The 20 Best Stadiums in the UK You Cannot Miss!

There is no hesitance in accepting that England is home to magnificent football stadiums fueled by state-of-the-art facilities and electrifying atmospheres. As per the IBISWorld report, the UK’s sports facilities market is measured at £7.4 billion in 2024, with stadiums having the largest share. From the historic Old Trafford to the modern London Stadium, the best stadiums in the UK will leave you in awe. While you have always watched these stadiums on screen, knowing titbits of the behind-the-scenes will thrill you to the core. Here, we have a handpicked list of the best stadiums in England and other UK stadiums to be a part of a unique experience.

20 Best Stadiums in the UK

The best stadiums in the UK are focused on delivering an exceptional experience for fans, but other venues across the country also have their unique charms and offerings. Some amazing UK football stadiums in places like Edinburgh and Glasgow should not be missed. To make the most of your adventure, keep UK transportation guides on hand and check the distance between destinations and your student accommodation in England. Here are some of the best stadiums in the UK.

1. Celtic Park

Location: Glasgow G40 3RE, UK
Seating Capacity: 60,411
Opened: 1892
Associated Team: Celtic F.C.
Iconic Feature: This UK stadium boasts impressive training facilities, making it one of the places to host the UEFA Champions League and Euro Cup finals.

The home of one the best Scottish football teams, Celtic F.C., Celtic Park, also known as 'Parkhead' or 'Paradise', has seen many changes throughout its history. Still, the fans' support, community engagement, and charitable work have always remained constant. The closeness of the stands to the ground, the chanting, and the passionate support of the fans make it a formidable and intimidating ground to play as an away team, making it one of the best UK stadiums.

2. Ibrox Stadium

Location: 150 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow G51 2XD, Scotland
Seating Capacity: 50,817
‍Opened: 1899
Associated Team: Rangers F.C.
Iconic Feature: The pitch is surrounded by covered all-seater stands named after prominent figures in Scottish football history.

Ibrox Stadium is one of the best soccer stadiums in England and is the home of Rangers Football Club, one of the most successful football clubs in the country. It is the third-largest stadium in Scotland, with a seating capacity of 50,817. This best football stadium in the UK has hosted the Scotland national football team and also played host to three Scottish Cup Finals. Besides hosting games, the stadium has also hosted several concerts. The stadium has been rebuilt a couple of times, but the iconic moments there cannot be forgotten. It is definitely one of the best stadiums in the UK. After witnessing the most vibrant match of your life, the best cafes in London are always there for a hearty meal.

3. BT Murrayfield Stadium

Location: Roseburn St, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ, UK
Seating Capacity: 67,1442
Opened: 1925
Associated Team: Scottish National Rugby Union team
Iconic Feature: In rectangular shape, this UK football stadium is surrounded by a 100-metre track.

Home of Scottish Rugby and the largest and one of the best stadiums in the UK! Don’t believe us? Well, this stadium has an extravagant seating capacity and is also popularly known for utilising renewable energy sources, recycling programs, and environment-friendly practices that encourage sustainable initiatives. BT Murrayfield Stadium is a historic rugby and football venue in Edinburgh, making it the best football stadium in the UK!

4. Millennium Stadium

Location: Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1NS, UK
Seating Capacity: 74,500
Opened: 1999
Associated Team: Wales National Football Team, Cardiff City F.C.
Iconic Feature: Known as the National Stadium of Wales, this soccer stadium in the UK features natural grass with artificial fibres.

The amazing multi-use Millennium Stadium is situated in Cardiff, Wales. This is one of the best UK stadiums that soon became a representation of Welsh athletic pride. The stadium is known for its unique retractable roof, allowing events to be held in all weather. The Wales national football team's international matches have been played in the Millennium Stadium, which acts as their official home. It has hosted six nations games along with being the home field for the Welsh national team, making it one of the best stadiums in the UK!

5. Hampden Park Stadium

Location: Letherby Dr, Glasgow G42 9BA, UK
Seating Capacity: 51,866
Opened: 1903
Associated Team: Scottish National Football Team
Iconic Feature: The stadium is versatile enough to host football leagues, the Commonwealth Games, and a boxing competition between Mike Tyson and Lou Savarese.

The iconic Hampden Park Stadium is a football hotspot located in Glasgow, Scotland. Since it is a site of important qualification games and home matches for the Scottish national football team, Hampden Park is usually linked with that team. Many domestic cup finals, including the Scottish Cup, as well as famous European games, have taken place at the stadium. Fans passionately support their teams in an amazing atmosphere created by the unique architecture and steep terracing, making it one of the best UK stadiums for football! 

6. Swansea.com Stadium

Location: Plasmarl, Swansea SA1 2FA
Seating Capacity: 21,088
Opened: 2005
Associated Team: Swansea City A.F.C
Iconic Feature: The stadium not only offers guided tours but also provides excellent facilities for differently-abled fans.

