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First game at The Valley

This weekend I am off to my first ever Charlton match. I thought I would just give a bit of backround, I am from South Africa (don't worry its not another ticket please fiasco) and have supported Charlton ever since my dad's mate 'converted' me from the usual Big 4 following that takes place in South Africa. After following through the PL times on television to the slump of league one I always followed Charlton's progress. Well this year I am doing a Gap year at The Felsted School in Essex and finally have some time off this weekend to get to London and watch a match. Basically I am writing to ask for your advice on the best way to get to The Valley (tube, station, bus), which stand/seats to sit in(I'm going with two other mates and for viewing), whether leaving to buy tickets on the day will be ok and just to help make it a great first outing. Appreciate all the help
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Comments

  • Charlton railway station is 5 minutes from the ground and is easy to access the ground, for seating go to north upper for atmosphere or west or east stands for best views but that's my personal opinion.

    Enjoy the game!
  • Off_it
    Off_it Posts: 28,939
    If you're currently living in Essex get a train into Liverpool Street/Fenchurch Street, take a 10 minute walk over London Bridge itself to London Bridge station, then get a train from there to Charlton station (which takes about 10-15 minutes).

    Should be easy enough to get a ticket on the day. If you like it a bit lively and chavy then sit in the Upper North Stand (behind the goal). If you prefer it a bit more sedate then it's the East Stand for you, with the flask and blanket brigade, along the side of the pitch, or if you prefer to sit in splendid isolation - but with the best seats in the house, then try the Upper West Stand.

    Enjoy the day.
  • RedPanda
    RedPanda Posts: 4,998
    I'd recommend the northwest quad, cheap tickets and next to where the noise will be coming from. Plus with access to the lower north you'll be able to sample our 'beer' and 'food' easier.
  • smudge7946
    smudge7946 Posts: 4,131
    From Essex, its normally best to get off at Stratford and get the jubilee line to North Greenwich. Its a 10 minute bus ride from there.
  • Davo55
    Davo55 Posts: 7,847
    Hope it's the first of many WestSA. Have a great day.
  • Get to London Bridge in good time and get a train to Charlton from there. Leave plenty of time because the game is on Sunday and trains aren't as frequent on Sundays.

    As for seating, I would recommend West Upper, great viewpoint.

    Here's hoping your first Valley experience is a good one !!
    Enjoy the day.
  • oohaahmortimer
    oohaahmortimer Posts: 34,243

    Leave plenty of time because the game is on Sunday and trains aren't as frequent on Sundays.
    .

    The game is this Saturday btw 12.45pm kick off
  • LoOkOuT
    LoOkOuT Posts: 10,881
    edited May 2013
    C'mon, someone offer this gentleman Addick a proper, good ole SE7 welcome! Who's going to be the first to invite him to a pint?

    Welcome @WestSA
  • Covered End
    Covered End Posts: 52,084
    edited May 2013
    WestSA welcome.

    The correct answer re travel is somewhere in between what you've been told.

    Either underground to Stratford & then onto North Greenwich & get a bus from there or:-

    You can go overground to Liverpool St or Fenchurch St & then get a bus or walk to London Bridge Stn & catch the overground.

    However, unless you are fit like Mo Farah, you won't walk from Liverpool St Stn to London Bridge Stn in 10 mins.

    Having done it hundreds of times, it's a good 20 mins.

    The trains from LB to Charlton take 15 mins. See here.

    http://www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/combinedmatrix.aspx?Command=TimeTable.

    Where to sit is as described above.

    PS It is a Saturday 12.45 KO !
  • Jodaius
    Jodaius Posts: 562

    From Essex, its normally best to get off at Stratford and get the jubilee line to North Greenwich. Its a 10 minute bus ride from there.

    Definitely this. Stratford to North Greenwich on Jubilee line, then bus 472 or 486. You can also get the 161 but this takes slightly longer. Get off the bus at Charlton Station and Bob's your uncle.


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  • Welcome and hope you enjoy your visit.

    Just to remind you.........IT IS A 12:45pm KICK OFF!!!
  • stonewallpenalty
    stonewallpenalty Posts: 3,842

    From Essex, its normally best to get off at Stratford and get the jubilee line to North Greenwich. Its a 10 minute bus ride from there.

    This. Or get off at west ham.

    I travel from dagenham every game and this is by far the quickest way from there.
  • ISawLeaburnScore
    ISawLeaburnScore Posts: 9,779
    As above, go via Stratford and the Jubilee Line... get yourself in the Liberal Club as well!
  • Curb_It
    Curb_It Posts: 21,240
    I know its quicker to go by tube to North Greenwich but getting on the bus and knowing where to get off the bus can be confusing for someone who doesnt know the area.

