What is Wembley Stadium?
Wembley Stadium is a London landmark and perhaps the most famous stadium in the world. It is the largest stadium in the country, and the second largest in Europe by capacity. It was one of the main venues during the 2012 London Olympic Games, and hosted the fondly-remembered and groundbreaking Live Aid charity concert in 1985. And, as all English football fans will know, it was the setting for the England Mens Football Team’s only ever World Cup triumph, way back in 1966. You can find out all about the stadium and its history on the Wembley Stadium Tour.
Is this the original Wembley Stadium? Is this the Wembley Stadium?
Yes, this is the Wembley Stadium. But your question is justified. This Wembley Stadium replaced a former one, which once stood on the exact same plot of land.
The original Wembley Stadium was constructed in 1923, and was the home of the England Football Team until its closure in the year 2000. It hosted the FA and League Cups annually, the final of Euro 96, five European Cup finals and the 1966 World Cup Final. It was well-known for its famous Twin Towers, which were demolished, to much consternation, along with the rest of the stadium. The old Wembley (when Health & Safety legislation wasn’t as it is now) had a record attendance of 126,047. With crowds positioned right around the pitch at ground level, the number is thought to actually be as high as 300,000. All those folks were there to watch Bolton Wanderers take on West Ham United in the inaugural FA Cup Final held at the national stadium. Bolton won 2 - 0. The modern Wembley Stadium was built on the same site, and officially opened in 2007. Designed by Populous and Foster & Partners, it is known for its iconic, striking arch, which towers over the main stands, reaching a 113m at its highest point. The public have warmed to the stadium in recent years, and few consider the design to be anything other than a triumph and a fitting symbol of the modern city. Event-wise, it has carried on the legacy of the old Wembley, hosting the FA Cup Final and many other sporting events, as well as concerts. The record attendance for football stands at 89,874. But Adele smashed that figure when she played Wembley. She brought 98,000 fans along with her.
What can I see on the Wembley Stadium Tour?
The great thing about the Wembley Stadium Tour is the amount of access to roped-off visitors enjoy. You’ll get onto seats usually warmed by the bums of the super famous, from sports stars to pop icons and royals. The England dressing room is perhaps the most behind-the-scenes part of the tour. You’ll be talked through the footballing history of the stadium and the England team, including all the triumph and glory of 1966. What must have been going through those England players’ heads as they came out for the second half? And what must have been going through the mind of Gareth Barry as he sat in the dressing room at half time during the qualifier against Montenegro, the score at 0 - 0? Not much. It ended 0 - 0. What a time to be alive.
Then you get to live out your childhood dreams (or at least watch others living out theirs) by running down the players tunnel and out onto the hallowed turf of Wembley. A big treat for footy fans is getting the chance to lift a replica of the FA Cup in front of the Royal Box, like every victorious captain in the competition’s history. There’s a whole exhibition devoted to the 1966 World Cup victory too (not that they’re going on about it) and lots of historical artefacts, including items from the 1948 Olympics and the first rulebook of association football, dating back to 1863. You’ll also see Steven Gerrard’s 2005 captains armband and David Beckham’s Manchester United jersey from their treble-winning 1999 season.
How long do the tours last?
The Wembley Stadium Tour lasts around 75 minutes. However, set aside another half hour or so for the Wembley Stadium Store.
The Wembley Stadium Store?
Yep, it’s a great place for picking up souvenirs. You can find an awful lot of Wembley-themed merch, including scarves, t-shirts, badges, mugs and the like. If you want to pick up a football kit, England or otherwise, this is a great place to come.
How much does the Wembley Stadium Tour cost?
If you buy them from the venue on the day, the tours cost £20 for adults and £12 for children under 16. If you book in advance, it’s £19 for adults and £12 for kids. Concession tickets are £12. However, entry is free with your London Pass.
What if I’m booking for a group?
If you’re booking the Wembley Stadium Tour for a group of 25 or more (enough for two starting XI’s), book online to secure a discount.
When do the tours run?
Tours run between 10am and 3pm between 1st November and 31st March, seven days a week. Between 1st April and 31st October, they run between 10am and 4.30pm, seven days a week. They leave every half hour. However, when there are major events taking place at the stadium, timings can change, and whole days will be closed for tours.
What language is the tour in?
The Wembley Stadium tour guides present their tours in English, but a multimedia device allows you to access lots of info, videos, text and graphics in different languages, including English, Mandarin, Spanish, German and French.
How do I get to Wembley Stadium for the tour?
Head to the Wembley Stadium Tour Entrance, which is well-signposted and is situated next to the Bobby Moore statue. Transport-wise, you’re best off getting off at Wembley Park Station, which is on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. It takes you right into the stadium complex. Alternatively, get off at Wembley Central station (Bakerloo and London Overground). It's then a 20 minute walk to the stadium. Wembley Stadium Station on the Chiltern Line is also right next to the stadium. If you need to drive, there is official parking, operated by Wembley Park. They also run the blue badge parking which is directly beside the stadium. Check their website for more details. Looking for another London landmark to explore? Get a perfect view of the city's Olympic stadiums on a trip up the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
