About Aston Villa

Aston Villa Football Club is a professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham. Founded on 21 November 1874, Villa have played at Villa Park since 1897 and compete in the Premier League. The club is one of the oldest and most successful in England, having won the Football League First Division seven times, the FA Cup seven times, the League Cup five times, the European Cup in 1981–82 and the European Super Cup in 1982.

Aston Villa were influential in the sport's development: director William McGregor founded the Football League in 1888, and George Ramsay became the world's first professional football manager in 1886. The club pioneered a short, slick passing game and has the longest unbroken spell in the English top flight bar Everton. Villa's fiercest rivalry is with Birmingham City in the Second City derby; there is also a local rivalry with West Bromwich Albion.

Villa Park is the largest football stadium in the English Midlands and the 11th largest in England. It has hosted 55 FA Cup semi-finals—more than any other ground—as well as England internationals, 1966 World Cup matches, UEFA Euro 1996 fixtures and the 1999 Cup Winners' Cup final. The club has plans to redevelop the North Stand and increase capacity to over 50,000.

For away fans, a visit to Villa Park offers a historic, characterful ground with four distinct stands and a vocal home support, notably in the Holte End. The Doug Ellis Stand houses the away section with an allocation of up to around 3,000 depending on demand.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Aston Villa Football Club

Nickname: The Villans, The Lions

Founded: 21 November 1874

Stadium: Villa Park

Capacity: 43,205

Location: Aston, Birmingham

League: Premier League

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Villa Park

Formerly Aston Lower Grounds

Address

Trinity Road

Aston

Birmingham

B6 6HE

Capacity

43,205

Opened

1897

Pitch Dimensions

105m x 68m

Surface

Desso GrassMaster

Stadium History & Features

Villa Park stands on the former Aston Lower Grounds, a Victorian amusement park in the grounds of Aston Hall. The club moved in during 1897 and the ground has been developed over the years into a four-stand stadium: the Holte End (south), Trinity Road Stand (west), Doug Ellis Stand (east, formerly Witton Lane) and North Stand (north). Each stand has its own design; the Holte End is the main home end and the most vocal.

The stadium has hosted England internationals, 1966 World Cup and Euro 96 matches, the 1999 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final and the 2012 FA Community Shield. Between the Trinity Road and Holte End stands is a pavilion-style structure used for corporate hospitality. The club shop, ticket offices and "Villa Village" are behind the North Stand. A statue of William McGregor stands outside the ground.

Villa Park is about 500 metres from Witton railway station and roughly 1.5 km from Aston station. Bus routes 7 and 11 serve the area. The club advises using the official travel map and directions; a traffic exclusion zone operates on matchdays, with road closures in place up to two hours before kick-off.

Away Fan Seating

Away fans are housed in the Doug Ellis Stand, towards the northern end of the stadium, on both tiers. The allocation is up to around 3,000 depending on demand. Witton station is closest to the away entrance; follow Witton Lane from the roundabout to the ground. Stewards will direct you to your block.

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Getting to Villa Park

By Train

Witton station is about 500 metres from Villa Park and roughly five minutes' walk; it is closest to the away entrance. Services run to and from Birmingham New Street and Walsall. Aston station is about 1.5 km away (around 15 minutes' walk) and has more frequent services to Birmingham New Street. Both are on the mainline from New Street.

From Witton, turn left out of the station, continue to the roundabout, turn left on to Witton Lane and follow it to the stadium.

By Bus

Buses 7, 11A and 11C serve Witton Square; routes 65 and 67 stop near Aston station. The AV82 City Centre Shuttle (Stagecoach) runs from outside Birmingham New Street on Dudley Street direct to Villa Park, from three hours before kick-off until up to two hours after the final whistle. The AV1 service (Arriva) serves supporters travelling from Tamworth.

By Car

Use postcode B6 6HE for sat-nav. Villa Park is 2.2 miles from Birmingham city centre. A traffic exclusion zone operates on matchdays and roads are closed up to two hours before kick-off. Parking at the stadium is for permit holders only; official matchday parking can be pre-booked or paid on the day at designated sites. Public transport is recommended.

By Coach

Coach parking is available at some venues (e.g. Aston Manor Cricket Club) by prior arrangement. Check the club's travel and parking pages and operators such as BigParking for matchday options.

On Foot or by Bicycle

Villa Park is within walking distance of Witton and Aston stations. The club provides information on travelling on foot or by bike; check the official travel and parking section for current details.

Travel Tip

Plan ahead and check timetables. Allow extra time for road closures and queues. Witton is best for the away end. The AV82 shuttle from New Street is useful if you're drinking or staying in the city centre before the match.

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Parking Information

A residents-only parking scheme operates around Villa Park on matchdays. Stadium parking is for permit holders. Official matchday spaces can be pre-booked or paid on the day at designated sites. Some street parking exists near Aston station (e.g. Lichfield Road towards the city centre); always check restrictions.

Official Parking

Matchday parking can be pre-booked online or paid on the day at designated sites. Y International (Priory Road, B6 7LG) is one of the biggest official off-site options, about 1 km from the ground; pre-booking via BigParking or the club is recommended.

Private Car Parks

Paid matchday parking is available at various sites. Examples include Perry Bar Stadium (B42 2ET, around £4, ~200 spaces, ~1.5 km), Aston Social Club (B6 7JU, £5, ~150 spaces, ~0.6 km), and King Edward VI Aston School (B6 6DJ, £10, ~1 km). Calthorpe Arms (B20 2DZ) offers limited free spaces (~45) about 2 km away. Star City (B7 5SA) has free parking but is about 2.5 km and a 25-minute walk.

