Experiencing the English Premier League: A Family Trip to London

Written by Scott McKee

Experiencing the English Premier League: A Family Trip to London

With the start of the new English Premier League season kicking off we wanted to post information about our experience at the Chelsea game we went to last spring.  As an avid follower of Premier League football for the past decade, there's nothing quite like the anticipation that comes with the start of a new season.

Soccer has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. While I was a mediocre player in high school, my love for the sport never waned. Over the past decade, I've become an avid follower of Premier League football. The speed and skill of the athletes are truly astounding. As one of the most respected leagues globally, it attracts top talent from around the world, and the passion of the fans is nothing short of intoxicating.

Planning the Trip

When my family and I planned a trip to London, attending a Premier League game was high on my list. London boasts 17 professional and semi-professional football clubs, but for Premier League matches, the options near our accommodation included Fulham, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brentford. However, due to some teams having away games, only a few Premier League matches were scheduled in London during our stay.

The Challenge of Securing Tickets

Obtaining tickets proved more challenging than attending similar events. Typically, purchasing tickets requires a club membership, even if you intend to attend just one game. While tickets might become available for public purchase closer to game day, many matches quickly sell out. Without a membership, it's difficult to gauge availability, and many games are already sold out by the time tickets open to the public.

There seem to be a few other ways to buy tickets to soccer games. However, everything we read during our preparation recommended buying game tickets directly from the club. In some cases, clubs do have agreements with reputable vendors to sell tickets. These companies may focus on hospitality packages for attending games, but these can be pretty expensive and take more time. So if you're concerned about cost or only have part of a day set aside to attend a game, this may not be the best option.

My hesitation to commit to a membership (which costs around £30-£50 per person) likely limited our options. Ultimately, the only available tickets for the Chelsea vs. Burnley game were quite expensive. Although there are alternative ways to purchase tickets, such as through reputable vendors or hospitality packages, these options can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, we were cautious about potential counterfeit tickets, which added another layer of complexity to the process.

Navigating Public Transportation

Public transportation is highly recommended for getting to and from the stadium. During our trip, the public transit was crowded but manageable—the most practical way to reach the game. As part of our adventure, we aimed to familiarize our kids with using the train and bus systems. Prior to match day, we practiced navigating the tube, which made the actual experience smoother despite the extreme crowding.

On the tube, we met a fellow fan who generously shared tips on things to do and see around the stadium. His advice was invaluable and enhanced our overall experience. Compared to NFL games, the atmosphere at Premier League matches felt safer and less confrontational, despite the intense passion for football.

At the Stadium

We visited the large team store, which offered some exclusive merchandise available only to attendees. For entry, we had to present printed tickets—a bit old-fashioned, but Chelsea is testing a mobile ticketing system. Security was tight, allowing only small bags. While having kids with us might have permitted slightly larger bags, we opted to adhere strictly to the rules to avoid any issues.

Our seats were in a recently renovated section, which likely contributed to the higher prices. The food options were decent, and stadium prices were reasonable. Interestingly, the soda selections were limited to diet options. The area where we sat was filled with tourists, making it seem less spirited compared to other sections of the stadium.

Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour

We did not go on a stadium tour, but would have liked to if we had more time.  However, the tour provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the Premier League's most iconic venues. Visitors get to explore areas typically off-limits to the public, such as the dressing rooms, the press room, and even the players' tunnel. 

The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights about the club. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the rich history of Chelsea FC and to appreciate the stadium from a perspective that most fans never get to see. If you're planning to attend a game, I highly recommend scheduling a stadium tour as part of your visit. It adds an extra layer of appreciation for the match day experience.

1. Classic Stadium Tour

• Description: The most popular option, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Stamford Bridge. It includes access to the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitchside, press room, and the museum. A knowledgeable guide shares the history and stories of Chelsea FC, making it ideal for first-time visitors and fans.

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.

• Includes: Access to the Chelsea FC Museum.

• Price: Approximately £28 per adult, £18 per child (ages 5-15), and £23 per concession (students and seniors).

• Family Package: Usually around £70 (2 adults + 2 children).

2. Legends Tour

• Description: Led by a Chelsea FC legend, this tour adds an extra layer of excitement as you hear personal anecdotes and experiences from a former player. The legend shares their unique insights, making it a memorable experience for die-hard fans.

• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes.

• Includes: Access to the Chelsea FC Museum and a Q&A session with the legend.

