped Riverside Stand has transformed the Thames side of the ground with modern facilities, hospitality and riverside-facing areas.
Craven Cottage is compact and charming rather than intimidating. Sightlines can vary because parts of the ground are older, but the setting makes it one of the most memorable away or neutral days in the Premier League. For neutrals, the Riverside or Johnny Haynes side views are usually the best choice, while the Hammersmith End is the most obviously home-supporter area.
Away supporters at Craven Cottage are normally housed in the Putney End, at the end of the stadium closest to Putney and the south-west corner of the ground. Depending on the fixture and allocation, away fans may receive part or most of the stand, with segregation lines adjusted between home and away sections. For Premier League fixtures, the allocation is usually around the standard league away allocation unless competition rules or safety arrangements change it.
The away end is one of the more pleasant Premier League away sections in terms of setting, especially because of the approach through Bishops Park and the river nearby. Views are generally decent from the Putney End, although lower rows can feel flatter and the split between home and away areas can change by fixture. The atmosphere can be mixed: Fulham are not usually among the loudest home crowds, but London derbies and games with large away followings can be lively.
Away supporters should check their entrance details carefully. Craven Cottage is surrounded by residential streets, the river and the park, so the quickest-looking route on a map is not always the correct stewarded route on the day. After full-time, movement through Bishops Park and towards Putney Bridge or other stations can be slow.
From the north, drivers normally enter London using the M1, A1 or M40 before crossing west or central London towards Hammersmith, Putney and Fulham. Driving to Craven Cottage is not advised because the ground sits in a residential riverside area with very limited parking and matchday traffic restrictions. If you must drive, park away from the stadium and complete the journey by Underground, bus or on foot.
From the south, Craven Cottage is normally approached through Putney, Wandsworth, the A3, South Circular or river crossings towards Fulham. Driving is not advised because the ground sits in a residential riverside location with very limited parking and matchday restrictions. If you must drive, park well away from the stadium and walk through Putney, Bishop's Park or use nearby Underground and bus routes.
From the east, drivers normally need to cross London towards Fulham using routes such as the A4, Embankment, South Circular, Putney Bridge, Wandsworth Bridge or local river crossings. Driving to Craven Cottage is not advised because the ground sits in a residential riverside area with limited parking and matchday restrictions. Park away from the stadium and use Underground, bus or walking routes where possible.
From the west, Craven Cottage is normally approached using the M4, A4, Hammersmith, Putney Bridge, Fulham Palace Road or local river crossings. Driving is not advised because the stadium sits in a residential riverside area with very limited parking and matchday restrictions. If you must drive, park away from the ground and walk through Putney or Bishop's Park, or complete the journey by Underground or bus.
Putney Bridge on the District line is the main Underground option for Craven Cottage, with a walk through Bishop’s Park towards the ground. Hammersmith stations are also usable, especially for supporters arriving on different Underground lines. Putney rail station is another option south of the river, with a walk over Putney Bridge. Allow extra time after the game because river routes and nearby stations can be very busy.
Putney Bridge is the main walkable Underground station for Craven Cottage. From the station, walk through or alongside Bishop’s Park towards the river and the stadium on Stevenage Road. It is one of the more scenic approaches in English football, but paths, bridges and station areas become very busy around full-time. Hammersmith and Putney rail station are useful longer-walk alternatives.
Craven Cottage can be reached from all major London airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick often the most practical depending on flight options. Heathrow gives access to West London by Underground, Elizabeth line and rail, while Gatwick connects to central London by rail for onward Underground routes towards Putney Bridge or Hammersmith. Driving from the airport is not advised because parking around Fulham and the riverside is very limited.
Fulham Chelsea Cars are a local option for taxi and minicab journeys around Fulham and Chelsea. Craven Cottage sits in a residential riverside area, so taxis are best arranged away from Stevenage Road and Bishop’s Park after the match. For smoother pickups, walk towards Putney Bridge, Hammersmith or a quieter agreed road.
Minicabs Hub advertise Fulham taxi and minicab services covering SW6 and nearby areas. This can be useful for hotel, station or airport transfers, but post-match crowds around Craven Cottage and Putney Bridge can delay collections. Pre-booking is recommended, especially for evening fixtures.
Craven Cottage is served by local London buses around Fulham Palace Road, Stevenage Road, Putney Bridge and Hammersmith. Useful routes commonly include 74, 220, 424 and 430, depending on where you are travelling from. Because the stadium sits in a residential riverside area, buses and roads can be slow after full-time, so check TfL live information and consider walking part of the route.
Craven Cottage does not have a large stadium car park, so pre-booked local driveways and commercial spaces are usually the best driving option. Check walking distance and restrictions carefully, as Fulham residential streets are heavily controlled on matchdays.
A Wandsworth-side car park that can be useful for Craven Cottage, especially if approaching from south or west London. It involves a longer walk over the river, but can be easier than trying to park in Fulham itself.
A pre-booked event parking option around Craven Cottage. Use only when availability is confirmed for the fixture and check exact location, walking distance and closing times before travelling.