    If you could tell us if you are coming into Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street - if you come back on here again - it would be helpful.

    Trains go direct from Cannon Street station to Charlton and takes 20 mins. Cannon Street is a short walk from Fenchurch Street and quite easy to find.

  • Lots of train talk again. NLA will be well happy with this!!! ;o)
  • He's found his way from Africa to London.
    Does it require a thread on how to travel from Essex to Charlton?
  • ISawLeaburnScore
    ISawLeaburnScore Posts: 9,779
    It's always the final furlong that causes a problem ;-)
  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,679

    He's found his way from Africa to London.
    Does it require a thread on how to travel from Essex to Charlton?

    but it might not be a he.......it could be a woman with a map.
  • Shag
    Shag Posts: 4,557
    Depends whereabouts in Essex but if you can get a train to stratford you can get the jubilee line west towards Stanmore , change at Canning Town ( 3 stops ) for the DLR and then head east to West Silvertown ( one stop ) , get off there and get on the Emirates Air line cable car over the thames ( one stop ) , get off there and walk east along the river heading for the Anchor Pub and I will see you in there at 11 (providing its open) . Stella for me please , cheers fella
  • Curb_It
    Curb_It Posts: 21,240

    He's found his way from Africa to London.
    Does it require a thread on how to travel from Essex to Charlton?

    You're a miserable sod.

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  • Went out last night. Sorry.
  • WestSA
    WestSA Posts: 62
    Thanks for all the help so far (I'm a he btw) enjoyed that comment Robbo on the wing! Ok so hopefully coming chelmsford and basically it stops at Stratford before terminating at Liverpool street. The jubilee line from stratford does seem the easiest but I am going to buy a day travelcard . Does anyone know if the train from london bridge to charlton is included in that? I know it includes tube, bus etc but are the national rail services within London included? Bit torn on which tickets as both the north upper/ northwest and west stand... Plus will buying on the day be ok as not to miss out. Really appreciate the local knowledge!
  • You'll be fine with your travelcard to Charlton.
  • shirty5
    shirty5 Posts: 19,278
    Travelcard includes trains.
    Match tickets on the day are on sale.
  • ISawLeaburnScore
    ISawLeaburnScore Posts: 9,779
    You'll be able to buy tickets for more or less anywhere in the ground on the day.
  • AFKABartram
    AFKABartram Posts: 57,913
    WestSA said:


    Bit torn on which tickets as both the north upper/ northwest and west stand... Plus will buying on the day be ok as not to miss out. Really appreciate the local knowledge!

    If you want a bit of atmosphere, sit North Upper (central or to the right if poss).
    If you prefer it a bit more sedate and closer to the action, sit in the East or West
    If you want something in between, sit North West Quad

    There are no real bad views in the stadium (other than the ones facing the pitch, boom boom), just ensure if E/W/NW you don't get one of the very first rows.

    Have a great day

  • Nicholas
    Nicholas Posts: 7,643
    WestSA said:

    Thanks for all the help so far (I'm a he btw) enjoyed that comment Robbo on the wing! Ok so hopefully coming chelmsford and basically it stops at Stratford before terminating at Liverpool street. The jubilee line from stratford does seem the easiest but I am going to buy a day travelcard . Does anyone know if the train from london bridge to charlton is included in that? I know it includes tube, bus etc but are the national rail services within London included? Bit torn on which tickets as both the north upper/ northwest and west stand... Plus will buying on the day be ok as not to miss out. Really appreciate the local knowledge!

    If your going in to Stratford there is really no point going to London Bridge. Get off at North Greenwich and get bus takes literally 7 or 8 minutes.
  • stonewallpenalty
    stonewallpenalty Posts: 3,842
    edited May 2013
    North greenwich. Ask someone where the bus stop is. Get on the bus and it will say on the bus recording 'CHARLTON STATION' at the time it Arrives there. Its no different to an airport shuttle really. No point going miles past and then coming back again. Its not as complicated as its being made out.

    good luck.
  • killerandflash
    killerandflash Posts: 70,023
    There'll be other people getting on the bus at North Greenwich going to the game, so you won't get lost. The bus station is right next to the exit from the tube station, turn left and walk towards the end for the buses to Charlton. And once you get near the stadium, you'll see people everywhere.

  • Get on any bus from stops a or b.
    Look for big red building.