Hi there, I am considering visiting Craven Cottage for the first time for the QPR Match on 1st April 8pm kick-off.
Just wanted some advice really, I come up from Yorkshire area, Doncaster.
What is it like after the game, how easy and quick is it to get away from the game?
Is the station easy to find on way out after game?
What's the quickest way back to kings cross after the game as the last train home is half 11 at night and I don't wanna miss my train or leave my match early.
Also what's the best stand to sit in? heard riverside stand is good as you can view the river thames at half-time that sounds good.
Getting away from the ground after the match can be problematic. When I went to the Cottage last season, my wife and I were seized upon after the match and frog-marched through the park, over the bridge and forced to drink strong ale with hosts of Fulham including one very tall, follicularly challenged man with a strong voice.
I was not able to get away until I had experienced the full measure of Fulham fellowship. I hope you have the same experience on your first visit.
Mr HatterDon, shame on you for not resisting arrest and for then fraternising with the enemy. I was a good job that Mrs HatterDon was with you or she would have had you sitting on the naughty step when you got home late?
Hammersmith to Kings Cross St Pancras on the Piccadilly Line takes about 25 minutes and I would guess that you need to be there by 11:15.
If you are coming by the same route you will need to time how long it takes to walk down Fulham Palace Road from there to the ground (or you could check on Google Maps - walking beta version). There are busses but given the amount of people leaving and the traffic it will not be any quicker to get back to Hammersmith that way even if you do manage to get on one.
If your train is leaving at 11:30 you should be able to hear the final whistle and cheer the team off the pitch before you leave.
Enjoy
Personally, from Kings Cross I don't go Hammersmith. I change at Earls court and go to Putney Bridge.
The walk to / from the station is quicker too. If you leave the ground at 9.50pm after the game you should make Putney Bridge (through the crowds) by 10.15 if you get a swift march on (avoid the Park if possible) leaving plenty of time to get your train.
I you get back to Kings Cross early enough you must have a beer in the Flying Scotsman next door. It's traditional for fans to go in there and pop a quid in the lady's pot before heading back North.
The Riverside is pricey and you might get stuck behind a massive pillar. I couldn't see the whole of the centre circle vs Swansea before I moved. Get a seat in the Hammersmith and you can still have a beer next to the river (H8, H7 are closest)
Would I deffo make my train then? Also is there a queuing system at Putney bridge tube station after game or do u get straight in? Tube back to kings cross takes 33 minutes worrying!
8 o'clock kick off, call it five past (they usually do start late as the TV people have to cram the adverts in), second half starts about ten past nine, so the game is over by ten. Normally I would avoid Putney Bridge as it gets very busy and the queue can be quite long, but as it is our dearest neighbours, and they will be swarming off towards Hammersmith, it might not be so bad that night.
You certainly need to get your sightseeing done before the game, afterwards you will need to take off fairly smartish, but so long as you are on a train by 10-45, you will get to King's Cross in time (allow 40 minutes for the train journey, just in case there is any sort of hold up, they are rare at that time of night).
I walk fairly quickly, I take just over ten minutes to walk to/from Putney Bridge, closer to twenty to Hammersmith, Hammersmith has Picadilly Line trains which run direct to King's Cross and are a lot more frequent than District Line from Putney.
Is Putney bridge easy to find After game n is it down one big road? N do u reckon al make that train? I've work next day and is this game close to selling out?
Rupert I speedwalk wen I need to so I'd be walking at pace
Both stations can be reached by heading up or down the Fulham Palace Road, but your best bet is to follow the crowd. Putney Bridge, most people head there through Bishop's Park (next to the ground, turn right as you leave) it is a direct route. For Hammersmith, I usually go along the riverside, then gradually weave my way towards Hammersmith Broadway via various sidestreets. Less of a crowd to follow, but still enough of us to show the way. If you do get lost, anyone will be able to put you back on the right path.
No idea how close the game is to selling out, but I'd get a move on with getting a ticket if I were you.
