There’s something special about an away day in Lancashire. Whether it’s the industrial heritage, the tight-knit fanbases, or the proper football culture that oozes from the towns and cities, it always feels authentic. Blackburn Rovers, with their proud history and Ewood Park home, are a classic stop on the away day calendar. If your team is heading to Blackburn, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

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Getting There

Blackburn is fairly straightforward to get to, although it’s not quite as directly connected as some larger northern cities.

• By Train: Blackburn station sits on the East Lancashire line. Direct services run from Manchester, Preston, Leeds, and Blackpool. If you’re coming from further afield, you’ll usually need to change at Preston or Manchester. The station is about a 25-minute walk from Ewood Park, or you can grab a taxi if you’re running late.
• By Car: The M65 motorway runs right by the town, with Junction 4 being the exit for Ewood Park. From the south, the M6 and M61 get you close before linking onto the M65. Parking is available at the stadium itself (around £10) and in nearby streets, but these can fill up quickly.
• By Coach: Official away travel organised by your club will drop you right outside the ground, and independent coaches tend to do the same. If you want a hassle-free trip, this is often the best option.

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Where to Drink

Blackburn is a proper football town, and there are plenty of pubs that welcome travelling supporters – though as with any away day, it’s worth checking in advance.

• Near the Ground: The Fernhurst pub, a large Greene King about five minutes from the stadium, is the go-to away fan boozer. It’s spacious, serves food, and is generally very welcoming to visitors. The Golden Cup and Navigation Inn are also known to host away fans, though they can get busy on matchdays.
• Town Centre: If you’re arriving early and fancy a pint before heading down to Ewood, the centre has several options. The Postal Order (a Wetherspoons) is handy and cheap, while The Blackburn Times offers a more local feel with plenty of ale choices.

Many away fans choose to drink in Manchester or Preston if they’re travelling by train, then head over to Blackburn closer to kick-off. It’s a good option if you want a wider variety of pubs and a bit more atmosphere.

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The Ground: Ewood Park

Ewood Park is one of English football’s traditional homes. Opened in 1882 and redeveloped heavily in the 1990s during the Jack Walker era, it blends modern facilities with history.

• Away Section: Travelling fans are housed in the Bryan Douglas Darwen End. It’s behind the goal and can accommodate around 4,000 supporters. 7,000+ is possible if the demand is there for the top tier to be made available for away fans, making it one of the larger away allocations in the Championship. The views are good, the legroom is generous, and the atmosphere can really build when it’s full.
• Facilities: The concourse is spacious and serves the usual matchday grub – pies, chips, hot dogs, and plenty of hot drinks for those chilly Lancashire afternoons. Blackburn are well-known for their meat pies; the Holland’s pie is a local classic and worth a try if you’re peckish.

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Food Options

If you’ve got time before the match, there are plenty of food stops in and around Blackburn.

• Near the Ground: Fish and chip shops are dotted around the area, with Ewood Fish Bar being a popular choice. The Fenhurst pub also serves food, making it a convenient pre-match option.
• In Town: The Mall Shopping Centre has a range of chain eateries if you’re after something quick and familiar. Blackburn’s town centre also has some excellent curry houses, reflecting the town’s multicultural roots – perfect if you’re staying overnight.

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Making a Weekend of It

Blackburn itself is a fairly small town, but there are a few reasons to extend your trip if your fixture falls on a Saturday.

• Nightlife: While not as lively as neighbouring Manchester, Blackburn has a solid mix of pubs, bars, and late-night venues. The Exchange and The Vault are popular spots.
• Culture & Sights: If you’re making a family trip, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is worth a look, and Witton Country Park offers plenty of open space. For something unique, the Blackburn Cathedral is right in the town centre and makes for an interesting visit.
• Nearby Cities: Manchester is just 30 minutes away by train, while Preston and Bolton are also close by. If you’re looking for a bigger night out, basing yourself in one of these cities is a good option.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: The roads around Ewood Park can get congested on matchdays, especially close to kick-off.
• Bring Layers: Lancashire weather is famously unpredictable, and Ewood can get very cold, particularly in the winter months.
• Try the Local Pie: Seriously – Holland’s pies are a staple of the matchday experience in Blackburn.
• Respect the Locals: Blackburn is a proud football town with a passionate fanbase. Keep the banter good-natured and you’ll enjoy a cracking day out.

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Final Whistle

An away day to Blackburn Rovers offers everything you’d want from a traditional football trip: a historic ground, a proper football town, and a warm northern welcome. Ewood Park is one of those classic venues where you really feel the weight of history – from title-winning memories in the 1990s to the passionate backing of the Rovers faithful today.

Whether you’re driving up the M65, catching a rattler through Preston, or rolling in on the coach, Blackburn away is a fixture to look forward to. Get your scarf packed, line up your pre-match pub, and enjoy one of the most authentic football experiences in the league.