The Complete Beginner's Guide to Groundhopping in England
New to groundhopping? Here's everything you need to know about visiting football grounds across England — from planning your first trip to tracking every stadium you've ticked off.
What Is Groundhopping?
Groundhopping is the hobby of visiting as many football grounds as possible — from Premier League cathedrals to non-league gems with a burger hut and 40 fans. It's part football, part travel, entirely addictive. This guide explains exactly how to get started.
Why People Get Hooked
There's something irreplaceable about walking into a new ground for the first time. The smell of the pitch, a terrace you've never stood on, a club with 120 years of history you'd never have discovered otherwise. Groundhoppers aren't just fans — they're football explorers.
How to Plan Your First Groundhop
Pick Your Starting Point
Don't start at Old Trafford. Start local — find a non-league fixture within an hour of home. Low cost, easy logistics, and the atmosphere often surprises you.
Check Fixtures in Advance
Use the club's website or apps like TheFans to find upcoming fixtures, check kick-off times, and see which grounds are within range on the same day (double-headers are peak groundhopping).
Know the Etiquette
Groundhoppers are welcome at virtually every club in England. Buy a programme. Grab a pie. Don't sit in someone's 'usual seat' on an open terrace. Respect the locals — you're a guest in their ground.
How to Track the Grounds You've Visited
A notebook works. A spreadsheet works. But apps like TheFans let you log every ground, track your stats, and discover what to visit next — all in one place.
Where to Go Next
Once you've caught the bug, the options are endless: the 92 Football League grounds, the Non-League pyramid, Scottish grounds, European away days. Start your list, and see where it takes you.
Start Your Journey Today
Download TheFans, log your first ground, and join a community of fans doing exactly this every weekend across the country.