Small pub close to Putney Bridge and a well-known option for Craven Cottage matchdays. It is convenient for the walk through Bishop’s Park, but can become extremely busy before Fulham games.
Large Fulham pub near Putney Bridge, useful for food and drink before walking to Craven Cottage. Matchday door policy may vary, so arrive early and check colours for higher-profile fixtures.
Riverside pub north of Craven Cottage. A popular local option with food and outdoor space, but it can be busy and may lean home/supporter mixed on matchdays.
Small pub close to Putney Bridge serving food and drinks. Very convenient for the walk through Bishop’s Park to Craven Cottage, but it can get packed on matchdays.
Large Fulham pub serving food and drink near Putney Bridge. A practical pre-match food option before walking to Craven Cottage.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant in Fulham, useful for supporters wanting a proper meal before a short onward trip to Craven Cottage. Better for early arrivals than last-minute matchday food.
Riverside hotel connected with the new Fulham Pier development at Craven Cottage, making it the most direct hotel option for Fulham if available.
Pub hotel in Fulham and a practical local stay for Craven Cottage, usually within a manageable walk or short taxi/bus ride of the ground.
Budget-friendly Hammersmith hotel useful for Fulham away trips, with Underground links and a longer walk or bus/taxi to Craven Cottage.
For Craven Cottage, public transport and walking are strongly recommended. Putney Bridge Underground station is the classic approach, with many supporters walking through Bishops Park to the stadium. Hammersmith, Fulham Broadway and Putney rail station can also be used depending on where you are travelling from, but none of the options should be treated as a last-minute doorstep arrival.
Driving is not advised. Fulham's surrounding streets are heavily restricted on matchdays, parking is very limited, and traffic management orders can affect the area around the ground. Supporters should not rely on finding casual street parking close to the stadium.
The ground is worth arriving early for, especially if it is your first visit. The riverside setting, the Cottage itself and the Stevenage Road exterior are all part of the experience. Pubs around Putney, Fulham and Hammersmith can be busy and some operate home-only or door policies, so away fans should check their own club's guidance before choosing where to drink.
Fulham home tickets are sold through the club's official ticketing channels, with season-ticket holders, members and supporters with booking history normally receiving priority depending on the match. The club also operates official ticket exchange and hospitality options, particularly important because Premier League availability can be limited for high-demand fixtures.
For neutrals, the Riverside Stand offers the most modern experience and strong views, while the Johnny Haynes Stand offers the most traditional Craven Cottage feel. The Hammersmith End is the main home end and is better suited to Fulham supporters wanting atmosphere. Seats in the Putney End can vary by fixture because that stand may include both away and neutral or home sections depending on segregation.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club and should be bought through official away-ticket channels only. Travelling supporters should check whether their ticket is in the full away allocation or a reduced allocation layout, and should follow the entrance and travel guidance issued before the match.
Craven Cottage operates standard Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory behaviour and no alcohol in view of the pitch. Supporters are asked to arrive early to allow time for ticket checks and security searches.
Because the stadium is in a tight residential and riverside location, supporters should follow steward instructions around Bishops Park, Stevenage Road and the Putney End approaches. Road closures and crowd-control measures can change the normal walking routes around the ground.
Large bags and unnecessary luggage should not be brought to the stadium. Supporters should also respect local residents when arriving and leaving, as many of the approaches to Craven Cottage pass directly through residential streets.
Fulham provide accessibility information for Craven Cottage, including accessible ticketing, wheelchair positions, companion seating and accessible toilets. Because the stadium combines historic stands with newer development, access arrangements can differ significantly depending on the stand and seat location.
Away disabled supporters should book through the visiting club and confirm their exact entrance, viewing position and companion-seat details in advance. The Putney End and surrounding approach routes should be checked carefully, particularly for supporters who need step-free routes or cannot manage long walks through the park.
The Riverside Stand is modern, but other parts of Craven Cottage retain older features. Supporters with mobility needs should plan the full journey, including the walk from Putney Bridge or other stations, the condition of park paths in poor weather, and post-match crowding.
Fulham have offered Craven Cottage stadium tours on selected dates, although availability can vary depending on fixtures, events and ongoing stadium operations. When available, tours usually focus on the history of the ground, the Cottage itself, the stands, pitchside areas and behind-the-scenes parts of the stadium.
Supporters should check Fulham's official website before making plans, because tour schedules can be affected by matchdays, private events and the operation of the redeveloped Riverside Stand. If no public dates are listed, it is best to treat tours as unavailable rather than assuming access will be possible on arrival.
Riverside park next to Craven Cottage and one of the best walks to the ground from Putney Bridge. Ideal for a slower pre-match approach.
Historic house and gardens close to Craven Cottage and Bishop’s Park. Useful if you have time before a Fulham match.
Riverside area with views, rowing clubs, pubs and walking routes. Good before or after Fulham if you want to stay near the Thames.
Official Fulham ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Official website for Fulham. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Useful starting point for information about Craven Cottage, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.