LAUNCHING: RIYADH, NY, LA, MIAMI, SYDNEY & MELBOURNE
AWAY GUIDE
TO SELHURST PARK
Discover the ultimate Premier League away day with our fan-friendly guides. From the best pubs and bars to meet fellow supporters, to top spots for food, nightlife, and hotels, we’ve got you covered. Each guide also includes essential tips on getting to the stadium, where to sit, and how to make the most of your matchday experience. Whether you’re looking for a pre-match pint, a late-night party, or a comfortable place to stay, our away guides help fans find the best places to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy every moment of the game.
STREET FOOD + DJS + HOSTS + GIVEAWAYS + HIGH-ENERGY
THE OFFICIAL CRYSTAL PALACE AWAY GUIDE
Welcome to the Official Away Guide, your ultimate resource for travelling to the match. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned away fan, this guide is your bible for everything you need to make the most of your trip.
From the best restaurants and casual grab-and-go spots, to budget-friendly pubs, lively bars, and premium venues, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll help you work your way around the Ground, find the best fan spots, and enjoy everything the city has to offer before, during, and after the game.
Whether you’re here for the game, the atmosphere, or to explore the city itself, this guide makes travelling simple, fun, and stress-free. Don’t forget to try our quiz, share your results, and tag us on social media at @fanparkuk, we’d love to see how you get on!
Capacity: 25,486
Opened: 1924
Location: Selhurst, South London, England
Selhurst Park, opened in 1924, has been the home of Crystal Palace for a century and remains one of English football’s most atmospheric and characterful grounds. With a capacity of 25,486, it may not be the largest stadium in the Premier League, but it is renowned for the intensity of its matchday atmosphere, driven by the unwavering passion of the Palace faithful. Nestled in the heart of South London, the ground has long been a symbol of community, resilience, and the unique identity of the Eagles.
The Holmesdale Road Stand, in particular, is famous for the vocal support of the Holmesdale Fanatics, whose songs, flags, and energy make Selhurst Park one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams. The stadium has hosted not only Crystal Palace matches but also international fixtures and even groundshared with other London clubs, further underlining its importance in the capital’s footballing history. While it has seen several renovations over the years, Selhurst Park has retained its traditional charm and close connection to the supporters.
Crystal Palace, founded in 1905, has built a proud legacy in English football, defined by perseverance, flair, and a passionate fan base. Nicknamed the "Eagles," the club has produced unforgettable moments at Selhurst Park, from dramatic promotion play-offs to memorable Premier League victories against some of the country’s biggest sides. Legends such as Geoff Thomas, Mark Bright, and Wilfried Zaha have all graced its pitch, leaving a lasting mark on the club’s story. Today, Selhurst Park stands not only as the home of Crystal Palace but as a proud emblem of South London spirit and football culture.
- Crystal Palace Football Club was founded in 1905 and originally played at the Crystal Palace grounds near the famous exhibition building in south London.
- The club moved to Selhurst Park in 1924, which has remained their home ever since.
- Selhurst Park was officially opened by the future King George VI in August 1924, with Palace playing Sheffield Wednesday in the inaugural match.
- The stadium has a current capacity of 25,486, making it one of the more intimate grounds in the Premier League but renowned for its atmosphere.
- Selhurst Park has hosted groundshares with several clubs over the years, including Charlton Athletic, Wimbledon, and even the short-lived Crystal Palace Baltimore from the U.S.
- The Holmesdale Road Stand is the most famous section of the stadium, home to the Holmesdale Fanatics, known for their passionate vocal support and colourful displays.
- Crystal Palace reached their first FA Cup Final in 1990, taking Manchester United to a replay at Wembley in one of the most memorable finals of the era.
- Legendary players such as Geoff Thomas, Mark Bright, Ian Wright, and Wilfried Zaha have all become icons at Selhurst Park.
- Palace shares intense rivalries with Brighton & Hove Albion (known as the M23 Derby), as well as London rivals Millwall and Charlton.
- Selhurst Park has also been used as a filming location, featuring in productions such as The IT Crowd, The Bill, and Bend It Like Beckham.
- Wilfried Zaha – Palace’s talisman and academy graduate, celebrated for his dazzling dribbling, flair, and match-winning ability, embodying the spirit of the Eagles.
- Eberechi Eze – Stylish attacking midfielder admired for his creativity, close control, and eye for spectacular goals, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
- Jim Cannon – Legendary defender and club record appearance holder, respected for his consistency, leadership, and unwavering commitment across 15 years of service.
