Kettering Town are one of the historic names of non-league football, famous for their FA Cup pedigree and long Southern League tradition. The Poppies now play at Latimer Park in Burton Latimer and continue to carry a large local following for Step 3 football.
Latimer Park is the home of Kettering Town and sits at Burton Latimer, south of Kettering itself, close to the A14 and the Latimer Business Park area. It is a relatively modern home for a club with a long history, and it has developed into a practical non-league stadium with a larger footprint than many grounds at this level.
The ground has covered areas behind each goal and along the side, with a mixture of seated and standing accommodation. It is not a traditional town-centre stadium, but it works well as an enclosed football venue, with the car parking, social club and turnstiles all forming part of the wider Latimer Park matchday setup.
For neutrals, the side of the pitch usually gives the best view, although the covered ends can provide more atmosphere when the crowd is lively. Because the ground is out of town and parking arrangements can change depending on the fixture, it is worth checking matchday information rather than assuming every game operates in the same way.
Away segregation at Latimer Park depends on the fixture. For some standard league matches there may be no segregation, with away supporters able to use all open parts of the ground. However, Kettering Town are capable of operating segregated arrangements for larger games, cup ties and fixtures with a sizeable away following.
When segregation is in use, away supporters have previously been allocated specific areas such as the ProSaw End, with standing and seating facilities and separate access to hospitality or refreshment points. The club has also used designated turnstiles and colour-coded ground areas for higher-profile matches, so away fans should always read the match-specific instructions.
Latimer Park is entered from Polwell Lane / the Latimer Business Park side. Visiting supporters should follow steward directions on arrival, especially where separate away turnstiles, parking areas or ticket checks are in operation. For games likely to attract a large crowd, buying tickets and parking in advance is sensible.
Use the A14 east/west or A43 towards Kettering, then follow signs for Burton Latimer/Latimer Park. The ground is outside central Kettering.
Use the A14 from the south-west/M1 links and head for Burton Latimer. Avoid unnecessary routes through Kettering town centre.
Use the A14 westbound from Thrapston/Huntingdon side, then leave for Kettering/Burton Latimer. The A14 is the cleanest corridor.
Use the A14 eastbound from Northampton/M1 side, then follow Burton Latimer signs. The final local roads need checking before departure.
Kettering is the station to use for Kettering Town. Midland Main Line services from London St Pancras, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Corby-side connections make this the railhead.
This entry is for rail planning only; the detailed walking route from the station is listed separately under the same station title.
Leave Kettering station and head towards Latimer Park. The route is a long walk out towards Burton Latimer; taxi or bus is normally better.
Allow around 60 to 75 minutes on foot. Check the latest club or steward information for the correct entrance before travelling, especially for segregated fixtures or evening games.
East Midlands Airport is useful for Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and parts of Lincolnshire, but it has no railway station. Use Skylink buses or a taxi to Derby, Nottingham, Loughborough or East Midlands Parkway depending on the club.
For Kettering Town, this airport makes most sense because East Midlands is one of the closest airports for Northamptonshire. From the airport, aim for Kettering via Derby/Leicester or taxi. Use Skylink/taxi to Derby, Nottingham, Leicester or East Midlands Parkway, then rail/bus/taxi towards Kettering. For groups, a direct taxi/hire car may be simplest.
Luton is useful for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and parts of north London. Use the airport shuttle/DART link to Luton Airport Parkway, then continue by rail where the route fits.
For Kettering Town, this airport makes most sense because Luton is a reasonable south-side airport with Midland Main Line connections. From the airport, aim for Kettering. Use rail from Luton Airport Parkway via Bedford or London connections to Kettering, then taxi/bus to Latimer Park.
Stagecoach X4 is one of the specific routes to check for Kettering, Burton Latimer and Latimer Park. It is included because it serves the town, nearby station corridor or the side of the town used for the ground, making it more useful than a vague 'local bus' recommendation.
Check the operator's live timetable before travelling, especially for evening fixtures, bank holidays and Sunday games.
Stagecoach 48 is one of the specific routes to check for Kettering, Burton Latimer and Latimer Park. It is included because it serves the town, nearby station corridor or the side of the town used for the ground, making it more useful than a vague 'local bus' recommendation.
Check the operator's live timetable before travelling, especially for evening fixtures, bank holidays and Sunday games.
Skyline Taxis Kettering is a named local taxi/private-hire option for Kettering, Burton Latimer and Latimer Park. It is useful for station transfers, hotel pickups and the final leg where the nearest rail stop is not right beside the ground.
Pre-booking is sensible for midweek matches and for grounds in villages or residential areas where taxis may not be waiting outside at full-time.
Kettering Taxis is a named local taxi/private-hire option for Kettering, Burton Latimer and Latimer Park. It is useful for station transfers, hotel pickups and the final leg where the nearest rail stop is not right beside the ground.
Pre-booking is sensible for midweek matches and for grounds in villages or residential areas where taxis may not be waiting outside at full-time.
Latimer Park has matchday parking around the ground and is usually the most practical option because the stadium is outside Kettering in Burton Latimer. Follow club signs and stewards.
Expect free or low-cost parking where available, often a small matchday charge where managed. Arrive early for bigger fixtures.
