
Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Historic home of Lancashire Cricket, blending tradition with modern match-day excitement. A must-visit for cricket fans.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Electric atmosphere

Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Best Time
Electric atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic home of Lancashire Cricket, blending tradition with modern match-day excitement. A must-visit for cricket fans.
"Old Trafford nailed it — historic venue with modern flair. Would come again in a heartbeat!"

🎯 Tram is the Way to Go
Easily accessible via the Metrolink tram system. Avoid driving and parking stress!
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drink can be pricey. Bring your own to save cash and beat long queues.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pavilion End
Main Stand
Soak in the historic atmosphere and catch the iconic view of the red brick pavilion.

The Warwick Road Stand
Behind the bowler's arm
Experience the roar of the crowd and get a fantastic perspective of the entire pitch.

Lancashire Cricket Museum
Inside the ground
Delve into the rich history of Lancashire cricket and its legendary players.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Public Transport is Key
Food & Drink Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tram is the Way to Go
Easily accessible via the Metrolink tram system. Avoid driving and parking stress!
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drink can be pricey. Bring your own to save cash and beat long queues.
📸 Capture the History
Don't miss the chance to explore the Lancashire Cricket Museum for a dose of heritage.
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular matches sell out fast. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tram is the Way to Go
Easily accessible via the Metrolink tram system. Avoid driving and parking stress!
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drink can be pricey. Bring your own to save cash and beat long queues.
📸 Capture the History
Don't miss the chance to explore the Lancashire Cricket Museum for a dose of heritage.
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular matches sell out fast. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfy shoes are a must!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Trafford is celebrated for its electric atmosphere and historic charm, offering a top-class Test match experience with good views and a range of food options. While the venue is praised for its heritage and passionate crowds, some visitors note that facilities like restrooms could be better maintained, and queues for food and drink can be lengthy due to understaffing.
""Top-class Test Match Experience!"
Visited for Day 2 of the India v England Test (Aug 2025) — absolutely brilliant!
🏟️ Atmosphere: Electric! Indian and English fans were in full voice. Every wicket and boundary felt huge.
Seating & View: Clear views, comfy seats, great acoustics. Big screens and replays were spot on.
Food & Drinks:
Great variety — Indian street food, classic stadium bites, even vegan options. Bars well-stocked. A bit pricey, but fast-moving queues. Liked the baked potato options a lot.
Transport:
Easy access via tram. Recommend public transport over driving.
Pro Tip: Grab food mid-session to avoid long lines at lunch.
📍 Old Trafford nailed it — historic venue with modern flair. Would come again in a heartbeat!"
Rambala K
"I went during the Anderson Tendulkar trophy, 4th test day 5 and the atmosphere was electric. We had extremely cheap bottom row seats with an impeccable view of the field.
The seats were very easy to find with signs clearly displayed.
I would suggested bringing your own food, as the food prices in the stalls are extortionate.
We had to find third party parking areas as the ground ones were full.
Would highly recommend the Old Trafford for any game of cricket."
Vibhas Chengalavala
"Review for stadium, match days T20 ¼ finals Sep 25 and T20 v Yorks Jul 25 Increadible atmosphere generated by the crowd, helps when Lancs Win (not v Yorks - Birstow astounding innings). In general, good off field entertainment and, tbh you can see Lancs are trying here with free bucket hats, badges, Lanky Mascot and facepainting etc. However, Lancs fail, miserably IMHO, with many food & beverage outlets simply woefully understaffed. Queues for all beverages are a spectating preventative 15 - 25 minute wait. In a match with just circa 150 minutes of actual live play, that becomes completely unacceptable considering the very unnecessarily strict limitation on food and drink you are permitted to bring in. So they want you buying their food and drink, they provide facilities to do so, they simply don't staff them. Staff, marshalling, gate staff, food , beverages etc are 100% chalk and cheese - The better side of the staff, are very, very good ... friendly, engaging, professional whilst willing to have a giggle too - well done. The unfortunate flip side of this, is the way too many staff that are surly, unnecessarily abrupt borderline rude. These team members are seriously not suitable for customer facing roles in any regard. I really don't blame these members of the team, the blame here squarely lies with what must be a very weak recruitment policy, shortlisting and training, because it is abundantly obvious that these members of the team, should not be in these roles. Toikets next, a difficult situation I accept, but just about acceptable in quantity but need some supervision and orderly queuing and some regular cleaning for sure! Next, the scoreboard and digital 'ticker' info. Effectively there is no scoreboard. Way. WAY too frequently there is no score, wickets, overs, battters, required ... they are replaced by slow motion or still replays of zero action, just a face, a stance or a player doing nothing. I accept you want replays quickly of wickets and boundaries but when not, the full scoreboard should ALWAYS be up with breaks only to show wickets or boundaries. A simple fix. Seems like a lot, but of course due to the fact that most visits will have you there all day, there is a lot that needs to be adequately provided. Ticket prices are not insignificant so spectators are seriously checking value for money
Lancs playing and support staff generally providing entertainment, but significant work to be done off field to ensure Old Trafford becomes the world class facility it should be."
