About Heaton Stannington
Heaton Stannington are a Newcastle upon Tyne club nicknamed The Stan, playing in High Heaton. They were promoted to Step 4 via the 2023–24 Northern League play-offs and secured NPL East status in 2024–25.
The club's home since October 1935, The Willow Park (formerly Newton Park and Grounsell Park), sits on the site of a filled-in quarry. Record attendance is 2,107 for the 2024 play-off final against West Auckland Town.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Heaton Stannington Football Club
Nickname: The Stan
Founded: 1910
Stadium: The Willow Park
Capacity: 2,500 (150 seated)
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
League: Northern Premier League East
Stadium Information
Stadium Name
The Willow Park
Address
Newton Road
High Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7HP
Capacity
2,500 (150 seated)
Opened
1935
Surface
Grass
Stadium History & Features
The Stan moved to Newton Road in October 1935 after previously playing at Miller's Lane, Paddy Freeman's Park and Coast Road. The quarry site was levelled with turf laid before the first match on 12 October 1935.
Renamed Grounsell Park in 2007 in honour of Bob Grounsell, the ground was renamed The Willow Park from 2025–26 under a sponsorship deal with local business The Willow. Three 50-seat stands and covered standing for about 180 spectators serve the main pitch side.
Away Fan Seating
No dedicated away section is published. Three 50-seat stands and covered terracing are on the clubhouse side; away fans typically mix in general areas unless a fixture notice states otherwise.
Getting to The Willow Park
By Car
Sat-nav to NE7 7HP and use the Newton Road entrance between the takeaway and florists. You cannot drive into the ground on matchdays — parking inside is for players and officials only.
By Public Transport
Newcastle Central is the nearest mainline station. Metro stations at South Gosforth, Longbenton and Four Lane Ends are within about 20 minutes' walk. Stagecoach route 38 stops outside the ground.
Travel Tip
Use postcode NE7 7HP for the Newton Road side — older sat-navs may wrongly direct to Cotswold Gardens, which has no ground access.
Parking Information
No spectator parking inside the ground on matchdays.
Street parking
Park considerately on surrounding streets; do not block driveways or pavements. Pay-and-display car parks at Paddy Freeman's Park are a few minutes' walk away.
Important Parking Advice
Use official or recommended parking where possible. Always check signs and do not block residents' driveways.
Pubs and Bars
The clubhouse bar serves real ale and has won CAMRA Tyneside Club of the Year awards. No named public pubs are listed on the official site for away fans.
Local options
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Distance: Check before you travel
No specific pubs are named on Wikipedia or the club's official site. Use the Follow Away app and local listings for away-friendly options.
Pub Tips for Away Fans
Be respectful and follow any steward or pub instructions. Policies can change by fixture.
Food and Dining Options
Inside the Stadium
Stan Scran serves hot food (burgers, chips, hot dogs) beside the changing rooms. The Stan Can Van in the car park sells drinks including Overkill Brewery ales in cans.
- Hot Food: Matchday kiosks where available
- Drinks: Soft drinks and, where permitted, alcohol
Near the Stadium
High Heaton
Local takeaways on Newton Road near the ground entrance.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne has a range of dining options — check local listings for matchday opening times.
Need a hotel?
Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near The Willow 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
Pay at the turnstile on matchdays (cash or card). Season tickets are sold via heatonstan.co.uk.
Ticket Prices
Adults £10, concessions £7, under-16s £2, under-4s free (ID may be required for concessions and juniors).
Important Ticket Information
- Prefer official club channels or your own club's ticket office
- Photo ID may be required for collection or entry
- Never buy from touts or unofficial sources
- Check sale dates and any segregation notices before you travel
Matchday Tips for Away Fans
Before the Match
- Arrive Early: Allow time for travel, parking and security checks.
- Transport: Check rail and bus operators for any matchday changes.
At the Stadium
- Security: Bags may be searched; allow time at the turnstiles.
- Seating: Follow stewards to the correct area for the fixture.
- Facilities: Toilets and kiosks are usually in the concourses or clubhouse.
After the Match
- Exiting: There may be a short hold-back. Follow steward instructions.
- Transport: Allow extra time for the journey back.
General Advice
- Cash & Cards: Many grounds accept contactless; some still prefer cash — check the club site.
- Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and local residents.