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 09:58:32 AM
Is Putney bridge easy to find After game n is it down one big road? N do u reckon al make that train? I've work next day and is this game close to selling out?
With your back to the cottage it is go right for Putney and go left for Hammersmith and as someone has already said the Piccadilly Line service is more frequent and also direct.
As you will be leaving the ground at about 10pm, you should have no difficulty in getting there to catch your train at 11:30, but if you want a beer on the ways have it when you get to Kings Cross and not in the Fulham Palace Road.
If you go to Hammersmith on the way to the ground there is bus station over the top of the underground station and you can get a 220 bus - get off at the stop after the cemetery.
So rupert do you think I will easy make my train then at half 11 from kings cross? I don't know what station to go after game coz putney sounds good but your making hammersmith sound easier!! How long does it take on tube from hammersmith to kings cross?
Just looked and it takes 25 mins 9 mins quicker than Putney and hammersmith 10 mins further walk away so Putney now sounds best?
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 10:26:56 AM
Just looked and it takes 25 mins 9 mins quicker than Putney and hammersmith 10 mins further walk away so Putney now sounds best?
Is it?
Don't forget that the trains are more frequent on the Piccaddilly Line!
I should not worry though because you have over one hour and thrity minutes to get there so either will be fine.
Yep hammersmith underground station to kings cross 25 mins al have a look on street view on google n see where Putney bridge is i have good photo memory so that will help me!
How many will be there lads attendance wise at the game and do the police hold people back at Putney bridge tube station to stop overcrowding or are you allowed straight in with this being a local derby I can see there being a big police presence and most qpr fans will go hammersmith way home I reckon so queues at Putney bridge may be ok hopefully!
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 11:31:08 AM
How many will be there lads attendance wise at the game and do the police hold people back at Putney bridge tube station to stop overcrowding or are you allowed straight in with this being a local derby I can see there being a big police presence and most qpr fans will go hammersmith way home I reckon so queues at Putney bridge may be ok hopefully!
Hopefully most of their fans will have joined Adel Taarabt on the bus long before the end - please let it happen. 049:gif
There is sometimes a queue at Putney Bridge but the longer distance to Hammersmith means that the crowd will have thinned long before you get to the tube station. In any event I doubt you are going to be in time trouble given that your train is not until 11:30pm so either option will be fine for you.
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 11:31:08 AM
How many will be there lads attendance wise at the game and do the police hold people back at Putney bridge tube station to stop overcrowding or are you allowed straight in with this being a local derby I can see there being a big police presence and most qpr fans will go hammersmith way home I reckon so queues at Putney bridge may be ok hopefully!
can you call in sick the next day for work, or swap a shift, or take some leave?
It seems like you're going to be doing more panicking than enjoying, and you should be savouring your first match
For an 8pm kick off I always manage to get my train from Liverpool St Station at 11.30 and I usually have time to pick up some food. LS station is a lot further and more involved than Kings X.
The way I do it is to walk to Hammersmith along the river path. It's not quick but it is scenic. At Hammersmith I either get the piccadilly line or go accross the road and get a circle / metropolitan line train (though I expect that will be heaving with QPR so this time I'd suggest piccadilly line definitely). I allow about 30 minutes to get to the station and I'm old and fat. If I'm there by 10.30 I know I'll get my train and so should you.
I won't be panicking mate I will enjoy the game ill be coming Down to the cottage for this long as long as I'm not working I'm gonna get tube from Putney bridge after game
You wil enjoy it and its easy to find the ground I made my first ever visit to the ground and area for the stoke game and worried about finding it but as people have said there is alot of people heading there to just tag on to and follow and I am attending this match aswell definitely got the bug and am now looking at a season ticket hope you catch the bug too its definitely a nice ground with nice fans I cant help with the train as I have to walk to putney mainline but speed walking through the park will take no time at all
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 01:12:53 AM
Hi there, I am considering visiting Craven Cottage for the first time for the QPR Match on 1st April 8pm kick-off.