- Ian Wright – Prolific striker whose explosive pace, instinctive finishing, and infectious charisma made him one of Palace’s greatest ever forwards.
- Julian Speroni – Iconic goalkeeper loved for his loyalty, reflex saves, and professionalism, earning cult-hero status during over a decade between the Selhurst Park posts.
The George
⚽ Large courtyard area, away friendly, plenty of options nearby since this fills up quickly.
📍 ~ 34 minutes to Selhurst Park via train from London Bridge.
🌐 www.fanpark.co.uk
The Prince George
⚽ Closer to Selhurst Park, assumed to be a designated away pub.
📍 ~ 8 minute walk to Selhurst Park.
🌐 www.fanpark.co.uk
Tower of London
📍 Tower Hill, Central London
🏰 Discover nearly 1,000 years of history at one of London’s most famous landmarks. See the Crown Jewels, the medieval White Tower, and the legendary ravens.
Borough Market
📍 London Bridge, Southwark
🍴 One of London’s oldest and most vibrant food markets, offering street food, artisanal produce, and international flavours—perfect for pre- or post-match bites.
Greenwich & The Royal Observatory
📍 Greenwich, South East London
⏱️ Explore maritime history at the Cutty Sark, stand on the Prime Meridian Line, and take in sweeping views of the city from Greenwich Park.
The Shard – Viewing Platform
📍 London Bridge, Southwark
🌆 Ascend Western Europe’s tallest building for breathtaking 360° views of London’s skyline, from Tower Bridge to Wembley on a clear day.
Crystal Palace Park
📍 Near Selhurst Park, South London
🦖 A unique Victorian park famous for its life-sized dinosaur sculptures, maze, and boating lake—an ideal spot for away fans to explore before heading to the stadium.
💸 Budget-Friendly Casual Eats
- Franco Manca: Famous for its sourdough pizzas made with fresh, seasonal ingredients at affordable prices.
- Dishoom (Breakfast): Enjoy a Bombay-style start to the day with their legendary bacon naan roll.
- Flat Iron: Beloved steakhouse offering high-quality cuts at surprisingly low prices, with free popcorn while you wait.
🍔 Grab-and-Go
- Pret A Manger: London staple for fresh sandwiches, wraps, and organic coffee, found on almost every corner.
- Borough Market Stalls: Street food paradise with everything from gourmet burgers to Ethiopian stews.
- LEON: Healthy fast food chain serving wraps, hot boxes, and plant-based options perfect for eating on the move.
💎 £££
- Sketch (Mayfair): Iconic for its quirky design, afternoon tea, and Michelin-starred dining.
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: Modern twists on historic British recipes in an elegant setting.
- Duck & Waffle: 24-hour restaurant on the 40th floor, offering creative dishes and unbeatable city views.
🍻 Budget-Friendly
- The Ship Tavern (Holborn): Traditional London pub dating back to 1549, offering classic ales, hearty pub food, and historic charm.
- The Market Porter (Borough): Popular with locals and visitors alike, serving a rotating selection of real ales right by Borough Market.
- The Faltering Fullback (Finsbury Park): Quirky pub famous for its leafy multi-level beer garden and affordable pints.
🍸 Places You Can’t Miss
- Nightjar (Shoreditch): Legendary speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks and live jazz.
- Cahoots (Soho): 1940s-themed underground bar set in a former Tube station, serving cocktails with vintage flair.
- Sky Garden Bars (City of London): Dramatic drinking spots in a lush indoor garden, with stunning views of London’s skyline.
💎 £££
- American Bar at The Savoy (Strand): One of the world’s most iconic cocktail bars, renowned for luxury, history, and impeccable service.
- Artesian at The Langham (Marylebone): Award-winning bar offering theatrical cocktails in an elegant setting.
- Duck & Waffle Bar (Liverpool Street): A stylish high-rise bar open 24/7, serving signature cocktails alongside breathtaking city views.
Away fans are housed in the Arthur Wait Stand (on the east side of the stadium). The allocation is usually around 2,000–2,500 tickets for Premier League fixtures, though it can be slightly reduced depending on segregation requirements.
Views can be a little restricted due to pillars in the stand.
Pint of Beer: £5.50-£6.00
Pie & Pint Combo: £9.00
Burger & Chips: £7.00
Hot Dog: £5.50
Driving to Selhurst Park is tricky, it’s in a dense residential area with heavy restrictions on match days.