• Price: Approximately £50 per adult, £35 per child.

• Note: The price can vary depending on the legend hosting the tour.

3. VIP Private Tour

• Description: This is a private tour tailored specifically to your group, offering a more personalized experience. You get exclusive access to all the usual areas plus some additional behind-the-scenes locations, depending on availability. It’s perfect for special occasions or for those looking for a more intimate experience.

• Duration: Varies based on the package.

• Includes: A dedicated guide, access to the Chelsea FC Museum, and potentially other exclusive areas depending on the package chosen.

• Price: Starts from around £150 per group (up to 4 people), with additional costs depending on the number of participants and any special requests.

4. Museum Only

• Description: For those who are more interested in the history of Chelsea FC and less in the stadium itself, the museum-only option provides access to the Chelsea FC Museum. The museum showcases a wide array of memorabilia, trophies, and interactive exhibits tracing the club's history.

• Duration: Self-paced, typically around 30-60 minutes.

• Price: Approximately £12 per adult, £10 per child.

5. Matchday Tour

• Description: Available on matchdays, this tour is a shorter version of the classic tour, offering a quick glimpse into the stadium just hours before the game. It’s perfect for fans who want to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.

• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

• Includes: Limited access to certain areas due to matchday preparations.

• Price: Approximately £25 per adult, £15 per child.

• Note: Availability is limited and prices can fluctuate depending on the match.

6. Family Tour

• Description: This tour is designed with families in mind, featuring a more interactive and engaging approach suitable for children. The guides often incorporate fun facts and stories that appeal to younger visitors, making it a great family outing.

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.

• Includes: Access to the Chelsea FC Museum, with some activities tailored for kids.

• Price: Typically the same as the Classic Stadium Tour, with potential discounts for families.

7. School and Group Tours

• Description: Specially designed for school groups, this tour often includes educational components and activities that align with the school curriculum. It’s also available for other large groups with options to tailor the experience to the group’s interests.

• Duration: Varies based on the group’s needs.

• Includes: Access to the Chelsea FC Museum and potentially additional activities or workshops.

• Price: Varies depending on the size of the group and specific requirements. Schools and large groups often receive discounted rates.

Discounts and Membership Benefits

• Chelsea FC Members: Often receive a discount on tour prices, typically around 10-20% off.

• Special Promotions: Occasionally, there are promotions or discounts available, particularly during off-peak times.

Booking Information

• Booking: It’s recommended to book tours in advance through the Chelsea FC website or by contacting the tour office directly, as some tours, especially the Legends and VIP tours, can sell out quickly.

• Prices: Prices vary depending on the tour type, with the Classic Stadium Tour being the most affordable and the VIP Private Tour being the most expensive.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s best to check the official Chelsea FC website or contact their tour office directly.

Overall Experience

Despite some challenges, we felt very safe and thoroughly enjoyed the environment. The experience was memorable, and I would recommend attending a Premier League game to anyone who loves soccer.

Reflections and Future Plans

In hindsight, there are a few things I would do differently:

1. Purchase Membership Early: To ensure better ticket availability, I should have taken the risk and bought at least one membership.

2. Explore Different Seating Areas: While our seats had a great view, they were quite expensive and located in the last row. Other sections were equally family-friendly and perhaps offered a more spirited atmosphere.

3. Arrive Earlier: Getting to the stadium earlier would have allowed us to explore the grounds more thoroughly and consider taking a stadium tour before the game, time permitting.

Tips for Attending a Premier League Game

1. Public Transportation:

• Plan your route ahead of time.

• Be patient and prepared for crowds.

• Familiarize yourself with the transport system before match day.

• When in doubt, follow the crowd.

2. Arrival:

• Get to the stadium early to explore the grounds, visit the team store, and consider taking a stadium tour.

3. Dress Code:

• Wear your team’s colors. Fans are passionate about their teams, and it's best to stick to the home team's colors outside the designated visitor sections.

4. Assistance:

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need directions or information.

5. Security:

• Be aware of the club’s policies regarding bags and other items allowed into the stadium.

6. Tickets:

• Start looking for tickets early.

• Allocate almost a full day for the entire experience, including transportation, exploring the stadium, and taking the tour.

Attending a Premier League game can be a fantastic experience for soccer enthusiasts and families alike. With some planning and preparation, you can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere and world-class football that the Premier League has to offer.