For many football supporters, an away day is about much more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s the chance to explore a new town or city, enjoy the atmosphere with fellow fans, and tick another stadium off the list. For Premier League followers, a trip to Bournemouth is one of the most unique on the calendar. Nestled on the south coast of England, the seaside town offers something very different from the usual industrial heartlands and bustling metropolises of the league. Whether you’re travelling from nearby Southampton or trekking down from Newcastle, here’s a guide to making the most of Bournemouth as an away fan.
The Town: A Seaside Escape
Bournemouth is a traditional coastal resort with golden sandy beaches, a lively pier, and plenty of holiday vibes. Unlike many Premier League away trips, a visit here feels more like a weekend break. The seafront stretches for miles, lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream kiosks, and pubs with sea views. If your match coincides with decent weather, expect plenty of supporters to spend time by the beach before heading up to the ground.
The town centre is compact, meaning it’s easy to get around on foot. There are ample spots for food and drink, and Bournemouth is generally welcoming to visiting supporters as long as you show respect.
The Stadium: Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth’s home ground, the Vitality Stadium, is unlike most Premier League venues. With a capacity of just over 11,000, it’s by far the smallest in the division. That creates a very different matchday feel compared to the vast arenas of Old Trafford or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For away fans, this intimacy is a huge part of the charm. You’re close to the action, the acoustics are excellent, and it often feels like your support can genuinely influence the atmosphere. The away end is in the East Stand, holding around 1,300 supporters. Facilities are fairly basic compared to some grounds, but the view is unobstructed, and the proximity to the pitch makes up for the simplicity.
One downside is the allocation: with limited capacity, tickets are hard to come by, especially for bigger clubs. If you’re keen to go, be ready to apply as soon as your club’s allocation goes on sale.
Getting There
By Train
Bournemouth station is well connected to London, with trains from Waterloo taking around two hours. From the station, the ground is about a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
By Car
If you’re driving, the journey can be scenic but traffic-heavy. The A338 leads into Bournemouth, but on matchdays, expect delays around the town centre. Parking near the stadium is limited. Some residential streets allow parking, but restrictions are enforced, so keep an eye on signs. A safer bet is to use town centre car parks and walk to the ground.
By Coach
Most away supporters arrive via club coaches, which usually drop fans close to the stadium. This is often the easiest option, particularly for those travelling long distances.
Pubs and Pre-Match Pints
Bournemouth has a reputation as a night out hotspot, but not every venue welcomes away supporters on matchdays. In the town centre, pubs like The Moon in the Square (Wetherspoons) are popular, offering cheap drinks and a central location. Closer to the stadium, many pubs are home-fan only, so check before you enter.
A good option for away fans is to stick around the seafront or town centre before heading up to the Vitality. On a sunny day, it’s hard to beat a pint overlooking the beach.
Food Options
Inside the Vitality Stadium, catering is straightforward—pies, burgers, hot dogs, and the usual football fare. Outside the ground, your best options are in the town centre or along the seafront. Bournemouth has a wide range of restaurants, from classic fish and chips to international cuisines. Many fans opt for a pre-match meal in town before making the walk up to the stadium.
Where to Stay
For those making a weekend of it, Bournemouth is one of the best away trips in terms of accommodation. The town is packed with hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses, catering to all budgets. Staying near the beach is particularly appealing, especially if you’re travelling in warmer months. With the stadium only a short distance away, it’s easy to combine football with a proper seaside getaway.
The Atmosphere
Bournemouth supporters are passionate but generally friendly. The smaller ground means it’s not the most intimidating away day, but the compact stands generate noise, and the home fans do their best to get behind their team. Away supporters often dominate the atmosphere, especially with a vocal following.
Because of the size of the ground, there’s a sense of being part of something intimate and different—a Premier League fixture that feels more like an old-school lower-league ground. Many away fans find it refreshing compared to the corporate feel of some larger stadiums.
Making the Most of It
A trip to Bournemouth is a chance to combine football with leisure. If your fixture falls on a summer’s day, there are few better away trips: morning on the beach, afternoon at the football, and perhaps a night out in town. Even in the colder months, the sea air and coastal backdrop make it a memorable away day.
The only real drawback is the ticket scarcity, but if you’re lucky enough to secure one, you’re in for one of the most enjoyable trips in the league.
Final Thoughts
Bournemouth may not have the size or glamour of some Premier League destinations, but it more than makes up for it with charm. The Vitality Stadium offers a throwback to football’s more intimate days, while the town itself provides plenty for a weekend away. For the travelling supporter, this is one trip that’s about more than just football—it’s about experiencing the unique character of England’s south coast.
If you’re planning your away days for the season, circle Bournemouth on the calendar. It might just end up being your favourite trip.
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