London’s Legendary Cricket Grounds: Where the Spirit of the Game Lives On
Cricket isn’t just a sport in England—it’s tradition, culture, and poetry wrapped in whites and bowled on green. And in London, the game lives not only in stadiums but in quiet neighbourhood corners, royal parks, and historic clubhouses where echoes of applause still hang in the air.
Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan, a Sunday-league bowler, or just curious about where the soul of this beloved sport resides in the capital, this guide to London’s iconic and hidden cricket grounds will bowl you over.
1. Lord’s Cricket Ground – The Home of Cricket (St John’s Wood)
Let’s start with the most iconic. Lord’s isn’t just a cricket ground—it’s a pilgrimage site. Built in 1814, this legendary stadium is often called “The Home of Cricket”, and for good reason.
It hosts Test matches, The Hundred, county cricket, and even village-level championships, all under the watchful eye of the pavilion and the futuristic media centre. The vibe here? Pure reverence. The Long Room is cricketing royalty, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a legend walking through it.
Where: St John’s Wood NW8
Best experience: Take the Lord’s Tour – walk through the dressing rooms, see the Ashes urn, and even step out on the turf.
Fun fact: Lord’s was once moved—yes, physically moved—twice before it settled where it is now.
2. The Oval – Where Modern Cricket Was Born (Kennington)
Before there was an Ashes rivalry, before the game became global, there was The Oval. Located in south London, this ground hosted the first-ever Test match on English soil in 1880—and it’s been a cornerstone of cricket history ever since.
Home to Surrey County Cricket Club, The Oval’s atmosphere is electric during county matches and international games. Its distinctive gas holders in the background are almost as iconic as the cricket played here.
Where: Kennington SE11
Experience tip: Grab a pint at The Fentiman Arms before a match, or take a behind-the-scenes tour if you prefer peace over crowd.
Vibe: Grittier than Lord’s, with passionate local support and a slightly more laid-back feel.
3. Regent’s Park – The People’s Playground
If Lord’s is where the legends play, Regent’s Park is where the dream begins.
Here, on any sunny day, you’ll find groups of friends, university teams, or families knocking the ball about with astonishing skill—and sometimes, zero equipment. Cricket here is pure joy. No scoreboard. No third umpire. Just the crack of leather on willow and the occasional duck flying overhead (both real and cricketing, unfortunately).
Where: Regent’s Park NW1
Best time to go: Weekends in summer – especially late afternoon when the golden hour hits.
Insider tip: Bring a picnic, watch the matches, and soak in the community energy. It’s cricket at its most democratic.
4. Dulwich Cricket Club – Historic & Classy
Founded in 1867, Dulwich Cricket Club is one of the oldest in the capital and still going strong. Set in a picturesque part of South London, this ground feels like a slice of countryside tucked into the city.
It’s not just the history—it’s the setting. The trees, the pavilion, the manicured outfield. It’s like something out of a period drama. The club has produced a fair few pros, and you’ll often find top-level amateur cricket here on the weekends.
Where: Giant Arches Road SE24
Why go: If you want the full English village cricket feel—without leaving Zone 2.
Fun fact: The club has hosted MCC and international sides at different times.
5. Richmond Green – Cricket in a Postcard
Right by the Thames, with pubs flanking either side and a green that looks like it was plucked from Jane Austen’s imagination, Richmond Green is arguably the most beautiful place in London to watch casual cricket.
Locals turn up with deck chairs, pints, or ice cream, and watch teams in whites play amid birdsong and river breezes. It’s not big, it’s not famous—but it’s magic.
Where: Richmond TW9
Vibe: Think summer weddings, Sunday roasts, and pub lunches—then add cricket.
Best view: From the benches under the trees, or the Cricketers Pub right on the boundary line.
6. Wormwood Scrubs – Street Cricket Spirit
You won’t find turf perfection here. You won’t find a scoreboard. But what you will find at Wormwood Scrubs is cricket played with grit, flair, and community heart.
This vast open space in west London hosts loads of informal games—often played by South Asian, Caribbean, and African diaspora communities. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a game played not for glory, but for passion.
Where: Near East Acton W12
When to visit: Sundays or bank holidays during summer.
Look for: Homemade stumps, barefoot bowlers, and some truly bold sixes.
7. Kew Green – Cricket with Royal Scenery
Nestled just outside Kew Gardens, this green is home to Kew Cricket Club, which dates back to the mid-1800s. With the Royal Botanic Gardens just across the road and historic houses surrounding the pitch, Kew Green is as genteel as cricket gets.
And the best part? The Greyhound Pub is just steps away. Grab a drink, sit in the sun, and watch a classic English match unfold.
Where: Kew TW9
Match days: Summer Saturdays and Sundays
Perfect for: A romantic cricket day out (yes, it’s a thing!)
🏏 Why Cricket Grounds in London Matter
In a city that’s always rushing—between tube stations, deadlines, and Uber rides—cricket grounds are pockets of pause. They remind us to slow down, watch carefully, and appreciate the long game—on and off the pitch.
From internationally televised matches at Lord’s to grassroots brilliance in Regent’s Park, London offers every shade of the cricketing experience. Whether you’re here for the sport, the social buzz, or the sheer beauty of whites against green, there’s a ground (or green) for you.
Final Over
London isn’t short of football stadiums or concert arenas—but cricket grounds have a unique energy. They’re more poetic. More rooted in tradition. And more welcoming in a quietly English way.
So the next time you hear the knock of bat against ball on a London breeze, follow it. You might just find yourself on the edge of a boundary rope, watching the city’s oldest game unfold once again.