The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and iconic family-friendly sporting arenas. Many of these locations, as well as being brimming with sporting history, are also technically impressive, modern facilities.
Whether you’re after a behind-the-scenes stadium tour or an unforgettable match-day experience, these venues provide memorable days out for children and parents alike.
If you have an interest in a particular stadium, then you might take the time to visit for a tour. Often, this is a great way to entertain the family for an afternoon, even if there isn’t a game on.
From historic grounds to ultra-modern arenas, here are some of the best stadiums in the UK to explore with the family.
Wembley Stadium: The Home of English Football
Address: Wembley HA9 0WS
Since the ‘new’ Wembley opened its doors in 2007, replacing the original ‘two-tower’ design. Since then, the new facility has managed to escape the shadow of its predecessor. It’s an incredibly impressive stadium, being the largest in the UK in terms of capacity of 90,000, and the second largest in Europe behind the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
Located in North West London, it hosts major events including England internationals and cup finals. With the stadium hosting the league play-offs and semi-finals of the FA Cup, it’s considered a proper day out for football fans.
Family Highlights:
- Interactive stadium tours including the Royal Box, players’ tunnel and dressing rooms
- Accessible facilities for prams and wheelchairs
- Nearby attractions: London Designer Outlet (shops, restaurants, cinema)
Anfield: A Must-Visit for Liverpool Fans
Address: Anfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH
When it comes to club football, it’s difficult to find a more iconic stadium than the home of Liverpool Football Club, Anfield. It’s a place of passion and history, and with the extension of the Annie Road end, now has a capacity of 61,276.
While you’re in the vicinity, you might visit the club’s museum, which tells the story of the club’s on-field success, which extends back into the 70s and beyond. You’ll also be able to see the iconic sign that leads from the changing rooms to the pitch, and pick up some Liverpool merchandise at the club store, too.
Match tickets are hard to come by (I usually go through the club for the hospitality tickets), but the atmosphere is worth every penny. You can do stadium tours though (not on match days) to get a feel for the place, but nothing compares to being in the ground when You’ll Never Walk Alone is sung pre-match.
Family Highlights:
- The Liverpool FC Story museum
- Junior Reds fan zone for kids
- Visit the famous “This Is Anfield” sign on a stadium tour
- An excellent Club superstore with merchandise for all ages
- Visit the many wall murals around the stadium.
Old Trafford: The Theatre of Dreams
Address: Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA
Manchester United’s longstanding home is showing its age, with repeated flooding incidents coming as a result of its notoriously leaky roof. As such, it’s likely to be replaced in the near future. The club has recently unveiled plans for a 100,000-seater stadium, which is set to be constructed alongside the old one.
As such, there’s only so much time to take a tour of the iconic Old Trafford. For fans of the club, the experience of a stadium tour, or a VIP matchday ticket, is difficult to beat.
Family Highlights:
- Interactive museum and stadium tour
- Family stand for matchdays
- The Red Cafe for post-tour meals
- Nearby LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Manchester
Lord’s Cricket Ground: A Historic Experience
Address: St John’s Wood Rd, London NW8 8QN
Of course, football isn’t the only sport for which England is famous. Cricket fans will want to make a point of paying a visit to Lords, in London. This is a ground that’s famous across the cricketing world, with more than two centuries of history behind it. You’ll be able to see the dressing rooms, walk across the turf, and sample the amazing architecture that’s to be found all around the ground.
Family Highlights:
- Guided tours of the Long Room, players’ dressing rooms and MCC Museum
- View the original Ashes urn
- Outdoor areas perfect for picnics on quiet days
More Family-Friendly Stadiums to Explore
Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC)
- Excellent family enclosures
- Stadium tour with interactive museum
Twickenham Stadium (Rugby Union)
- World Rugby Museum and pitch-side views
- Great during international fixtures and open days
Quick Comparison Table
| Stadium | Sport | Kid-Friendly Tours | Museum | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wembley | Football | Yes | Yes | London Designer Outlet |
| Anfield | Football | Yes | Yes | Beatles Story Museum |
| Old Trafford | Football | Yes | Yes | LEGOLAND Discovery, SEA LIFE |
| Lord’s | Cricket | Yes | Yes | Regent’s Park |
| Twickenham | Rugby | Yes | Yes | World Rugby Museum, Richmond Park |
Final Thoughts
Stadium visits offer more than just a peek into sporting history, they’re engaging, interactive, and fun for all ages. Whether your child dreams of being the next Premier League star or simply wants to walk the same ground as sporting legends, these UK stadiums deliver unforgettable family experiences.
Many also offer free or discounted entry for children, making them a budget-friendly weekend option. Be sure to check availability and booking options in advance, especially during school holidays or match days.