Just wanted some advice really, I come up from Yorkshire area, Doncaster.
What is it like after the game, how easy and quick is it to get away from the game?
Is the station easy to find on way out after game?
What's the quickest way back to kings cross after the game as the last train home is half 11 at night and I don't wanna miss my train or leave my match early.
Also what's the best stand to sit in? heard riverside stand is good as you can view the river thames at half-time that sounds good.
You'll get the 23:30 easily. Best way of getting back to King's Cross would be to get the Piccadilly line from Hammersmith (about a 20 minute walk from The Cottage). It's about 30 mins from Hammersmith. You can do the whole trip (The Cottage to King's Cross) in about 45/50 mins. At least I can leave King's Cross at 14:15 on a Saturday, and still make my seat for Kick Off...
Come to the match via Putney Bridge and just follow the crowd through Bishops Park alongside the Thames and soak up the river atmosphere, remember this is the stretch of water where the Oxford/Cambridge boat race starts.
Now if I had a London train to catch I would not risk a delicate .slow District line train requiring changes to get to KingsX, also there could be crowds waiting at the station.
The longer walk to Hammersmith is a better bet, the Picadilly Line trains are more frequent, reliable , faster and direct. Only downside is that you may have to rub shoulders with some unhappy QPR fans as the will be walking in that direction.
Quote from: Alan on March 20, 2013, 05:47:31 PM
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 01:12:53 AM
Hi there, I am considering visiting Craven Cottage for the first time for the QPR Match on 1st April 8pm kick-off.
Just wanted some advice really, I come up from Yorkshire area, Doncaster.
What is it like after the game, how easy and quick is it to get away from the game?
Is the station easy to find on way out after game?
What's the quickest way back to kings cross after the game as the last train home is half 11 at night and I don't wanna miss my train or leave my match early.
Also what's the best stand to sit in? heard riverside stand is good as you can view the river thames at half-time that sounds good.
You'll get the 23:30 easily. Best way of getting back to King's Cross would be to get the Piccadilly line from Hammersmith (about a 20 minute walk from The Cottage). It's about 30 mins from Hammersmith. You can do the whole trip (The Cottage to King's Cross) in about 45/50 mins. At least I can leave King's Cross at 14:15 on a Saturday, and still make my seat for Kick Off...
I'd echo that - suggest a seat in the Hammersmith End H5/H6 and exit the ground afterwards by the gate next to the river and walk up the river path. Cut in by the Crabtree and follow the crowds towards Hammersmith. You'll walk it in 20 - 25 mins and then the Piccadilly line to KX.
Enjoy your visit.
I'll have a look on google street view n get it to show walking route I have good photographic memory but would it give me same route as ur suggesting not sure it includes paths and what block is best in hammersmith to have a beer on river?
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 20, 2013, 07:30:57 PM
I'll have a look on google street view n get it to show walking route I have good photographic memory but would it give me same route as ur suggesting not sure it includes paths and what block is best in hammersmith to have a beer on river?
Look on Google street view at Rainville Road by the Crabtree and you'll see the Thames footpath sign. Lots of people walk that way after a game. On Google maps the path is clearly marked
The higher number blocks are closer to the river side of the ground so H7 is the closest. Suggest H5 or H6 would be optimal for view of match / proximity to river.
This thread is a wind-up right? Some kid is thinking of coming to Craven Cottage for the first time on a Bank Holiday Monday for an 8pm kick-off from Doncaster and has to go to work the next day. Or have I missed something?
Thames Path 1.5 mi, 29 min GOOGLE RECKON 29 min walk surely not true? Looking at google maps just looks like you walk along edge of river then turn and walk up road n ur at hammersmith tube station.
And dribble I normally work at 4pm on Tuesdays not like am up first thing.
