There is something about London that just gets the game of Cricket. The game might not seem as popular as football or tennis, but its legacy is long and treasured. From the timeless Test matches at Lord’s Ground, the lively banter in a cricket-loving pub, or the thrill of going on a cricket tour around London. You can experience the thrill of stepping up to the crease yourself, or the thrill of being a spectator amidst the buzz of a packed stadium. No other city in England celebrates Cricket like London does.
5 Best Places To Watch Cricket In London
1. Lord’s Cricket Ground
2. The Oval
3. The Abbey Tavern
4. Sixes Social Cricket
5. Belushi
Best Places To Watch Cricket In London
If you are visiting London or have just moved here, these are some of the best places to watch Cricket in the city of London.
1. Lord’s Cricket Ground
Lord’s isn’t merely a cricket ground, it’s a living, breathing tribute to the sport. Also dubbed the “Home of Cricket,” the historic venue has been around since 1814 and is primarily maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a time capsule of cricketing greatness.
The Pavilion, with its stately, Grade II-listed Victorian building, houses the famous Long Room. A corridor rich with history, where players stroll out to the pitch flanked by portraits of cricketing icons. In direct contrast, J.P. Morgan Media Centre is distinctly modern and shaped like a spaceship. The lower tier of the media ground is built to accommodate 118 journalists, while the upper tier holds the radio and television commentary boxes.
Lord has a total of 7 Stands, with 2, Compton and Edrich Stands directly facing the pitch. The Stands and grounds can hold a total of 31,000 spectators easily. Many of the stands are also fitted with restaurants and hospitality suites for convenience. Aside from the main pitch, Lord’s also has the nursery, which is said to have the best grass nets in the world. It is mostly used for practice and warm-ups, but matches like the Women’s University Match are usually played there.
Then there’s the MCC Museum, the oldest sports museum in the world. It features priceless relics like the original Ashes Urn and legendary bats from bygone eras. The Lord’s ground is also home to a library that holds about 20,000 books in its collection. Inside the dressing rooms, visitors will find the Honours Boards, a sacred space for any cricketer. The Board lists the names of those who’ve reached the pinnacle with centuries or five-wicket hauls.
To date, playing at the Lord’s is a dream for any cricket player. Many cricket lovers deem it a dream come true to watch a game or tour the grounds of Lord’s. Every visit offers a chance to connect with the soul of the game.
Location: St John’s Wood Road, Westminster, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price Range: £29.95 (Tour price) – £105 (Match day price) Adults
£19.95 (Tour Price) – £25 (Match day price) Children
2. Places To Watch Cricket In London: The Oval
Also known as the Kia Oval, the Oval has an impressive reputation in English cricket. A history that has grown from the first cricket game on its ground in 1845. The Stadium is the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, and the site of England’s very first Test match back in 1880. Since then, it has been the stage for many dramatic Ashes showdowns.
The Oval has played host to countless pivotal encounters, including series deciders and career-defining moments. From certain seats, particularly in the upper tiers, spectators get to enjoy the drama of international cricket being played out against a sweeping view of London landmarks like The Shard.
While maintaining the historical charm, redevelopments have elevated the fan experience with comfortable seating, sharp sightlines, and a rich variety of food and drink options. Because in cricket games, hospitality is as much a forethought as the game itself.
Inside the Oval, the Club Museum guides fans on a journey through Surrey County Cricket Club’s storied history. From old photographs to legendary bats, the museum has several memorabilia that evoke nostalgia in old cricket fans. The Oval has witnessed high-stakes Test matches, T20 nights, and intensive One Day Internationals, and yet it still knows how to create an unforgettable buzz for fans.
Location: Kennington Oval, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Price Range: £15 – £20 (For Adult)
£5 (For Children)
3. The Abbey Tavern
The inability to get a seat at a stadium shouldn’t deter a cricket lover from joining in with the matches. And what better way is there to really enjoy the feels of a matchday without truly being there than to watch it with others? Amid London’s endless stream of chic cocktail lounges and postcard-perfect landmarks, is Abbey, a no-frills, great ambience pub in Kentish Town. The pub is all about the company, and if that coincides with match day, it’s all the better.
