A trip to Northampton Town offers an enjoyable Midlands football away day, combining a compact stadium, passionate fans, and a town with character and history. The Sixfields Stadium, home of the Cobblers since 1994, provides modern facilities in a welcoming environment for visiting supporters. Away fans can enjoy local pubs, eateries, and attractions, making a day out in Northampton a full experience beyond just football.
Getting There
Northampton is well connected by rail, road, and coach, making it easy for travelling supporters to reach Sixfields Stadium.
- By Train: The main station is Northampton Station, around 3 miles from the stadium. Direct trains run from London (1h), Birmingham (1h), Milton Keynes (20 minutes), and Leicester (40 minutes). From the station, fans can take a taxi, bus, or walk (around 45 minutes) to the ground.
- By Car: The stadium is accessible via the A45, A508, and M1. Matchday traffic can build, so pre-booking parking or arriving early is advisable. Official car parks are available, as well as limited nearby street parking.
- By Coach: Away supporters’ coaches are dropped off at the designated away entrance, providing a safe and convenient route to the stadium.
Where to Drink
Northampton offers a good pre-match pub scene, suitable for travelling fans.
- Near the Ground: Pubs such as The Red Lion and The Sixfields Tavern are convenient for a quick pint before heading to the stadium.
- Town Centre: About a 10–15 minute drive from Sixfields, the town centre has several pubs along Abington Street and St. Giles Street. The Exchange and The Church offer a lively atmosphere and are welcoming to away supporters.
- Alternative Options: For quieter drinks, pubs along Wellingborough Road and the surrounding areas provide a relaxed pre-match environment.
The Ground: Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a modern, all-seater venue with a capacity of around 7,700. Its compact layout ensures good sightlines and a lively atmosphere for visiting supporters.
- Away Section: Visiting supporters are housed in the East Stand, with an allocation of around 1,500. The stand is fully covered and close to the pitch, allowing chants to carry effectively.
- Facilities: Concessions sell pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. Alcohol is available in designated areas. Toilets are clean and functional, though queues may form near kickoff. Staff are experienced and helpful to away fans.
Food Options
Northampton has a variety of food options for travelling supporters.
- Near the Ground: Takeaways around the stadium sell burgers, chips, and kebabs. The Sixfields Tavern also offers pub meals for fans wanting a sit-down pre-match feed.
- Town Centre: Northampton town centre offers numerous restaurants, cafés, and pubs serving British, Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisine. Chains such as Wetherspoons, Greggs, and Subway are also available.
- Local Specialties: Northamptonshire is known for hearty pies and traditional pub meals, which are readily available around the town and near the stadium.
Making a Weekend of It
Northampton is a historic town with plenty to explore if staying overnight or making a weekend out of your trip.
- Nightlife: The town centre offers pubs, bars, and casual restaurants along Abington Street and St. Giles Street. The Exchange and The Church are popular post-match venues for away fans.
- Culture & Attractions: Northampton boasts Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Abington Park, and All Saints Church. Fans can also enjoy walks along the River Nene or explore nearby countryside.
- Day Trips: Milton Keynes, Leicester, and Birmingham are within easy reach by train. The nearby Cotswolds provide scenic countryside for fans wanting to combine football with a day trip.
Away Day Tips
- Arrive Early: Streets around the stadium can get busy on matchdays. Arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff ensures time to settle in and avoid congestion.
- Drink in the Right Areas: Pubs in the town centre or official away-friendly venues near the stadium provide the safest pre-match environment.
- Dress for the Weather: Northamptonshire weather can be unpredictable — bring layers and waterproofs.
- Engage with the Atmosphere: The East Stand is close to the pitch, allowing away fans to make a noticeable impact with chants and support.
Final Whistle
A Northampton Town away day offers a traditional Midlands football experience, with a compact stadium, friendly town, and modern facilities. Sixfields Stadium is welcoming to visiting supporters, and the town centre adds pubs, restaurants, and cultural attractions to make a full day out.
From pre-match pints in town to supporting your team in the East Stand, to exploring local museums, parks, or the River Nene afterwards, a trip here combines football, culture, and local character. Northampton Town is an ideal destination for fans seeking a rewarding, classic football away day experience.

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