Home to Swansea City A.F.C in Wales, UK, is the Swansea.com Stadium, one of the best stadiums in the UK and the third largest in Wales. Known as the Liberty Stadium before the name change in August 2021, this ground is among the best stadiums in the UK since it has seen a lot of history. One of the biggest events that took place in this stadium was the three Welsh International football matches. The stadium also holds a place in the history books since it was the first Premier League stadium in Wales. 

7. Cardiff City Stadium

Location: Leckwith Rd, Cardiff CF11 8AZ
Seating Capacity: 33,280
Opened: 2009
Associated Team: Cardiff City F.C., Wales National Football Team
Iconic Feature: The all-seater bowl design exhibits a sleek and contemporary style through its steel and glass structure.

Located in the beautiful country of Wales, Cardiff City Stadium is also one of the best stadiums in the UK. Being the home ground of the Wales national football team, it is also the homeland of Cardiff City F.C. Currently, it is observed as the second-largest stadium in Wales. The stadium hosted the popular 2014 UEFA Super Cup, 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, and the final of the 2016–17 UEFA Women's Champions League, making it one of the best stadiums in the UK. 

8. Croke Park

Location: Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
Seating Capacity: 82,300
Opened: 2005
Associated Team: Ireland National Team
Iconic Feature: It is a custom turf featuring 60% Poa Pratensis and 40% Perennial Ryegrass.

Located in Dublin, Croke Park is a Gaelic stadium and is home to the Ireland National Team and GAA fans and is loved by the locals. The stadium is mostly used for sports like Gaelic football and hurling. Some major events hosted in Croke Park Stadium are the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2003 Special Olympics and the closing ceremony of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. It is among the best stadiums in the UK and the favourite of many. 

9. Casement Park

Location: Belfast BT11 9BD
Seating Capacity: 31,661
Opened: 1953
Associated Team: Antrim football
Iconic Feature: By 2028, the stadium will have a new look, featuring a spectacular bowl structure.

Located in Belfast, Casement Park is also one of the best stadiums in the UK. It is home to Antrim football and hurling teams and has a seating capacity of 31,661. Casement Park Stadium has a long history. It will host the UEFA Euro 2028 Championship with Croke Park, and these two are the only GAA stadiums to have the honour of hosting these events. The capacity and bright future make Casement Park one of the best stadiums in the UK.

10. Pittodrie Stadium

Location: 30 Pittodrie St, Aberdeen AB24 5QH
Seating Capacity: 20,866
Opened: 1899
Associated Team: Aberdeen F.C.
Iconic Feature: The characteristics of a Leitch design and the splayed steelwork stand out in the crowd.

Located in Aberdeen, Scotland, Pittodrie Stadium is home to Aberdeen F.C. and has also been home to the Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.! It is among the largest stadiums in Scotland and has witnessed the dugouts being tested in 1978. The Scottish National Team has also played fifteen matches at the Aberdeen F.C. Stadium, and rugby union matches have been played here. Its rich history makes this ground one of the best stadiums in the UK. 

Best Stadiums in England

England is a country with several sports teams and a large number of supporters who come to watch and enjoy the games. From historic grounds that have organised matches for well over a century to modern architectural marvels, England boasts stadiums that cater to fans of football, rugby, and more. Below, we explore the best stadiums in England, which are the ones that should unquestionably be on your list of places to visit.

11. Old Trafford

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester M1 6FU
Seating Capacity: 74,310
Opened: 1910
Associated Team: Manchester United F.C.
Iconic Feature: The seating arrangement (in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand) spells out “Manchester United” in red letters.  

Old Trafford is Manchester United Football Club's home ground. It is also known as the "Red Devils," and when one thinks of one of the best football grounds in England, this team immediately springs to mind. "The Theatre of Dreams is one of the best stadiums in England and the UK because of the club's remarkable history. It is proof of the resilience and long-lasting impact of Manchester United's global dominance under the famous Sir Alex Ferguson. 

12. Anfield

Location: Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH, UK
‍Seating Capacity: 53,394
Opened: 1884
Associated Team: Liverpool F.C.
Iconic Feature: The players’ tunnel is in the middle of the stand at pitch level.

When one thinks of Anfield, the only thoughts that come to mind are the great European nights played here – the fans roaring and cheering their team on. Anfield, the home of Liverpool F.C., known as The Reds, is another history-filled and probably the most beautiful stadium in England. Anfield Stadium has seen various famous players and witnessed its club conquer Europe a total of 6 times, making it the best stadium in England. If you ever want to witness how exhilarating it can get here, watch a knockout stage of any European competition here. No wonder Arsene Wenger once said, "(For a) home game, this is the most heated stadium in Europe in a return game."

13. Etihad Stadium

Location: Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF, UK‍
Seating Capacity: 55,097‍
Opened: 2003‍
Associated Team: Manchester City F.C.‍
Iconic Feature: The stadium resembles a continuous oval bowl, and each part of the ground is named after a physical location.