1. Head northwest on Stevenage Rd toward Greswell St
0.4 mi
2. Turn right onto Lysia St
174 ft
3. Turn left onto Holyport Rd
0.1 mi
4. Continue onto Rainville Rd
364 ft
5. Turn left onto Thames Path
0.4 mi
6. Turn right to stay on Thames Path
95 ft
7. Continue onto Chancellor's Rd
0.2 mi
8. Turn left onto Fulham Palace Rd/A219
0.2 mi
9. Turn left onto Talgarth Rd/A219/A315
39 ft
10. Turn right
121 ft
11. Turn left
Is that route what your on about supermitch?
Just had a quick flick through street view, saw a primary school on way, no path and loads of streets, looks a trek. i'll have a longer/proper look tomorrow.
It's not a trek, it is a pilgrimage.
Just had a proper look mitch. it showed riverside stand turnstiles and ill be most likely in hammersmith stand then you walk down one big road which i believe is stevenage road but confusing part is when you get to that primary school because theres a path next to it but google street view wont take me down it then sends me down the street and i turn then get lost lol wtf then i end up at crabtree then you can see all river looks quality. seen path now quite narrow!
so am i right in thinking that path takes you all way across river ontowards hammersmith tube station?
Dont get that path next to the school, is it quicker to walk past it or quicker just to go down street and turn then find crabtree?.
looks like once i get to crabtree i cant get lost as its straight onto hammersmith, am i right with that theory mitch?
bloody hell, ive seen where path ends at hammersmith, u turn and walk down road and ur at hammersmith tube station. it doesnt look that bad/that far at all.
all it is is walk down road from riverside turnstiles, past school, turn down road find crabtree, walk down path, ends at hammersmith, turn down road at hammersmith n keep on walking till ur at tube station.
is hammersmith next to riverside stand?
also how long will queues be at hammersmith or will i get straight on my way?
Do not go to the Hammy end or the the Putney end as you will get a distorted view of the game the reason we so so many ill-informed comments after games. You will also get a lots of silly people standing in front of you. Go to the middle of the JH or Riverside fans. In the JH stand if you are far enough forward you are clear of any obstructed view.
All i'd recommend is if you are coming to Craven Cottage don't rush it. There is loads to see and when you're there you will not want to leave, the greatest bunch of football fans you will ever meet.
Try staying over or planning a later train back, you won't regret it.
you'd think it was a quest for the lost city of gold. Whichever way you go, Hammersmith or Putney, you will easily make Kings X for 11:30pm if you leave CC at 10pm
I'm off on Easter Monday and not in til 3pm next day so I'm coming to the cottage can't wait buzzing for it buying my ticket later £40 I think it is
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 21, 2013, 12:55:52 AM
bloody hell, ive seen where path ends at hammersmith, u turn and walk down road and ur at hammersmith tube station. it doesnt look that bad/that far at all.
all it is is walk down road from riverside turnstiles, past school, turn down road find crabtree, walk down path, ends at hammersmith, turn down road at hammersmith n keep on walking till ur at tube station.
is hammersmith next to riverside stand?
also how long will queues be at hammersmith or will i get straight on my way?
There is an gate onto the riverside walk at the junction of the Riverside and Hammersmith stands. It is opened at the end of the match and it will be a lot less crowded than the Stevenage Road exits.
Am I right with those directions though Roberty? It looks piss if so
That Thames path looks narrow as love lol
Check your pms roberty
Northern cottager mate what time shud I get to ground then if there's so much to see? It sounds lovely where the cottage is I can't wait
Bought my ticket just now, I'm in the Hammersmith end block H6. Think I'm on back few rows aswell. So quite closer to river and no pole in view either. cant wait now. buzzing.
Hammersmith end looks quite full. wasn't many left, will this game sell out or not do you reckon lads and how long do tickets normally take to arrive in the post?
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 21, 2013, 03:13:22 PM
Hammersmith end looks quite full. wasn't many left, will this game sell out or not do you reckon lads and how long do tickets normally take to arrive in the post?
Normally the day after you order them.
Adam, I just can't waite to read your post after the game to see how you managed the trip and to hear if you enjoyed the Cottage.
