Crystal Palace were founded in 1905 and are based at Selhurst Park in South London. Known as The Eagles, Palace have a strong local identity and one of the Premier League's most distinctive atmospheres, particularly around the Holmesdale Road end. The club have moved between divisions across their history but have built a lasting top-flight presence in the modern Premier League era.
Selhurst Park is one of the Premier League's most traditional and atmospheric grounds. It sits in South London between Selhurst, Thornton Heath and Norwood Junction, surrounded by residential streets rather than open stadium land. That setting gives it a proper old-school football feel: tight approaches, busy pavements, nearby takeaways and pubs, and stands that feel close to the pitch.
The ground is made up of the Holmesdale Road Stand, Arthur Wait Stand, Main Stand and Whitehorse Lane Stand. The Holmesdale Road Stand is the famous home end and is the centre of Crystal Palace's atmosphere, particularly the vocal support associated with the lower tier. The Arthur Wait Stand runs along one side of the pitch and houses the away section at one end. The Main Stand is the older stand opposite, while the Whitehorse Lane end contains a smaller stand with hospitality and family-focused areas.
Selhurst Park is not the most modern stadium in the league, and some areas can feel cramped compared with newer grounds. However, that is also part of its appeal. The noise from the Holmesdale can dominate the ground, and the compact layout means away fans are close enough to both the pitch and the home crowd to feel fully involved. For neutrals, side-stand views are preferable, but the atmosphere is a major part of the Selhurst experience.
Away supporters at Selhurst Park are normally located in the Arthur Wait Stand, towards the Whitehorse Lane end of the ground. The allocation is usually around the standard Premier League away allocation, although exact numbers and blocks can change by fixture and competition. The away section is an older-style side allocation rather than a modern end behind the goal.
Views from the Arthur Wait Stand can vary. Some seats are fine, but there can be restricted views from pillars or the roofline, and the concourse is noticeably tighter than at newer Premier League stadiums. Travelling supporters should check any restricted-view information when buying tickets through their own club. The atmosphere, however, can be excellent because the away section is close to the pitch and close to the Palace support.
Away supporters should approach the stadium using the route given by their own club and police advice. Selhurst Park is hemmed into residential streets, so segregation and stewarding can affect movement around the ground. Thornton Heath and Norwood Junction are commonly used by travelling supporters, but both can be very busy after the match.
From the north, drivers usually approach South London via the M1/A406/A23 or other London routes towards Croydon and Selhurst. Driving to Selhurst Park is not recommended because there is no stadium parking, the ground is in a residential area, and nearby streets are subject to restrictions and enforcement. If driving is unavoidable, park well away from the stadium and complete the journey by train, bus or walking.
From the south, Selhurst Park is usually approached via Croydon, the A23, A22, A232 or local South London roads. Driving to the ground is not recommended because there is no stadium parking, the streets are residential and restrictions are enforced on matchdays. If driving is unavoidable, park well away from the stadium and use local rail, bus or walking routes to reach the away end.
From the east, Selhurst Park is usually approached through South East London, Croydon or the A232/A23 corridors depending on your starting point. Driving to the stadium is not recommended because there is no stadium parking, the streets are residential and matchday restrictions are enforced. If driving is unavoidable, park well away from the ground and continue by rail, bus or on foot.
From the west, Selhurst Park is usually approached through South London via the A3, South Circular, Croydon, Streatham or local routes towards Selhurst. Driving close to the ground is not recommended because there is no stadium parking, streets are residential and matchday restrictions are enforced. If driving is unavoidable, park well away from the stadium and complete the journey by train, bus or walking route.
Selhurst Park is served by Selhurst, Thornton Heath and Norwood Junction stations, all within walking distance of the ground. Crystal Palace advise supporters not to travel to Crystal Palace station itself, as it is around two miles from the stadium. Norwood Junction can be useful from London Bridge and London Overground routes, while Selhurst and Thornton Heath are common options from Victoria and other South London services.
Selhurst station is one of the main walkable stations for Selhurst Park and is around a 10 to 15 minute walk from the ground. Thornton Heath and Norwood Junction are also commonly used by supporters and are within walking distance. Do not confuse this with Crystal Palace station, which is much further from the stadium and is not the recommended rail stop for matchdays.
London Gatwick is usually the most convenient airport for Selhurst Park because of rail links towards East Croydon, Norwood Junction and other South London stations. London City can also work well for some routes, with onward Docklands and rail connections. Avoid planning to drive directly to the stadium from the airport if possible, as Selhurst Park has no stadium parking and local streets are restricted on matchdays.
Crystal Cars operate local taxi and minicab services around Crystal Palace, Croydon, Dulwich, Norwood and nearby areas. For Selhurst Park, taxis are best arranged away from the immediate stadium streets because residential roads and station approaches get very busy. Pre-book and choose a pickup point clear of the Arthur Wait and Holmesdale Road crowd flow.
Station Cars Crystal Palace provide local minicab and airport transfer services in the Crystal Palace area. They can be useful for supporters connecting to hotels or airports, but Selhurst Park matchdays are crowded and the stadium itself has no simple taxi pickup. Agree a pickup point away from the ground and allow extra time.
Crystal Palace advise that frequent bus services operate from all directions to Selhurst Park, with TfL travel information the best place to check live routes. Stops around Selhurst Park Stadium, Whitehorse Lane and nearby roads are served by routes such as 468, N68 and Superloop SL6, though the best bus will depend on where you are travelling from. Expect delays and crowding after full-time.
A matchday parking option listed by parking providers for Crystal Palace fixtures, around a short walk from Selhurst Park. Pre-book where available and use the correct entrance. Palace have no large stadium car park for general supporters, so do not rely on local streets.
