Lord's Cricket Ground

The Basics

The most atmospheric way to experience Lord’s Cricket Ground is to attend one of the regular matches, but cricket enthusiasts can also go behind the scenes on a guided tour. Tour highlights include a visit to the Long Room, the Pavilion, and the player dressing rooms; a look at the Honours Boards; and entrance to the MCC Museum, where exhibits include the Ashes urn and Prudential Trophy. Cricket fans also frequent the Lord’s Tavern pub, situated right by the Grace Gates.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Book your match tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Test Match and One Day International tickets are allocated by ballot, with applications taking place months in advance.

• Tours must be booked in advance.

• On-site facilities include free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a selection of bars and food vendors in each stand.

• All entrants to the ground are required to undergo security checks, and no large bags or suitcases are permitted.

• The Warner Stand, Mound Stand, and Grand Stand have accessible areas reserved for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Lord’s Cricket Ground is located in St. John’s Wood, North London, and the closest tube station is St. John’s Wood on the Jubilee line, a 5-minute walk from the stadium. Visitors can also take the train to Marylebone station and then walk roughly 10 minutes. Parking is unavailable on major match days and the three days beforehand, so public transit is recommended.

When to Get There

The ground is open year-round but only match ticket holders can access the MCC Museum on match days. Unless you’re lucky enough to have tickets, it’s best to avoid the grounds entirely during international fixtures, as the area becomes overrun with spectators.

The History of Lord’s Cricket Ground

Lord’s doesn’t have any royal relations as its name may suggest—it’s named after Thomas Lord, a professional cricketer and the venue’s founder. The stadium is actually the third ground established by Lord, with the original dating back to 1787 on what is now Dorset Square. The current ground, built in 1814 and in use ever since, was also an Olympic venue, hosting the archery events in 2012.

Ways to explore

The most atmospheric way to experience Lord’s Cricket Ground is to attend one of the regular matches, but cricket enthusiasts can also go behind the scenes on a guided tour. Tour highlights include visiting the Long Room, the Pavilion, and the player dressing rooms, a look at the Honours Boards, and entrance to the MCC Museum, where exhibits include the Ashes urn and Prudential Trophy. Some sports-themed tours combine visiting Lord’s with a trip to Wembley or Wimbledon.

Accessibility

Lord’s Cricket Ground is an accessible venue with accessible restrooms using a RADAR key, lifts, and designated wheelchair areas around the grounds.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, refillable water bottle, umbrella, sun protection in warm weather, waterproof jacket if there may be rain

What to wear

The general public stands have no dress code, apart from the rule that fancy dress is prohibited. Other stands may require smarter clothing.

Not allowed

Tripods, suitcases, inflatable items, musical instruments

Amenities

Bars, restaurants, Wi-Fi access, water fountains, restrooms, gift shop

Address

Lord’s Cricket Ground is in St. John’s Wood, North London. It’s easy to reach by public transport, though some visitors book guided tours with tickets and transport included.

Driving

The stadium can be reached from central London via the A4380 in around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, the stadium recommends visitors avoid traveling by car unless they have access reasons.

Public transportation

The nearest tube is St. John’s Wood, about a 10-minute walk away, which is served by the Jubilee line. Alternatively, Marylebone station on the Bakerloo line is 12 minutes on foot and offers step-free access and mainline rail connections. Numerous buses stop at Lord’s, including routes 13, 113, 139, and 189.

Best times to visit

If coming for a tour, it’s best to plan your visit in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds. Match times vary but often start at around 11am.

Best days to visit

The best day to visit depends on whether you’re attending a tour or a match. If you want to see a match, book ahead as tickets can sell out, especially for international fixtures.

Best months to visit

The cricket season typically runs between April and September, making these the best months to visit for matches. Tours operate year-round, but spring and summer offer better weather.

Special events

The most notable events at Lord’s Cricket Ground are international fixtures such as The Ashes and One Day Internationals.