By the way if you are confused on which direction to take on the night ask a policeman, there should be one or two keeping an eye on the QPR fans as they creep back to Shepherds Bush.
Quote from: filham on March 21, 2013, 06:49:46 PM
Adam, I just can't waite to read your post after the game to see how you managed the trip and to hear if you enjoyed the Cottage.
By the way if you are confused on which direction to take on the night ask a policeman, there should be one or two keeping an eye on the QPR fans as they creep back to Shepherds Bush.
cheers pal really looking forward to it.
Hey Adam, where are you from? I moved to Doncaster when I was 13 when my Dad moved had to move with his job. I lived in Bessacarr
until I was old enough to move back to London!
Not from donny mate, my mate works in donny so al be getting a lift back to home where i live which is barnsley. doncaster is fantastic for transport to london, i always go there now, sheffields w*** for it, an hour and half to london from donny, v quick.
Sorry, joining this thread late. have you bought your ticket yet? If not, make sure you get in Hammersmith End for atmosphere (not too near the front), Riverside Stand for a great view (but a bit quiet), Johny Haynes stand for traditional querkiness, or Putney End for quieter experience with possible QPR inbred twit sitting next to you.
Enjoy! And welcome to the fold!
I'm in hammersmith end. Block h6 near back
Quote from: Adam1991 on March 21, 2013, 10:57:07 PM
I'm in hammersmith end. Block h6 near back
Good choice mate. You'll be with the more vocal fans then. I'm H5, also towards the back. Sing up fella! :clap_hands: 049:gif
Nice pal.
Where do you live in Barnsley,? I have lots of family live there.
Live around 5 mins from Elsecar pal. What time would you recommend getting to the ground lads and what will the queues be like in The Hammersmith end to have a beer on the river?
Will be coming from Leicester Square. 26 mins from there to Putney Bridge and to Hammersmith from Leicester Square it's From Leicester Square
To Hammersmith (Dist&Picc Line) Underground Station only just 18 minutes and is direct.
Think I will be coming to hammersmith district and picadilly line underground station before game then, and I can also then time the walk so I know how long it will most likely take me after game to get back there.
So 50 minutes journey from leicester square to cottage, brilliant that is.
Adam, I appreciate your enthusiasm, and it's great, but you need to relax mate. If you're by yourself get to the ground 30-60 mins before. Where your ticket is there's plenty of bars and people selling beers out of a backpack, queues not a problem. Vomit at your first sight of the MJ statue the walk past it and stand by the river, enjoy the wonderful views. Then wander back to your stand, enjoy the atmosphere, beer at halftime might be a struggle with the queues. Then once the whistle goes then make your way out promptly but no need to run like crazy, you'll have plenty of time to make it to either Putney or Hammersmith, and you'll make Kings X in plenty of time, really you will.
Cheers pal. How expensive are the beers?
£4-ish a pint (i should know the exact price as I have 2-3 each game, but I just hand over notes and don't check my change)
k pal cheers
The Vinnie pies are ok as well - I had a free veggie one at the Stoke game, but it was worth the £4 I would have spent on it. Can't believe I just wrote that. £4 for a pie??
Enjoy the game.
It Vili's - they come from Australia - best pies in the league - chosen by the fans at a tasting
http://www.vilis.com/ (http://www.vilis.com/)
Good atmosphere but you will not see much of the game because you will be surrounded by plebs.
Ordered my ticket on Thursday late afternoon and still not come in post. If it hasn't come tomorrow I'll have to e-mail the club because doubt there's any post on good friday. Worried.
Got my ticket through post today I'm block h6 of hammersmith and row 5 so near front n uncovered
Was brilliant loved it last night beer on river was good hammersmith wasn't that far at all from ground and craven cottage is a nice ground loved it
Quote from: Adam1991 on April 02, 2013, 12:46:53 PM
Was brilliant loved it last night beer on river was good hammersmith wasn't that far at all from ground and craven cottage is a nice ground loved it
glad you got it all sorted, Beautiful ground, beautiful people and a good result to bump.