Not the loudest, but rugby's English headquarters are worth a visit for any rugby fan (Twickenham Rugby Stadium)

Member Name: mrjoegoodwin

Product:	Twickenham Rugby Stadium
Date:	26/05/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good views all around the ground, redeveloped South stand completes a great stadium

Disadvantages: Expensive ticket prices, long queues at train station going home after the game

Twickenham is the home of English rugby, and whilst the stadium has also now joined the stadium pop concert circuit as a viable alternative to Wembley, this review focuses on the match day experience at both club and international matches.

Situated near Kingston in the South West of London, Twickenham is most easily accessible via the main line railway station, approximately 10 minutes walk away from the stadium itself, although the walk will take considerably longer with heavy foot traffic on a match day. Walking towards the ground, it always amazes me how many local residents seem to open up their front and driveways to food and drink vendors. Every few houses along the way seem to be selling baguettes, hot dogs, home made food and other snacks at varying prices. My personal favourite is the South African BBQ, the 'Brai' (apologies if this spelling is incorrect) on the right hand side of the road as you approach the stadium.

Having undergone extensive redevelopment works in recent years, the imposing South Stand is the first to greet you as you approach the stadium from the railway station, and it houses the offices, stadium hotel (Marriott) and improved RFU superstore, which caters for all of your replica shirts and other assorted merchandise, though the prices here are quite steep, and if you are looking to buy a shirt in particular, you're better off looking online.

Continue walking left to reach the West stand, and you will notice the Walk of Champions, the names of famous England players from past and present are enshrined in a commemorative stone walkway around the outskirts of the stadium, whilst thousands of paying punters have also contributed to the development work on the stadium by paying to have their own names next to those of their playing and coaching heroes.

The West stand is the main entrance for the players too on match day, and if you arrive early enough to get a good viewing position, you can watch the coaches make their way through the crowds and through the famous gates into the stadium itself. The players rarely stop for photos and autographs, but it's a nice opportunity to get close to the superstars of modern rugby.

Food and drink is a mixed bag, and typical stadium fare - there is an excellent pie vendor inside one of the stands, and the bars are dotted around all over the place, so you should never be waiting too long for a beer. Beware visiting the top tier if you are in search of a draught pint however - on my most recent visit, the top tier bars were bottles only, selling only cider and lager at over £3.50 a pop. Much better to enjoy a Greene King IPA or Guinness in the lower tiers, and stock up before making the long walk to the upper tier. Speaking of which, the upper tier walk takes a long time - don't arrive with minutes to spare before the match if you're sat up here! Spiral walkways guide you to the top (similar to the San Siro in Milan, or the City of Manchester stadium), and whilst up here, take a look around - on a clear day, some of London's famous sights can be seen, as well as The Stoop, the home of Harlequins, situated just around the corner.

Views from the stadium are mostly excellent, though the upper tier is very high up, and not for everybody, particularly those who aren't fond of heights.

International matches are what Twickenham is renowned for, but singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' is about as boisterous as it gets. The champagne and cheese hampers in the car parks before the game tell you straightaway that the Twickenham clientele are sometimes a different breed to the more vocal support found in Dublin or Cardiff for example.

Club matches are also held at rugby's HQ, and having attended the EDF Energy Final and Guinness Premiership final in recent years, can attest to great atmospheres for the club game. Depending on the occasion, the top tier seats may not be used for club games, but keep an eye out on Ticketmaster at the start of the season - if you don't mind which team gets to the final, £10 tickets for these games can always be had in advance, mainly situated in the lower tier corner seats, but offering a good view at a cracking price.

Twickenham is an enjoyable rugby experience, quieter than other grounds, and more expensive to boot - top price 6 Nations tickets reaching £85 in 2009, over a pound per minute not providing wonderful value, although an inevitable consequence of rugby turning professional and becoming more popular. Twickenham can be enjoyed on a budget though - check out ticket offers for club games, arrive early and enjoy the atmosphere. Leave late and avoid the rush at the train station after the match!

Summary: Check out Twickenham on match day, a very enjoyable rugby experience