So I am 319 grounds in! I’ve seen some crackers and some slackers but this certainly is the BEST hobby in the world!!! I have given out quite a few 10/10 ratings for grounds along the way but people and other hoppers always ask that question: “What’s the best ground you’ve been to?” This post will answer that question! Starting from number 10:
10) Halesowen Town
A truly unique setup! The shed end behind the goal is where the atmosphere is and the stand along the near side is one not seen very often at grounds these days! Whilst the ground is a gem, this club will be remembered by me more for the fans!! One of the very best in Non League!!!
9) Newquay AFC
A popular holiday destination for people all around the UK but what about for football? It was my first ever trip to Cornwall! It was a weekend with Officer Kizz to see his beloved Nuneaton Borough in a pre-season friendly. It started with Newton Abbot Spurs on the Friday night and then into Cornwall. Newquay as a place is absolutely stunning!! The ground is a cracker as well! I only gave 9/10 for this one as I felt that the ground was missing a little something on the far side but despite that I loved the stand and the views behind it from the banking and with the writing on the wall of the club’s previous badges! This part of the country is one I am looking forward to returning to that’s for sure!
8) Leek Town
Quite a popular one amongst the groundhoppers, and I certainly felt the same way when me and Mr & Mrs Merry Miller visited! Jack to this day still says this as our best ever Saturday, I think this is due to the ground being as good as it is! The main stand offers a great vantage point and it has covered terracing on both sides. It’s a ground that should be higher up the Pyramid!
7) Ullswater United
I love my picturesque grounds but this one is the most beautiful setting I have ever watched a match at! Views at all ends, it is just gorgeous! There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the beauty of Ullswater United’s ground!!
6) Liverpool FC
Anfield, home of the team I have supported since I was a child getting into football! 4 times I have visited and loved it each time! Anfield has expanded over the years and is currently undergoing further construction on the Anfield Road end! The view above from the top of the main stand is sensational! I would love the sit in the kop on a european night some day!!
5) Matlock Town
One of the most picturesque grounds in the UK as voted by football fans and you can see why! Views at all ends of the ground! It’s got stands at each end as well! I’d love to see this club in the National League North one day! Beautiful ground!
4) Boston United/Railway Athletic
York Street, the old home of Boston United and what a ground this is!! A shame I didn’t get to see it full with Boston fans but when I did visit with Mackem Mark to see Railway Athletic that Friday night in October 2021, my jaw dropped as I walked in! Just glorious! I’d imagine this ground looks better under the lights than in the day time! Just amazing! No one currently plays there anymore as Railway Athletic have folded… PLEASE DON’T DEMOLISH THIS GROUND!!
3) Hastings United
That stand is a thing of beauty! It will be a sad loss should it be torn down… A fantastic setting on the South Coast and well worth the drive down in the end!! It’s all about that big stand for me! One of the best I’ve seen and very popular amongst other hoppers!
2) Workington AFC
This was one on my radar for a long time and I finally managed the 3 hour trip across the Lake District to see it in February 2023!! Oh boy it was worth it!! The stand behind the goal is what makes it for me! Truly one of it’s own kind! I absolutely love this ground but there is one ground I like just a little better…
- Bath City!
Wow wow wow! Unreal ground! My favourite ground! Twerton Park! It’s old school, characteristic and picturesque! Just beautiful! My favourite ground hopefully so far but it’s going to take some beating!
There is my Top 10! Please leave a comment below if you think any ground out there could break into this ranking or even better, become number 1!