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.
A close west London rivalry built around neighbouring support bases on either side of the Thames, with promotion battles adding modern bite.
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, routes generally involve the M1 or A1 into London, then the A406 and west London roads towards Hammersmith, Putney or Fulham. Craven Cottage sits beside the Thames in a heavily restricted residential area and away supporters are specifically advised not to rely on parking near the ground. If driving, park well away from Stevenage Road and complete the journey by public transport or on foot.
From south London or Surrey, approach via Putney, Wandsworth or the A3 depending on traffic, then cross towards Fulham Palace Road and the Putney Bridge area. The roads closest to Craven Cottage are narrow and controlled on matchdays. The practical plan is to park away from the stadium and walk from Putney Bridge, Hammersmith or another transport point.
From central or east London, use the river, A4 or inner London routes towards Hammersmith and Fulham. Craven Cottage is not a car-friendly stadium and matchday traffic orders restrict surrounding streets. Avoid aiming for Stevenage Road unless you have a specific authorised arrangement.
From the west, use the M4/A4 corridor towards Hammersmith, then approach Fulham via local roads if you have pre-planned parking. There is no useful general supporter parking at the stadium and surrounding streets are controlled. Many drivers are better parking further west and using the District line, buses or a walk from Putney/Hammersmith.
Putney Bridge on the District line is the closest Underground station to Craven Cottage and one of the nicest approaches to the ground. The walk usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes through Bishops Park and along the river. It is the best Tube option for many supporters arriving from Earl's Court, Wimbledon or central London connections.
Hammersmith is a useful Underground option for Craven Cottage, especially for supporters arriving on the Piccadilly, District, Hammersmith & City or Circle lines. The walk to the stadium is longer than from Putney Bridge, but it can be a good alternative from west London, Heathrow-side routes or when Putney Bridge is very crowded.
Putney National Rail station is a practical option for supporters arriving from Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Richmond, Kingston, Windsor-side routes or the South Western Railway network. The walk to Craven Cottage takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes and crosses Putney Bridge before heading through or alongside Bishops Park. It is useful if you prefer National Rail over the Underground.
Parsons Green on the District line is another workable Underground station for Craven Cottage. It is not as close as Putney Bridge, but can be useful if Putney Bridge is crowded or if your train already stops there. The walk runs through Fulham streets towards the river and stadium area.
From Putney Bridge, leave the station and walk through Bishops Park towards the Thames and Craven Cottage. The walk usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes and is one of the best approaches in English football. Follow the riverside or park route depending on crowd management and weather.
From Hammersmith, walk south along Fulham Palace Road towards the river and Craven Cottage. The walk is usually around 20 to 25 minutes. It is a useful option for Piccadilly line, District line, Circle line and Hammersmith & City line users, especially if Putney Bridge is crowded.
From Putney Station, walk down to Putney Bridge, cross the river, then continue through Bishops Park towards Craven Cottage. The walk usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. It is a good National Rail option for supporters arriving from Waterloo or south-west London routes.
From Parsons Green, walk through Fulham streets towards Fulham Palace Road and then continue towards Craven Cottage. The walk usually takes around 20 minutes. It is a useful District line alternative if Putney Bridge is too crowded or if your train stops there naturally.
Heathrow is the most practical airport for Fulham. Take the Piccadilly line towards Hammersmith or Earl's Court, then connect to the District line for Putney Bridge or continue to Hammersmith and walk or bus from there. For Craven Cottage, Putney Bridge gives the classic walk through Bishops Park, while Hammersmith can be useful if you want more Tube line options. A taxi from Heathrow is possible but can be slow through west London traffic.
Gatwick is also a good option for Fulham. Take a train to Clapham Junction, then either use National Rail to Putney or local routes towards West Brompton / Imperial Wharf before walking or taking a short bus/taxi. This avoids crossing central London unnecessarily and gives a sensible south-west London approach to Craven Cottage.
London City Airport is viable but less direct for Fulham. Take the DLR into the Underground network, then travel towards Hammersmith, Earl's Court or Putney Bridge depending on route. It is useful only if London City has the best flight times for you; Heathrow and Gatwick are normally easier for Craven Cottage.
TfL route 424 runs towards Fulham, Craven Cottage and Stevenage Road / Fulham Football Club, making it one of the most useful bus routes for the stadium itself. It is particularly handy from the Putney and Fulham side if you want to avoid the Tube walk from Putney Bridge.
TfL route 220 serves the Hammersmith / Fulham Palace Road corridor and is useful for Craven Cottage if you are arriving from Hammersmith, Wandsworth or local west London areas. Alight near Fulham Palace Road and walk towards the river and stadium.
TfL route 430 serves the Putney / Fulham area and is another useful local bus for Craven Cottage. It can be a good option for supporters coming from south-west London connections before walking the final stretch to the ground.
Addison Lee is a practical private hire option for Craven Cottage, especially from Heathrow, Hammersmith, Putney or west London hotels. Because Stevenage Road and the river roads become very busy, arrange drop-off and pick-up away from the immediate stadium gates.
Craven Cottage has no useful public stadium parking and on-street parking near the ground is very restricted. The best driving option is a pre-booked private or commercial space around Putney, Fulham Palace Road or west Fulham, then walk to the ground. Make sure the booking covers the full match period because nearby pay-and-display stays can be too short for football.
Putney Exchange can be a practical parking option for Craven Cottage if you are arriving early and happy to walk over Putney Bridge and through Bishops Park. It keeps you south of the river and away from the tightest Stevenage Road restrictions. Check current tariffs, opening times and matchday demand before relying on it.
Parking around Hammersmith and walking or taking a bus down Fulham Palace Road is another workable plan for Craven Cottage. It is a longer walk than Putney Bridge but avoids searching for spaces in the residential streets close to the ground. Use a proper car park and check closing times for evening fixtures.
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.