Street Parking

Residents-only schemes apply on matchdays. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. Any street parking near Aston or on approach routes must comply with signed restrictions.

Park & Ride / Train

Consider parking at a rail station with spaces (e.g. further out on the lines to Witton or Aston) and completing your journey by train to Witton or Aston, then walking to Villa Park.

Important Parking Advice

Pre-book where possible. Arrive early to secure a space and to avoid road closures. Use official or reputable off-site car parks; check the club and BigParking for current options. Public transport often avoids the worst of the traffic.

Pubs and Bars

There are several pubs and bars near Villa Park. Note that some bars ask fans to cover club colours and some do not allow children; check before you go. Above we show some highly rated venues nearby; get more on the Follow Away App.

Aston Manor Cricket Club

Location: Just off M6, 2 miles from Villa Park

Distance: Short drive or walk

Function room capacity ~100, parking for ~80 cars and coaches. Serves Guinness, Carling, Coors, Madri, Staropramen, real ales and food (breakfast baps, burgers, hot dogs, chips). Sky Sports, TNT and satellite channels; snooker and pool. Contact steward for bookings.

The Gosta Green

Location: Birmingham city centre

Distance: 15 minutes from New Street, 25 minutes' walk to Villa Park

Large away pub with a big beer garden, 15+ draught lines and food until 10pm. Can accommodate around 600 fans including ~200 in the garden. Multiple screens for football; coach parking by arrangement. Disabled access; pool and darts.

Pubs near the ground

Location: Around Villa Park

Distance: 5–15 minutes' walk

A number of bars near Villa Park welcome away fans. Policies on colours and under-18s vary; check locally on the day.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Some venues require club colours to be covered; others do not allow children. Drinking in Birmingham city centre then taking the AV82 shuttle or train to Witton/Aston is a popular approach. The Gosta Green is a common choice for larger groups.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

Kiosks in the concourses sell hot food, snacks and drinks. Check the Follow Away app or official sources for current prices; check on the day.

  • Pies: Hot pies and similar savoury options
  • Burgers & Hot Dogs: Standard matchday hot food
  • Chips: Available at most kiosks
  • Soft Drinks & Hot Beverages: Tea, coffee and soft drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer and other alcoholic drinks (ID may be required)

Near the Stadium

Aston Manor Cricket Club

Serves breakfast baps, burgers, hot dogs and chips; handy if you park or drink there before the match.

The Gosta Green

Food until 10pm; popular with away fans using the city centre before heading to Villa Park.

City Centre Options

Birmingham city centre has a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars. Many away fans eat or drink there before taking the AV82 shuttle or a train to Witton or Aston, then walking to Villa Park.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Villa Park on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

Get more venues on the Follow Away App to find hotels and places to stay near the ground.

Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Away tickets for Villa Park are sold through your club's official ticket office or away scheme. The allocation is up to around 3,000, in the Doug Ellis Stand. Sales and eligibility follow your club's loyalty or ballot rules.

Ticket Prices

Pricing is set by Aston Villa and communicated via your club. Concessionary rates may apply. Confirm exact prices and categories when you buy.

Important Ticket Information

  • Buy only through your club's official channels; never from touts or unofficial sellers.
  • Check your club's away ticket criteria, sale dates and collection arrangements.
  • Photo ID may be required; confirm with your club before travel.
  • Follow steward directions to the away section in the Doug Ellis Stand.

Ticket Advice

Register for away tickets with your club and apply when sales open. Demand can be high for popular fixtures. Never buy from unofficial sources—you risk being refused entry.

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Allow time for road closures, traffic and queues. Witton is closest to the away end; trains and the AV82 shuttle can be busy.
  • Check Transport: Verify train and bus times; road closures operate up to two hours before kick-off. Use the club's travel and parking map for directions.
  • Club Colours: Some pubs ask fans to cover colours. Have a jacket or neutral layer if you plan to drink locally.
  • Pre-Match Food: The Gosta Green, Aston Manor Cricket Club and other venues serve food; concourse kiosks get busy closer to kick-off.

At the Stadium

  • Security Checks: Allow time for bag searches and any checks at the turnstiles. Prohibited items are listed on the club website.
  • Away Section: Away fans are in the Doug Ellis Stand towards the North end. Follow stewards and signs to your block.
  • Facilities: Toilets and food and drink kiosks are in the concourses behind the away section.
  • Atmosphere: The Holte End is the main home end and particularly vocal. The four stands each have a distinct character.

After the Match

  • Exiting: Stewards will direct you out. There may be a brief hold-back depending on the fixture.
  • Transport: Trains from Witton and Aston can be busy. The AV82 shuttle runs for up to two hours after the final whistle. Consider waiting in a pub if you have time.
  • Safety: Follow steward and police instructions. Keep to designated away routes where indicated.

General Advice

  • Weather: Villa Park is largely open to the elements. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Cash & Cards: Many outlets accept cards; carrying some cash is still useful.
  • Mobile Coverage: Signal can be busy in and around the ground. Agree meeting points in advance.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and residents. You're a guest in the area.

Top Tip

Use Witton for the away end and plan around road closures. The AV82 shuttle from New Street or a pre-match stop at the Gosta Green or Aston Manor Cricket Club can make the day easier. Villa Park is one of the country's most storied grounds—enjoy it.

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