The Abbey Tavern isn’t just a place to grab a pint; it’s a community hub and sporting sanctuary. The pub fits all the requirements of a typical English pub: wooden beams, cozy corners, warm lights, and beer. But the highlight of the pub is the multiple HD screens scattered throughout, including some in their outdoor spaces. During major cricket events, the atmosphere is almost the same as that of the stadium itself, with cheers, groans, and all.
Abbey’s menu leans into comforting pub classics, juicy burgers, crispy fish and chips, and shareable platters. The drinks never stop flowing here as well; local ales, craft beers, classic lagers, spirits, and wines ensure there’s something for everyone.
The Tavern’s biggest draw, though, is its atmosphere. It is not overrun by tourists or trying too hard to be trendy. Locals mix with visitors, creating a space that’s friendly, relaxed, and just perfect for a cricket fan on match day.
Location: 124 Kentish Town Road, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday – Wednesday)
4:00 pm – 12:00 am (Thursday)
1:00 pm – 1:00 am (Friday – Saturday)
12:00 pm – 1:00 am (Sunday)
Price Range: £10 – £100
4. Sixes Social Cricket
Sixes offer cricket lovers a truly immersive experience unlike any other found in London. It is a little bit more hands-on than your typical pub night or museum stroll. At Sixes, forget just watching from the sidelines, you can step up to the crease and take a swing yourself.
The true action centers around cricket simulators that let you step into the shoes of a batsman. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned slogger or someone who’s never held a bat; the simulator adjusts to your level, one ball at a time. There are also HD screens scattered around the venue that stream live matches from around the world, so you can keep up with the real pros while taking a sip from your beer or chatting with friends.
Sixes is one of those rare venues that tick all the boxes for group fun. It’s active, but not too intense. Competitive, but in a good, laughter kind of way. And there is good food galore, everything from pizza to burgers and even cocktails. Even if you are just there for the drinks and a game day, you can be sure to have a lot of fun.
The social cricket scene is located all over London, so you can be sure to get access to one very easily.
Location: 50, Bermondsey Street, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday – Tuesday)
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Wednesday – Thursday)
12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Friday)
11:00 am – 11:00 pm (Saturday)
11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Sunday)
Price Range: £10 – £15.50
5. Belushi’s
Belushi’s is London’s go-to destination for sports fanatics and party seekers. It contains massive HD screens, projectors, and top-tier sports packages that ensure you’re watching every second of the action. There is a fine line between nightlife and a sports den at Belushi. Karaoke and live DJs ensure that even after the match ends, the party’s just beginning.
The Sport den thrives on high volume and even higher spirits. It is the kind of crowd that turns goal celebrations into minor earthquakes. It is very communal, a bit raucous, and full of life.
While there are other Belushi’s across London, the London Bridge Belushi is a bit more bougie. The VIP lounge of sports bars has all the necessities a cricket fan would want and something more. Beer pong and gaming consoles, 2-for-1 cocktails, burger bundles, and themed food nights.
Belushi is perfect for after-work matches, watching marathons, or a hangout with friends over live games. Not watching a game at the stadium shouldn’t deter the fun time of Cricket live.
Location: 161, Borough High Street, London Bridge, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 2:00 am (Sunday – Thursday)
11:00 am – 3:00 am (Friday – Saturday)
Price Range: £10 – £30
Conclsion
Watching a game of Cricket is a sacred event for many cricket lovers, and London doesn’t joke with its matches. Whether it is soaking up the history of a Test match at Lord’s, riding the crowd’s energy at The Oval, stepping into the batting cage at Sixes for a swing of your own, or catching the game over a pint in a buzzing pub, London serves up a cricket experience as varied as it is thrilling. From die-hard fans to curious newcomers, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your ticket, pick your spot, and enjoy watching cricket, London style.
