Notts County are recognised as the world’s oldest professional football club and play at Meadow Lane in Nottingham. The Magpies have a rich heritage, large lower-league support and a strong identity built around tradition and survival. After returning from non-league, County have pushed back up the EFL.
Meadow Lane is a proper traditional city football ground and one of the most historic venues in the EFL. It sits close to Nottingham city centre, near the River Trent and only a short distance from Nottingham Forest's City Ground across the river. Notts County's history as one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world gives the stadium a sense of importance beyond its size.
The Derek Pavis Stand is the main stand on one side and houses many of the club's main facilities. Opposite is the Jimmy Sirrel Stand, which is the usual away-supporter stand. Behind one goal is The Kop, the main home atmosphere end, while the Haydn Green Family Stand sits behind the other goal and is more family-focused. The ground is a fairly balanced four-stand stadium, with good capacity for League One and a traditional enclosed feel.
Meadow Lane is larger and more substantial than many lower-league grounds, and when The Kop is busy it can generate a strong home atmosphere. It is not a new stadium, so facilities and concourses vary by stand, but that is part of the appeal. It feels like a real football ground, close to the city, close to pubs, close to the railway station, and close to another major football stadium.
A same-city rivalry split by the Trent, with Forest’s major honours and County’s historic status making it one of England’s oldest urban derbies.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A Nottinghamshire rivalry where Mansfield and County bring town-versus-city pride and long-standing lower-league familiarity.
Away supporters are located in the Jimmy Sirrel Stand at Meadow Lane. Notts County's own visiting supporter information states that away fans access this stand via the turnstiles on County Road. This is the key point for visiting supporters to remember, as Meadow Lane has several approaches and the stadium is close to busy city-centre roads.
The Jimmy Sirrel Stand runs along one side of the pitch rather than behind a goal, so away supporters get a good side-on view of the game. The allocation can be generous compared with smaller grounds, although it can still vary depending on demand and segregation arrangements. For local derbies, promotion fixtures or high-demand away followings, ticket-only arrangements and police instructions should be expected.
The stand is older than a new-build stadium but perfectly suitable for visiting fans, with the advantage of a proper view across the pitch. Because Meadow Lane is near Nottingham station, the city centre and the River Trent, the outside area can be busy with both home and away supporters, so use the correct County Road approach and follow steward directions.
Use M1 southbound Junction 26/25 then Nottingham centre, then follow signs for Meadow Lane and the central Nottingham, by the River Trent area. Use city-centre or approved matchday parking; river crossings and nearby sports grounds can make traffic heavy. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use M1 northbound Junction 24 then A453, then follow signs for Meadow Lane and the central Nottingham, by the River Trent area. Use city-centre or approved matchday parking; river crossings and nearby sports grounds can make traffic heavy. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use A52/A46/A612 into Nottingham, then follow signs for Meadow Lane and the central Nottingham, by the River Trent area. Use city-centre or approved matchday parking; river crossings and nearby sports grounds can make traffic heavy. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use A52 from Derby or M1 routes into Nottingham, then follow signs for Meadow Lane and the central Nottingham, by the River Trent area. Use city-centre or approved matchday parking; river crossings and nearby sports grounds can make traffic heavy. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Nottingham station is the correct rail station for Meadow Lane and is served by East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and regional services from London, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and Newark. It is close enough to the ground to make rail a very good option.
Leave Nottingham station and walk south/east towards London Road and Meadow Lane, crossing towards the stadium area. The walk is usually around 10 to 15 minutes. It is straightforward and also close to the route towards the City Ground if both Nottingham clubs are relevant to your day.
East Midlands Airport is the closest practical airport for Notts County. Use the airport bus into Nottingham or take a taxi if there are a few of you. Once in the city, Meadow Lane is one of the easiest grounds to reach, sitting just over the river from Nottingham station.
The airport itself is outside the city, so that first link is the bit to plan. After that, Nottingham is very straightforward for football supporters.
Birmingham Airport is a useful second option for Notts County. From Birmingham International, travel into Birmingham New Street and continue to Nottingham by train.
It is a little further than East Midlands, but because the airport sits on the rail network it can sometimes feel easier. From Nottingham station, Meadow Lane is only a short walk.
Meadow Lane is close enough to Nottingham station for many supporters to walk, but city buses can still be useful if you are staying away from the centre or coming in from the wider Nottingham area. Nottingham City Transport and Trentbarton services run through the city-centre and London Road/Trent Bridge side of Nottingham, putting you within a short walk of the ground.
For most away fans, buses are best used to reach the city centre rather than the final few hundred yards. Once you are near Nottingham station, the walk over the river to Meadow Lane is usually simpler than waiting for another connection.
A taxi from Nottingham station to Meadow Lane is only a very short journey, so it is mainly useful if you have bags, mobility needs or are arriving close to kick-off. The fare should be modest compared with most stadium taxi trips, but traffic around Trent Bridge, London Road and the river crossings can slow things down.
After full-time, walking back towards the station or city centre is normally easier than trying to book a cab directly beside the stadium.
