There’s something magical about an away day. The early train, the anticipation, the unfamiliar skyline, and that first pint in enemy territory—it’s football in its purest, most tribal form. England is blessed with an incredible range of stadiums and cities, each offering a unique experience for the travelling supporter. From the roar of 50,000 Geordies to the seaside charm of Blackpool, here’s our pick of the best away days in England.

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1. Newcastle United – St James’ Park

No list of great away days starts anywhere else. Newcastle is legendary for its football passion and warm hospitality. St James’ Park towers over the city centre, meaning you can hop off the train, grab a pint, and be at your seat within 20 minutes. The walk uphill to the ground is a rite of passage—and the view from the away end, high up in the gods, is unmatched.

The city itself is tailor-made for football trips. Around the Bigg Market and Quayside, you’ll find countless pubs that welcome away fans. Try The Strawberry near the ground or head to The Bridge Hotel for something more traditional. And when the final whistle blows, the Toon nightlife takes care of the rest. Few away days combine atmosphere, friendliness and pure football madness quite like Newcastle.

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2. Liverpool – Anfield

Anfield is more than a football stadium—it’s a pilgrimage. The pre-match rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone is enough to give even opposition fans goosebumps. The away section, tucked into the Anfield Road End, puts you right in the heart of the noise.

Liverpool itself makes for a cracking day out. Arrive early to soak in the city’s musical and football history, then head to the Arkles pub—an away fan staple just a short walk from the ground. Locals are friendly enough for banter, and you’ll leave with a sense that you’ve visited a place where football really means something. Whether you leave with three points or not, Anfield never disappoints.

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3. Leeds United – Elland Road

If you want a proper football atmosphere, few places match Elland Road. Leeds fans are fiercely loyal and their noise makes for an intimidating but electrifying away day. The ground sits just outside the city centre, but transport links and shuttle buses make getting there easy.

Away supporters often gather at The Drysalters, a large pub that welcomes visitors and serves good beer at fair prices. Leeds itself is a brilliant city for a weekend—vibrant nightlife, great food, and plenty of Northern warmth (as long as you don’t wear rival colours too loudly). The football might be old-school, but that’s part of the charm.

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4. Brighton & Hove Albion – Amex Stadium

If you fancy swapping terraces for the seaside, Brighton offers one of the best modern away experiences in the country. The Amex Stadium, though a little outside the city, is easy to reach via train or shuttle bus—and the club has gone out of its way to make visiting supporters feel welcome.

Pre-match, enjoy fish and chips on the beach or a pint in The Railway Bell near Brighton station before heading to Falmer. Brighton’s nightlife is buzzing, and many fans make a weekend of it. With sea air, friendly locals, and a slick, modern stadium, this is away-day comfort done right.

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5. Sheffield Wednesday – Hillsborough

Sheffield is a cracking football city, and Hillsborough remains one of the most atmospheric old grounds in the country. The away end has that classic English feel—tight, noisy, and steeped in history. The fans are passionate, but the banter is good-natured, and the matchday atmosphere is immense.

The New Barrack Tavern and Rawson Spring are both top spots for away fans, offering local ales and hearty food. Sheffield itself is underrated as a destination—great beer scene, friendly people, and enough character to fill a weekend. It’s one of those trips that reminds you why you fell in love with the game.

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6. Blackpool – Bloomfield Road

Football by the seaside? Yes, please. Blackpool is the ultimate away weekend destination. The ground might be modest, but the fun factor is sky-high. A day that starts with a pint on the promenade and ends with a night on the Pleasure Beach is a proper throwback to when football was all about the craic.

The Albert & The Lion and The Bridge are away-friendly pubs close to the stadium, and the atmosphere on matchdays is usually relaxed. Win, lose or draw, you’ll have a blast in Blackpool—it’s impossible not to.

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7. Manchester United – Old Trafford

Love them or loathe them, a trip to Old Trafford is a must for any football fan. The “Theatre of Dreams” remains one of the world’s most iconic venues. The away section offers a fantastic view, and even the pre-match buzz around the ground feels special.

For drinks, head to Salford Quays or MediaCity, where pubs like The Dockyard welcome visiting supporters. It’s a grand day out steeped in football history—one of those bucket-list away trips that feels bigger than the game itself.

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8. Nottingham Forest – City Ground

With its riverside setting and passionate home crowd, The City Ground is one of England’s most scenic and atmospheric stadiums. The short walk over Trent Bridge, with fans from both sides streaming toward the ground, captures everything great about English football.

The Trent Navigation Inn is a classic pre-match stop, serving proper pub grub and local beers. Combine that with Nottingham’s lively city centre, and you’ve got one of the best all-round away experiences in the league.

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Final Whistle: What Makes a Great Away Day

The best away days aren’t just about results. They’re about the journey, the stories, the shared pints and songs. Whether you’re clambering up the stairs at St James’ Park, belting out chants at Elland Road, or watching the sunset over the sea in Brighton, these trips remind us why football is more than just 90 minutes.

So pack your scarf, charge your phone, and plan that next away adventure. The grounds, the pubs, and the people are waiting—and you might just come home with more than three points: you’ll come home with memories that last a lifetime.