A trip to Charlton Athletic is a proper London football day out. The Addicks’ home, The Valley, is steeped in history, tucked away in the heart of South East London, and renowned for its brilliant atmosphere and old-school charm. For away fans, Charlton offers a welcoming vibe, good facilities, and easy access from central London. Combine that with great pubs, local culture, and the buzz of the capital, and you’ve got one of the best away experiences in the EFL.

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Getting There

Charlton is located in South East London, close to Greenwich, making it easily reachable by train, tube, or car (though driving in London isn’t always fun!).

• By Train: The best option is Charlton Station, just a 5-minute walk from The Valley. Trains run frequently from London Bridge, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross — all taking around 15–20 minutes. Trains are frequent before and after the game, but be prepared for queues after the final whistle.
• By Tube/DLR: If you’re coming via the Underground, take the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich (home of the O2 Arena), then hop on a short bus ride (161, 472, or 486) to Charlton.
• By Car: Parking near The Valley is limited. Street restrictions apply, and traffic can be heavy, especially after the game. Your best bet is to park near North Greenwich or Woolwich and take public transport the rest of the way.
• By Coach: Official away coaches are dropped off directly outside the away end, which makes arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.

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Where to Drink

Charlton away offers a good mix of traditional pubs and modern bars, depending on how you want to spend your pre-match hours.

• Near the Ground: The Antigallican on Woolwich Road is the main away-friendly pub. It’s large, lively, and located just a few minutes’ walk from the away turnstiles. There’s a solid range of beers on tap, decent pub grub, and a great pre-match buzz.
• Alternative Options: The Rose of Denmark and The White Swan are also close by but tend to be more mixed or home-fan heavy — fine if you’re in colours but respectful.
• Greenwich / North Greenwich: For a classier pint or some pre-match food, head to nearby Greenwich. There you’ll find The Trafalgar Tavern, The Gipsy Moth, and The Cutty Sark — all great riverside pubs with food, drink, and atmosphere in abundance.

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The Ground: The Valley

The Valley is one of English football’s hidden gems. Originally opened in 1919, it once held over 75,000 fans and remains one of London’s most historic stadiums. Today, it’s a modern 27,000-seater with a traditional feel — the perfect blend of old and new.

• Away Section: Visiting supporters are housed in the Jimmy Seed Stand (South Stand), behind one of the goals. The allocation is usually around 3,000, and the view is excellent — close to the pitch with a clear sightline of the whole ground.
• Atmosphere: Charlton fans are passionate but generally welcoming. The acoustics inside The Valley mean noise travels well, and away fans can really make themselves heard.
• Facilities: The concourses are clean and modern, with plenty of food and drink kiosks. Alcohol is usually served pre-match. Toilets and amenities are decent, and there’s plenty of room on the stairwells and walkways.

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Food Options

Whether you’re looking for quick bites or a proper meal, Charlton and nearby Greenwich have you covered.

• Near the Ground: Along Woolwich Road you’ll find takeaways selling burgers, kebabs, and fish and chips — all ideal for a pre-match meal.
• Greenwich: For something more substantial, head to Greenwich Market, where you can grab everything from Caribbean jerk chicken to artisan pizza and coffee. It’s just 10–15 minutes away by bus or taxi.
• Inside the Ground: The Valley’s catering is better than average for EFL standards, with hot pies, sausage rolls, and vegetarian options available. The steak pie in particular gets strong reviews from away fans.

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Making a Weekend of It

If you’re visiting from outside London, Charlton is the perfect base for a football weekend with a bit of sightseeing on the side.

• Nightlife: Central London is only 20–30 minutes away by train, so you can easily hit Borough Market, London Bridge, or Shoreditch after the game. If you prefer to stay local, Greenwich offers riverside bars and relaxed pubs.
• Culture & Attractions: Greenwich is one of London’s most beautiful districts — don’t miss the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Park, which offers stunning skyline views of the city. For music fans, the O2 Arena at North Greenwich often hosts gigs and events on matchdays.
• Where to Stay: There are affordable hotels near Greenwich and Woolwich, plus Premier Inns and Travelodges around North Greenwich for easy transport access.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Trains and buses fill up quickly before kickoff, especially on Saturdays. Arriving at least 90 minutes before the match is smart.
• Use Public Transport: Parking is minimal, and the roads can get gridlocked. Train or DLR travel is faster and easier.
• Stick to Away-Friendly Pubs: The Antigallican is your best bet if you want to drink near the stadium.
• Enjoy the Area: Greenwich and the Thames waterfront are within walking distance — ideal for food, drink, or just soaking up the city vibe.
• Bring Cash: While most places take cards, smaller food vendors and cabs may prefer cash, especially around the ground.

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Final Whistle

A Charlton Athletic away day has everything you want in a London football trip — a proper old-school ground, passionate supporters, good pubs, and great city surroundings. The Valley manages to keep that traditional community feel while being close enough to the heart of London to make it a full weekend experience.

From pre-match pints at The Antigallican, to belting out chants from the Jimmy Seed Stand, to post-match pints in Greenwich with a view of the Thames — Charlton away is one of those fixtures that leaves a smile on your face.

It’s a trip that combines history, hospitality, and the unique buzz that only London football can deliver. Whether you’re there for the day or making a weekend of it, a visit to The Valley is a proper reminder of why away days are the best part of football.