Crystal Palace Travel Suggestions

Crystal Palace V Hereford United
Carling Cup Round 1
Tuesday 12th August Kick-off 8.00 pm.
Selhurst Park
London
SE25 6PU
Phone 0208 768 6000

As the name suggests, the Football Club began life at the old glass palace that was at the top of Sydenham Hill, the present home of the National Sports Centre. At the end of The First World War, they moved to a site in Selhurst and in 1924 to a new purpose built stadium at Selhurst Park, which cost £32570 including the land. Over the years, many alterations and additions have provided what is now a twenty six thousand all-seater stadium. For this game, Hereford fans will be in The Croydon Advertiser Stand.

Admission: Adults £15, Concessions £7.50. A family ticket (2 Adults+2 children) is good value at £32 although it's not clear if this is available "on the day". The Official Palace site is advertising U16's for £1 if purchased with a full paying adult. It is not clear if this can be done at the turnstiles. Advance tickets can be purchased through HUFC offices but it is expected that availability will be discontinued before Tuesday. A call to The Club on 08442 761939 will clarify the situation. PLEASE NOTE, 8.00 pm Kick-off.

Coaches

HUISA departs Legends at 2.30 pm Fare £15. Again, tickets can be booked through HUFC offices.

HUMADS Depart Malvern Coach Depot 1.15 pm, Legends 2.00 pm and Ledbury 2.30. Fare £15, Conc. £10, U14 free with parents

FUNBUS (17 seater) departs Legends at 3.00 pm £15. Contact Ben on 07812 144831

By Car

There are several suggestions on the various guides but I have plumped for the M25 route. From The Shire, go via Gloucester (beware of roadworks between Newent/Ross and Gloucester - Ledbury/Gloucester may be a better bet!), Birdlip and Cirencester before joining the M4 at Swindon (sign London). At J2, leave the M4 joining the M25 southbound (sign Gatwick). Leave the M25 at J7 and join the A23 (sign Croydon). At Purley, take care to bear left for the A23 at its junction with the A235. You will pass roundabouts and junctions with the A232 and A236 as you pass Croydon, after which the A23 bears left at Thornton Heath roundabout where you must take the fourth exit (A235) then almost immediately left into Brigstock Road (B266). Continue passed Thornton Heath Station on your left and bear right into High Street. At the next mini-roundabout (Whitehorse Road/Grange Road), go left into Whitehorse Lane and continue until you see the ground on your right. There is said to be plenty of street parking around the ground. Postcode SE25 6PU. Distance approx 155 miles, allow 4 hours.

Alehouses

There is a Wetherspoons Pub opposite the Thornton Heath Station. The Railway Telegraph on Brigstock Road is a good-sized Youngs' house that accepts visiting fans. The Clifton Arms is the nearest boozer to the stadium. It is a big Victorian corner Pub on Clifton Road well known for its quality of real ale. It is popular with home fans but does admit visitors most of the time. For those intent on ticking several boxes, I would suggest you head for the junction of Portland Road and Penge Road where you will find The Ship, The Alliance, The Jolly Sailor and The Portmanor all within 100 yards or so of each other. However, being an evening match with time likely to be at a premium, you may find it easier to grab a drink in the stadium where licensed bars are available.

Enjoy.

---