Dan Carty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Old Trafford is by tram. The Old Trafford Cricket Ground stop on the Metrolink line is just a short walk away. If driving, be aware that parking can be limited and expensive, with many visitors opting for third-party parking areas nearby.
Limited parking is available on-site, often reserved for pre-booked or disabled visitors. Many attendees find parking in surrounding streets or designated third-party lots, which can be a short walk from the ground.
The Metrolink tram is highly recommended. It offers frequent services and drops you right at the doorstep of the ground, making it a stress-free option for match days.
While not as common as public transport, cycling is an option. Ensure you have a secure place to lock your bike, as dedicated cycle parking facilities might be limited. Check with the venue for specific recommendations.
Old Trafford Cricket Ground is located about 3 miles southwest of Manchester city centre. It's a short tram ride or a moderate taxi journey away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through the official Lancashire Cricket website or authorized ticketing partners. For major international matches, you might need to go through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) or the touring team's official channels.
Opening hours vary significantly depending on whether there is a match or event scheduled. On match days, gates usually open a few hours before the start. For non-match days, access is typically limited to stadium tours or specific events.
There are restrictions on what you can bring. Generally, small amounts of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are permitted, but large quantities or specific items may be prohibited. It's best to check the latest venue policy before your visit.
Concessions are often available for children and seniors, especially for domestic matches. Check the ticketing information for specific matches as prices and availability can vary.
Old Trafford has a strict bag policy, with size restrictions on bags allowed into the stadium. Larger bags may not be permitted. It's advisable to travel light or check the venue's official website for detailed guidelines.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is often described as electric, especially during international matches or when Lancashire is playing well. Fans are passionate, and the stadium's design helps amplify the crowd's energy.
Generally, yes. Old Trafford is known for providing good views of the pitch from most seating areas, even from the lower rows. The stadium's size contributes to an intimate viewing experience.
Facilities include food and drink outlets, merchandise stores, restrooms, and the Lancashire Cricket Museum. Some reviews mention that restroom facilities could be improved in terms of upkeep.
Yes, Old Trafford aims to be accessible. There are designated seating areas for wheelchair users and accessible restrooms. It's recommended to contact the venue directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
You can find a variety of options, from classic stadium fare like pies and burgers to Indian street food and vegan choices. Bars are well-stocked, though queues can be long during peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed for non-commercial purposes. However, tripods and professional camera equipment may be restricted, especially on match days. Always check the venue's specific photography policy.
The Pavilion End offers iconic shots of the historic building. For action shots, seats behind the bowler's arm in the Warwick Road Stand provide a great perspective. The pitch itself, especially during a dramatic moment, is always a good subject.
Absolutely. Drone usage is strictly prohibited within the stadium premises and surrounding areas due to safety and security regulations.
Floodlights are used for evening matches, providing good illumination for play. This can also create dramatic lighting for photography, especially during twilight hours.
Yes, stadium tours usually allow personal photography. It's a great opportunity to capture the stadium's architecture and history without the crowds of a match day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Getting to the ground via the Metrolink tram is often easier with children than navigating parking. Consider booking seats in family-friendly zones if available, which can offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Overall, it's a great place to introduce children to the excitement of live cricket in a historic setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider attending domestic matches rather than international fixtures, as these often have more affordable ticket options. Exploring third-party parking options further away from the ground can also reduce costs if you must drive. Planning ahead and focusing on the core experience – the cricket – will help maximize value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Heart of Lancashire Cricket
Beyond Test matches, Old Trafford has also hosted significant One Day Internationals and T20 fixtures, including crucial World Cup games. The atmosphere during these high-stakes encounters is often described as electric, with passionate crowds creating an unforgettable experience. Exploring the Lancashire Cricket Museum on-site provides a deeper dive into the club's storied past, showcasing memorabilia and stories of cricketing heroes.
For those interested in the architectural evolution of cricket grounds, Old Trafford offers a fascinating study. While retaining its historic charm, the ground has undergone various developments to enhance spectator comfort and viewing experience. This continuous adaptation ensures that Old Trafford remains a relevant and cherished venue for generations of cricket fans.
Match Day Experience: Beyond the Boundary
While the cricket is the main event, the off-field entertainment and amenities play a crucial role. Many visitors appreciate the efforts made to engage families, with activities like face painting and mascots adding to the festive mood. However, a recurring point of feedback is the long queues at food and drink outlets, often due to understaffing. This can detract from the experience, leading many to suggest bringing their own provisions.
Seating is generally well-regarded, with clear views of the action from most areas. The stadium's design ensures that even those further back feel connected to the game. Despite some criticisms regarding facilities like restrooms, the overall consensus is that a day at Old Trafford, especially for a thrilling match, is a memorable occasion.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit