Gloucester - Kingsholm Stadium

 

The South Stand, viewed from the JS Stand
Image - Sale fan James Mooney

Gloucester Rugby, or the 'Cherry and Whites' are one of the traditional heavyweights of English rugby, situated in the rugby heartland of the West Country in close proximity to their fierce rivals at Bristol and Bath. The club was formed in 1873, and have played at their current ground Kingsholm since 1891.

Gloucester have competed in every English Premiership season since it began in 1997, and have formed a habit of winning the regular season before falling to defeat in the playoff phase, as happened in 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2007-08. They did however benefit from the playoff system in the 2001-02 season when they finished third in the table but went on to defeat rivals Bristol in the playoff final at Twickenham to lift the trophy.

Ground Information                                     Back to Top ^ 

Kingsholm is arguably one of the best club rugby stadiums in England, both in terms of capacity and atmosphere, which goes some way to explaining why it is one of only two club rugby grounds proposed to be utilised for the Rugby World Cup in 2015. The ground is located less than a mile from the centre of Gloucester.

The most famous part of Kingsholm is known as 'The Shed', a (usually)  covered terrace running the length of the pitch, that fills up well in advance of kick-off on big match days. 

Sitting opposite the Shed is the modern South Stand, a large all-seater grandstand. Behind one set of posts is another stand of covered seating known as the JS Stand, whilst behind the others is the West Terrace providing uncovered standing space and hospitality facilities.

Two large screens are situated in the corners of the stadium.   

Image - Owen Pavey

Getting There                                                                                   Back to Top ^

By Car

From the North or South your best bet is to exit the M5 at Junction 11 and follow the A40 in the direction of Gloucester. At Elmbridge Roundabout, take the A40 West (towards Ross on Wye), before taking the A38 South (towards Gloucester) which will take you directly to the ground.


By Train

Gloucester rail station is situated less than a mile from Kingsholm in the City Centre. Direct services operate to Bristol (50 minutes), Swindon (50 mins), Birmingham (60 mins), Cardiff (70 mins), London Paddington (110 mins) and Nottingham (140 mins).

By Air

Bristol International Airport

Bristol Airport is around 50 miles away. Scheduled services operate to Aberdeen, Belfast (International), Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow (International), Knock, Newcastle, Paris (CDG), Rome (Fiumicino) and Toulouse, with both Easyjet and Ryanair having a presence here.

If you're travelling by public transport, take the bus from the Airport to Bristol Temple Meads rail station to catch a train to Gloucester. Total journey time is around 90 minutes. 

Birmingham International Airport

About 60 miles from Gloucester, Birmingham International is one of the busiest in the UK, with flights to a wide range of destinations including Aberdeen, Belfast (City & International), Cork, Derry, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow (International), Jersey, Knock, Milan (Bergamo & Malpensa), Newcastle, Paris (CDG), Rome (Fiumicino), Shannon, Venice (Marco Polo) and Waterford. 

The airport is around 90 minutes by rail from Gloucester - simply take the train from the airport's station to Birmingham New Street and change there for a direct service to Gloucester.

Cardiff Airport

Cardiff Airport is 80 miles from Gloucester. Scheduled flights operate to destinations including Dublin, Newcastle, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Amsterdam. Direct train services operate from the airport to Cardiff Central where connecting services operate to Gloucester. Total journey time is approximately 120 minutes. 

A Packed Shed on Matchday
Image - Sale fan James Mooney

Drinking                                                                                                            Back to Top ^

In The Ground

For visitors to the Shed, visit the Lion's Den Bar at the East End of the terrace.

Before/After the Game

There are lots of bars in the area around Kingsholm - the Kingsholm Inn is right across the road from the ground and is a popular place for supporters to gather in advance of the game, as are Teagues, the Cider Tree at the Coach and Horses and the Deans Walk.

Local club Spartans RFC is only 400m from Kingsholm and have in the past accommodated groups of supporters (including a coach space if you're coming by the busload) with food and drink laid on.

The City Centre is only a mile from the ground and has a wide range of places to drink. For those looking for a sports bar, try the Abbey on Northgate Street.

For real ale, try The Pelican Inn on St Mary's Street.

Eating                                                                  Back to Top ^

The Longford Premier Inn to the North of the ground has a Beefeater restaurant that has received good reviews from rugby fans. We've heard good reviews about the sausage stand outside the ground on Kingsholm Road too!

Sleeping                                                                Back to Top ^

• The Edward Hotel is situated on the London Road, less than a mile from Kingsholm and close to the train station.

• The Gloucester (Longford) Premier Inn is also within an easy walk to the ground, to the North of the City close to the A40.

• In the city centre and near to the train station is the New County Hotel.

• The New Inn Hotel on Northgate Street is a cosy 3-star option in the City Centre.

• No prizes for guessing where the budget Station Hotel is sited!

• Guesthouses within walking distance include the Mulberry House, with plenty more available online.

• The Travelodge have also set up shop in Gloucester.