Legal parking in Burton Latimer can be used as a fallback if ground parking is full, but it must be done considerately. Do not block residential access or narrow local roads.
There may be no charge for legal street parking, but availability is limited. Check signs carefully.
The Olde Victoria is a named pub option for Kettering and Burton Latimer, useful for supporters who want a proper place to aim for before the match rather than just wandering around the ground-side streets. It is a sensible choice for early arrivals who want a town or village pub before moving on to the ground.
Check opening times and any fixture-specific door policy before travelling, especially where the ground sits in a residential area or the fixture is expected to be busy.
The Alexandra Arms is a named pub option for Kettering and Burton Latimer, useful for supporters who want a proper place to aim for before the match rather than just wandering around the ground-side streets. It gives a second named pub option if the first choice is too busy or if you are arriving from a different side of town.
Check opening times and any fixture-specific door policy before travelling, especially where the ground sits in a residential area or the fixture is expected to be busy.
Kino Lounge is a named food option around Kettering and Burton Latimer, useful if you want something more reliable than grabbing whatever is nearest at kick-off time. It works best for supporters arriving with enough time for a proper meal rather than a rushed stop.
For restaurant-style stops, book ahead or arrive early; for smaller cafes and takeaways, check opening hours around evening fixtures.
Sultan Kebabs Kettering is a named food option around Kettering and Burton Latimer, useful if you want something more reliable than grabbing whatever is nearest at kick-off time. It gives another named alternative, useful for groups who want a different style of food before or after the match.
For restaurant-style stops, book ahead or arrive early; for smaller cafes and takeaways, check opening hours around evening fixtures.
Kettering Park Hotel is a practical overnight base for an away trip to Kettering and Burton Latimer. It is included because it is a realistic base for the town or nearby transport corridor rather than a random hotel miles away.
Compare rates before booking because small towns can have limited rooms, while tourist places and larger cities can jump in price around events.
Latimer Park is easiest by car, but it is important to check parking arrangements before travelling. Kettering Town have used a large car park at the ground, but for bigger fixtures or televised/cup matches, parking can be redirected to nearby business car parks and allocated by ticket type. Standard parking has also been advertised with a charge, so supporters should not assume parking is free.
Kettering railway station is more than three miles from the ground, so walking is not practical for most supporters. Taxis or local bus services are better options from the station, with buses towards Burton Latimer passing closer to Polwell Lane and Station Road.
For the match itself, Latimer Park offers a choice of covered standing and seated areas, but views can vary depending on the section and whether temporary seating is in place. Neutrals wanting the clearest view should aim for a side-on position, while those wanting atmosphere may prefer the covered end areas.
Kettering Town use advance ticketing for selected fixtures and encourage supporters to buy ahead for bigger games. For standard league fixtures, pay on entry may be available, but ticketing can become more controlled when segregation or a larger crowd is expected.
For higher-profile fixtures, tickets may be tied to specific ground areas rather than simple free movement around the stadium. Supporters with standing tickets have previously been asked to remain in the section shown on their ticket, and tickets may be checked outside the turnstiles before entry.
Away fans should check whether their match is segregated and whether tickets are being sold through Kettering, the visiting club or an online platform. Do not assume pay-on-the-gate will apply for cup ties, local-interest games or fixtures involving large away support.
Supporters should follow the standard rules expected at Latimer Park. Pyrotechnics, smoke bombs, pitch encroachment, throwing objects, abusive behaviour and entering restricted areas are not permitted. Alcohol should only be consumed in areas allowed by the club and competition rules.
For segregated fixtures, supporters must use the correct entrance, stand in or sit in the area shown on their ticket and follow steward instructions. Movement around the ground may be restricted and access to some facilities may be limited by allocation.
Parking areas around Latimer Park may be controlled by marshals. Supporters should not park in business premises, restricted areas or reserved car parks unless directed to do so by the club or stewards.
Kettering Town state that disabled supporters pay the age or educational-status rate appropriate to them, with a carer admitted free of charge where required, although the club may request proof of disability. Disabled parking has also been arranged for specific fixtures by contacting the club in advance.
Latimer Park has practical hard-standing areas and some covered accommodation, but the best accessible position may depend on whether the fixture is segregated and which parts of the ground are open. Supporters with mobility needs should contact the club before travelling to confirm parking, entry and viewing arrangements.
Because parking arrangements can change for larger matches, disabled supporters should not rely on turning up without prior contact. Arriving early is recommended so that stewards can help with the correct entrance and any reserved or suitable viewing position.
Regular public stadium tours are not advertised for Latimer Park. Kettering Town operate the ground as a working non-league football venue rather than a stadium with a scheduled tour programme.
Supporters interested in visiting outside a matchday, photographing the ground or learning more about the club should contact Kettering Town directly. Any access is likely to be informal and dependent on staff or volunteer availability.
Wicksteed Park is a worthwhile extra stop around Kettering and Burton Latimer if you are making more of the day than just the match. It is one of the more obvious local attractions or landmarks to build into an away day.
Check opening times before travelling, particularly for winter midweek fixtures or attractions with seasonal hours.
Official club website. Use this for club news, fixtures, ticket information, supporter notices and the latest matchday updates.