Best Option: Use pre-booked private parking via JustPark or YourParkingSpace
(£15–£25 typical).
On-Street Parking: Extremely limited due to resident permits and enforcement.
Advice: If possible, drive partway and use train/Overground links into Selhurst, Norwood
Junction, or Thornton Heath.
By Train
Selhurst Park is one of the more rail-dependent Premier League grounds:
- Selhurst Station – 5 mins walk.
- Norwood Junction – 10 mins walk, more trains, including direct London Bridge
- services.
- Thornton Heath – 10–15 mins walk, trains from London Victoria.
- All three stations are in Travelcard Zone 4.
By Tube
There’s no direct Underground station serving Selhurst Park. Most fans travel by National
Rail from Victoria or London Bridge and connect to Selhurst, Norwood Junction, or Thornton
Heath.
By Bus
Several London bus routes serve the area around the stadium: 50, 75, 157, 198, 250, 468 – stop close to the ground.
Looking for the best deals on places to stay when you’re heading to the game? At FANPARK, we’ve done the hard work for you! From cozy budget hotels to affordable apartments, we’ve scoured the area around the stadium to find where you can stay without breaking the bank.
- In what year was Crystal Palace Football Club founded?
- What is the nickname of Crystal Palace Football Club?
- What are the traditional home colours of Crystal Palace?
- Which South Coast club is Crystal Palace’s fiercest rival, contesting the M23 Derby?
- In what year did Crystal Palace reach their first ever FA Cup Final?
- Who scored twice for Palace in the 1990 FA Cup Final against Manchester United?
- Which Italian World Cup winner briefly managed Crystal Palace in the late 1990s?
- Which Palace legend captained the club during their run to the 1990 FA Cup Final?
- What is the name of the fan group famous for their displays and atmosphere in the Holmesdale Stand?
- Which Crystal Palace goalkeeper holds the club record for the most appearances by a non-British player?
- In which year did Crystal Palace achieve promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs under Ian Holloway?
- Who was Crystal Palace’s manager during their famous 3–3 draw against Liverpool in 2014, nicknamed "Crystanbul"?
- Which Crystal Palace player scored the decisive goal in the 2013 Championship play-off final against Watford?
- Who is Crystal Palace’s all-time record goalscorer?
- What bird features prominently on Crystal Palace’s club crest?
- In what year was Crystal Palace Football Club founded? 1905.
- What is the nickname of Crystal Palace Football Club? The Eagles.
- What are the traditional home colours of Crystal Palace? Red and blue.
- Which South Coast club is Crystal Palace’s fiercest rival, contesting the M23 Derby? Brighton & Hove Albion.
- In what year did Crystal Palace reach their first ever FA Cup Final? 1990.
- Who scored twice for Palace in the 1990 FA Cup Final against Manchester United? Ian Wright.
- Which Italian World Cup winner briefly managed Crystal Palace in the late 1990s? No Italian World Cup winner managed Palace — however, Italy international Attilio Lombardo served briefly as caretaker player-manager in early 1998.
- Which Palace legend captained the club during their run to the 1990 FA Cup Final? Geoff Thomas.
- What is the name of the fan group famous for their displays in the Holmesdale Stand? Holmesdale Fanatics.
- Which Crystal Palace goalkeeper holds the club record for the most appearances by a non-British player? Julián Speroni.
- In which year did Crystal Palace achieve promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs under Ian Holloway? 2013.
- Who was Crystal Palace’s manager during the famous 3–3 draw against Liverpool in May 2014, nicknamed “Crystanbul”? Tony Pulis.
- Which Crystal Palace player scored the decisive goal in the 2013 Championship play-off final against Watford? Kevin Phillips.
- Who is Crystal Palace’s all-time record goalscorer? Peter Simpson (165 goals).
- What bird features prominently on Crystal Palace’s club crest? An eagle.
WATCHALONG • FAN ZONES • FOOTY QUIZZES • STREET INTERVIEWS
"THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH LIVE FOOTBALL"
CONTACT US
Whether you’re a fan, venue, trader, or media, we’re here to help you create the ultimate FANPARK experience. Reach out with questions, partnership ideas, or bookings. Our team is ready to make your event unforgettable with the best food, entertainment, and fan engagement.
HELLO@FANPARK.CO.UK