DG Cars are one of Nottingham's larger private-hire operators and can be useful if you are staying outside the city centre, travelling from hotels, or coming in from areas not well served by the tram or bus. Pre-booking is sensible for groups, especially on Saturday evenings when city-centre demand is high.
For Meadow Lane, ask for a practical drop-off near the station, London Road or Trent Bridge area rather than insisting on the closest possible point to the turnstiles.
Nottingham station parking is a practical choice for Meadow Lane because the ground is only a short walk over the river. It is easy to find from the city-centre road network and avoids trying to park in the tighter streets around the stadium.
Expect normal station car park prices, which may be higher than council car parks but offer a simple route in and out. Check event demand if Nottingham Forest are also at home nearby.
Parking around County Hall or the Trent Bridge side of the river can be useful for Meadow Lane if spaces are available. It leaves a short walk to the ground and is well placed for arriving from the south of Nottingham.
Availability can be affected by cricket, rugby or other events around Trent Bridge. Check signage and payment rules carefully, as some car parks are private or event-controlled.
A popular pub close to Nottingham station and Meadow Lane, making it one of the most convenient pre-match stops. It is also tied to Castle Rock Brewery, so it suits real ale drinkers.
A well-known Nottingham burger restaurant in the Lace Market, useful if you want a big meal before walking over to Meadow Lane. It is better for early arrivals because it can be busy.
A practical hotel close to Nottingham station and within easy walking distance of Meadow Lane. It is one of the simplest overnight bases for a Notts County away trip.
Meadow Lane is one of the better grounds in the division for public transport. Nottingham railway station is within walking distance, and the stadium is close to the city centre, the River Trent and the wider Nottingham football area. Supporters arriving by train should allow time for the walk and for busy pedestrian routes around London Road and County Road.
Driving into Nottingham for football can be slower than it looks on a map. The ground is near major city roads and close to other sporting venues, so traffic and parking can be awkward, especially when events overlap. Plan parking before travelling and do not rely on street parking immediately beside the stadium.
For neutrals, Meadow Lane is a strong choice. The Kop gives the best home atmosphere, the Derek Pavis Stand gives a good main-stand view, and the Jimmy Sirrel Stand gives away fans a clear side-on perspective. It is a proper city ground, so arrive early and make use of the surrounding area rather than rushing straight to the turnstiles.
Notts County sell home tickets through the club's official ticketing platform and ticket office at Meadow Lane. The Kop is the natural choice for supporters wanting the loudest home atmosphere, while the Derek Pavis Stand gives a more central main-stand view. The Haydn Green Family Stand is the obvious option for families and supporters wanting a calmer area.
Away tickets are normally sold through the visiting club for the Jimmy Sirrel Stand. Notts County's own visiting information makes clear that away supporters are housed in that stand and access it through the County Road turnstiles. Some fixtures may be ticket-only with no sales on the day, so visiting supporters should follow their own club's sales notice.
For neutral supporters, Meadow Lane is a good ground to choose by experience. The view is generally better from the side stands, but The Kop gives the strongest sense of the home crowd. Buy early for larger fixtures because Notts County can draw strong crowds.
Meadow Lane operates standard EFL ground regulations. Supporters should expect stewarding, ticket checks and searches where required. Pyrotechnics, smoke bombs, offensive weapons, alcohol brought into the stadium, discriminatory abuse, missile throwing and entering the pitch are prohibited.
Away supporters should use the Jimmy Sirrel Stand turnstiles on County Road and remain in the visiting section. For high-demand fixtures or local matches, ticket-only conditions and stricter segregation may apply. Supporters should not attempt to enter home areas with away colours or away tickets.
Because Meadow Lane is close to Nottingham city centre and other busy sporting areas, police and stewards may manage supporter routes before and after the match. Follow directions around County Road, Meadow Lane and London Road.
Notts County publish a disabled supporters access guide for Meadow Lane. The club advises supporters with temporary disabilities, such as a broken leg or other issue affecting access, to contact the ticket office before the game so suitable arrangements can be made. The guide also gives specific information for disabled supporters travelling to Meadow Lane.
Accessible arrangements should be made in advance, especially for wheelchair users, ambulant disabled supporters and anyone requiring a personal assistant ticket. Away disabled supporters should book through their own club and check the correct Jimmy Sirrel Stand access arrangements.
Meadow Lane is close to the city centre and railway station, which helps many supporters, but the surrounding roads can be busy. Disabled supporters should plan parking, drop-off or station transfer before matchday rather than leaving it to the final approach.
Notts County offer official stadium tours of Meadow Lane. The club advertises tours for groups of up to 12 people, with two slots available on Wednesdays at 11am and 1pm. Lifeline members are entitled to one free tour, subject to the club's terms and availability.
This is one of the better tour options in the division because Meadow Lane combines a working EFL stadium with the history of one of the world's oldest professional football clubs. Supporters should book through Notts County's official stadium tours page and check availability before travelling.
A strong city-centre attraction in the Lace Market, easy to combine with food, pubs and the walk to Meadow Lane. It is one of Nottingham's more distinctive visitor stops.
Official club website. Use this for the latest club news, fixture information, tickets, supporter notices and matchday updates.