Next in line is the home of Manchester City F.C., The Etihad Stadium. Unlike its counterpart, The Etihad Stadium radiates an aura of modernity and authority, which sets it apart from the other stadiums in the country and makes it one of the best stadiums in England. The stadium fills up completely on derby day. It is one of the best stadiums in England, owing to its eco-friendly features, like solar electricity, a green roof, and a rainwater collection. After watching a match here, you can grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in Manchester. 

14. St. James Park

Location: Barrack Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST, UK
‍Seating Capacity: 52,405
Opened: 1892
Associated Team: Newcastle United F.C.
Iconic Feature: The oldest existing stadium in North-Eastern England is the 8th largest stadium in England.

Next is the home of Newcastle United and their “toon army” and also one of the best UK stadiums! If you have seen the movie "Goal" (2015), you might remember Santiago played at St. James Park Stadium. This stadium is steeped in tradition due to the atmosphere the fans create as they fill up its seating capacity of 52,405. Plus, the stadium has an iconic design, including the famous "Leazes End", a unique feature of the stadium and one of the best stadiums in England.

15. Wembley Stadium

Location: South Way, London HA9 0WS
‍Seating Capacity: 90,000
Opened: 2007
Associated Team: England national football team
Iconic Feature: The 133-metre-tall arch is visible across London and is the largest single-sphere roof on earth.

In addition to housing the England national team, Wembley serves as the venue for the FA Cup and League Cup finals, as well as the team's home games. The iconic arch makes its presence known to the entire city and crowns it as one of the best stadiums in England. Wembley Stadium offers people a great range of amenities and features, which makes the audience experience amazing and worth remembering. Moreover, "It is coming home!" echoes in the air whenever England plays a major match at this stadium in England. After a match, if you find yourself wandering in London, be sure to uncover the city's hidden gems and create lasting memories. 

16. Emirates Stadium

Location: Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ, UK
Seating Capacity: 60,260
Opened: 2006
Associated Team: Arsenal F.C.
Iconic Feature: The unique tipping seats allow fans to enjoy additional legroom.

Greetings from the Emirates, the home of the storied Arsenal team, sometimes known as the "Gunners". With its unique architecture and modern, streamlined form, the Emirates Stadium was constructed in 2006 and is among the best stadiums in England. Furthermore, the stadium's design incorporates rainwater collection, the utilisation of eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient lighting to minimise its carbon footprint. It is the best football stadium in England and the fifth-largest football stadium in terms of capacity. After witnessing the most vibrant match of your life, the best cafes in London are always there for a hearty meal. 

17. Stamford Bridge

Location: Fulham Rd., London SW6 1HS, UK
Seating Capacity: 41,837
Opened: 1877
Associated Team: Chelsea F.C.
Iconic Feature: The Shed End is only dedicated to passionate Chelsea supporters.

Welcome to the Bridge! The home of Chelsea F.C. is the best football stadium in England, as you can hear the fans cheer on the team in full force. It has an iconic design, including the famous "Matthew Harding Stand", a unique feature of the stadium and one of the most recognisable in the UK. The stadium is not only used for football matches, but also for concerts and other events. It provides a great entertainment venue for the local community, making it one of the best stadiums in England.

18. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 

Location: 782 High Road, London N17 0BX, UK
‍Seating Capacity: 62,062
Opened: 2019
Associated Team: Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Iconic Feature: The stadium is home to the world’s first retractable football pitch.

Built only a few years ago, this stadium boasts a modern, state-of-the-art design that sets it apart from many other best stadiums in England. With a massive seating capacity, it is one of the best stadiums in England. It boasts a range of innovative technology features, including the world's first dividing, retractable football pitch, which allows the stadium to host NFL games. Plus, it serves as a venue for concerts and events, making it one of the best stadiums in England. 

19. King Power Stadium

Location: Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL, UK
Seating Capacity: 32,262
Opened: 2002
Associated Team: Leicester City F.C.
Iconic Feature: The exterior showcases a large glass façade that wraps around the stadium.

Home of Leicester City F.C., the King Power Stadium is one of the best stadiums in England. The stadium has seen its side do the impossible by winning the Premier League when the odds were stacked against them 5000/1 in their 2015-16 campaign. When you watch a match in this stadium, you can hear the fans cheering for a run like the one in the past, making it one of the best stadiums in England.

20. London Stadium

Location: London E20 2ST, UK
Seating Capacity: 80,000
Opened: 2012 
Associated Team: West Ham United
Iconic Feature: This oval-shaped stadium features the longest cantilevered roof in the world.

Formerly known as the Olympic Stadium, this is one of the best stadiums in England. Located south of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it is home to the Premier League football club West Ham United and UK Athletics. London Stadium gained much traction for hosting the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2012 Paralympic Games and deserves to be one of the best stadiums in London. 

After reviewing the list of the best stadiums in the UK and England, you must add these iconic venues to your itinerary. While touring the country's renowned football stadiums, take the opportunity to explore the best road trips the UK has to offer. Now, get ready to experience exciting adventures and make amazing memories by visiting the UK's famous stadiums and other great places. Till then, happy exploring!