A practical way to pre-book private driveways or commercial spaces near Selhurst Park. This is generally safer than looking for street parking, as many nearby streets are residential, restricted or permit-controlled on matchdays.
A wider-area option for fans who want to park away from the tight streets around Selhurst Park. Book a legitimate space in advance and walk from Thornton Heath, Norwood Junction or Selhurst areas depending on your route.
Popular Thornton Heath pub often used by football supporters heading to Selhurst Park. It is convenient if arriving by train, but expect it to be busy and check colour policy for higher-risk fixtures.
Large Wetherspoons pub near Thornton Heath station and a practical meeting point before Crystal Palace away days. Good for food and drink, but it can get crowded close to kick-off.
Pub close to Norwood Junction, useful if arriving on Overground or rail services. It is a longer walk to Selhurst Park than Thornton Heath, but can be useful for avoiding the busiest station-side pubs.
South London chicken shop option near Thornton Heath, useful for a quick takeaway before walking to Selhurst Park. Expect matchday queues around the station area.
Cafe/restaurant option near Thornton Heath, useful for supporters arriving early by train before heading to Selhurst Park. Check opening times before evening fixtures.
Pub near Thornton Heath station serving food and drinks. A practical pre-match option before walking to Selhurst Park, though it gets very busy on matchdays.
Practical Croydon hotel for Crystal Palace away trips, with rail links towards Thornton Heath, Selhurst or Norwood Junction. Better than trying to find limited accommodation right beside Selhurst Park.
Croydon hotel with good rail connections for Selhurst Park. Useful for supporters who want London access as well as a manageable route to the ground.
Small hotel option in Beckenham, a short drive or rail/taxi connection from Crystal Palace and Selhurst Park. Useful if you prefer a quieter South London base.
The best way to visit Selhurst Park is usually by train. Thornton Heath, Norwood Junction and Selhurst stations are all within walking distance, with Thornton Heath often the most commonly used by away fans. Driving is not recommended unless you have a clear parking plan, because the streets around the ground are residential, narrow and heavily controlled on matchdays.
Arrive early if it is your first visit. Selhurst Park is not a modern out-of-town bowl with wide open approaches; it is a compact urban stadium where queues, pavements and road closures can slow you down. The Arthur Wait Stand concourse can be busy, so away supporters should not leave entry until the last few minutes.
For pubs and food, the surrounding area has options but many venues operate matchday door policies, particularly for high-profile fixtures. Away fans should check advice from their own club before choosing where to drink. After full-time, expect slow movement around the away end and managed routes back towards the main stations.
Crystal Palace home tickets are sold through the club's official ticketing system, with priority normally given to season-ticket holders, members and supporters with booking history. Premier League matches, London fixtures and games against major clubs are usually in high demand, and Palace may restrict sales or ticket sharing for certain fixtures to protect home areas.
For neutrals, the best views are generally in the side stands, although the older nature of Selhurst Park means it is worth checking for restricted-view seats before buying. The Holmesdale Road Stand is the main home atmosphere area and is not really a neutral section. Seats close to the away allocation in the Arthur Wait Stand can be lively and may have more segregation-related restrictions.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club. Travelling supporters should buy only through official away channels and should check whether their ticket has any restricted-view note. Away fans should not buy in home areas, as Crystal Palace enforce segregation and may take action where away supporters are identified in home sections.
Selhurst Park operates standard Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory behaviour and no alcohol consumption in view of the pitch. Supporters must use the entrance and block shown on their ticket and follow steward instructions around segregated areas.
Crystal Palace allow supporters to bring a small bag or backpack provided it is small enough to fit under the seat and is searched at the turnstiles. Larger luggage should not be taken into the stands. The club has also advertised a luggage facility at the Information Centre near Entrance 9, open before and shortly after the match, although supporters should check current arrangements before relying on it.
Flags and banners may need approval, and space to display them is limited. Away supporters should check their own club's away guide and Crystal Palace's visiting supporter information before bringing large flags, surfer banners or display material.
Crystal Palace provide visitor and accessibility information for Selhurst Park, but the stadium's age means disabled supporters should plan carefully. Accessible seating, wheelchair positions and companion arrangements are available, but the older stands and tight surrounding streets can make the experience more challenging than at newer venues.
Away disabled supporters should book through the visiting club and confirm the exact location of wheelchair or ambulant disabled seats. Because the away section is in the Arthur Wait Stand, access routes, concourse space and viewing positions should be checked in advance, especially for supporters who need step-free access or who cannot manage long periods standing in queues.
Supporters using public transport should consider the walk from Thornton Heath, Norwood Junction or Selhurst stations and the post-match crowding around each route. Anyone needing assistance should contact the club or visiting ticket office before travelling rather than relying on matchday stewards to solve access issues on arrival.
Crystal Palace offer Selhurst Park stadium tours on selected dates, giving supporters access to behind-the-scenes areas and the chance to learn more about the club and the ground. The club has advertised tours as running on select days, with standard tours lasting around 90 minutes and accessible tours around 60 minutes.
However, Crystal Palace have also stated that stadium tours will not run beyond 3 May 2026 because of the Main Stand redevelopment. For the 2026/27 season, supporters should therefore check the official club website before planning a visit, as regular public tours may be paused or unavailable while redevelopment work affects the stadium.
Large South London park famous for the Crystal Palace dinosaurs, open space and sports history. A good local attraction if you are in the area before heading to Selhurst Park.
Food, drink and event space beside East Croydon station. Useful if you are using Croydon as a base before travelling to Selhurst, Thornton Heath or Norwood Junction.
Museum and gardens in South London, useful for supporters making a longer day of a Crystal Palace away trip. Allow onward travel time to Selhurst Park.
Official Crystal Palace ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Official website for Crystal Palace. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Useful starting point for information about Selhurst Park, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.