Craven Cottage: Fulham Stadium Guide

Last updated 04/09/2026

Fulham host their home fixtures at Craven Cottage, a historic stadium with an official capacity of 25,700. Managed by Arbeloa, the club plays its matches on a traditional grass surface. Supporters unable to attend the stadium in person can follow the team by checking Fulham on TV.

What is the capacity of Craven Cottage?

The official capacity of Craven Cottage is recorded at 25,700. However, the current capacity is approximately 29,600 following the completion of the new Riverside Stand. Official sources and matchday guides note a capacity ranging between 28,107 and 29,600 for fixtures. The size of the ground has fluctuated throughout its history due to various structural changes and modernisation projects. Supporters researching the exact figures can refer to the capacity timeline table below for the latest numbers. The venue accommodates both home supporters and a dedicated away following for Premier League matches, ensuring the overall capacity is strictly managed for every fixture.

Craven Cottage Capacity Timeline

The stands at Craven Cottage

The stadium comprises four main sections: the Johnny Haynes Stand, the Hammersmith End, the Putney End, and the Riverside Stand.

Johnny Haynes Stand

Formerly known as the Stevenage Road Stand, the Johnny Haynes Stand was built in 1905 and designed by Archibald Leitch. This Grade II listed structure features original wooden seating and a traditional red-brick facade. It also adjoins The Pavilion, known as "The Cottage," a Grade II listed structure built in 1905 that houses player dressing rooms and a balcony.

Hammersmith End

The Hammersmith End provides additional seating for the home support at the northern side of the stadium.

Putney End

The Putney End holds a capacity of 6,230. Visiting supporters are housed in the south-western corner on the river side of the Putney End, with away fans entering through turnstiles 1 to 17 on Stevenage Road. The away allocation is capped at approximately 2,700 tickets for Premier League matches. Matchday food outlets and mobile kiosks are available behind the stand serving burgers, hot dogs, and pies. For more details, fans can read the Craven Cottage away guide.

Riverside Stand

The Riverside Stand underwent complete demolition and rebuilding commencing in summer 2019. Designed by Populous, the new stand added extra seating, corporate hospitality spaces, restaurants, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and a public riverfront promenade along the Thames. Phased openings occurred between 2022 and its full completion and grand opening in May and June 2025.

How old is Craven Cottage?

Craven Cottage opened in 1896. This was also the year that the stadium hosted its first match. Fulham, founded earlier in 1879, established the ground as a permanent base for their fixtures. The site holds significant historical value, largely due to the architectural contributions of Archibald Leitch in 1905. His work on the Johnny Haynes Stand introduced the iconic red-brick facade and original wooden seating that remain in use today.

The stadium also features The Pavilion, constructed in 1905. This Grade II listed building, situated in the corner between the Johnny Haynes Stand and the Putney End, retains its historic balcony and still houses the player dressing rooms. While the ground opened in 1896, these early twentieth-century additions cemented the traditional character of the venue. Over the decades, the stadium has retained its heritage while modernising other areas, such as the recent Riverside Stand redevelopment. The blend of the 1896 origins and the 1905 architectural milestones ensures the venue maintains its status as one of the most historic football grounds in London.

Where is Craven Cottage located?

Craven Cottage is located in London. The ground is uniquely situated directly adjacent to the River Thames and Bishops Park, providing a distinctive setting for a football stadium. The main entrances, including those for away supporters, are situated on Stevenage Road. For the full address, the SW6 6HH postcode, and further venue information, visitors can refer to the official details table below.

Getting to Craven Cottage: transport and parking

Visitors travelling to the ground should note that Craven Cottage is fully cashless, with retail and food kiosks accepting card or contactless payments only. Strict bag restrictions apply; bags larger than A4 size are prohibited, though a bag drop operates at the nearby Ormiston Bridge Academy.

What is the nearest train station?

The nearest station is Putney Bridge Underground Station on the District Line, which is a 10 to 20-minute walk via Bishops Park. Other options include Putney Mainline Railway Station, located 1.2 miles away and taking roughly 17 to 25 minutes on foot. Hammersmith, served by the Piccadilly, District, Hammersmith & City, and Circle lines, is 1.4 miles away and involves a 20 to 40-minute walk. Parsons Green and Fulham Broadway, both on the District Line, are also nearby. Fans often visit local pubs before matches, including The Crabtree on Rainville Road, an 800-metre walk away, or The Eight Bells near Putney Bridge. The Railway Pub and The Half Moon are also available across Putney Bridge.

Can you drive to the stadium?

Driving to the stadium is strongly discouraged on matchdays due to heavy traffic and local restrictions. There is no on-site parking for general supporters. Strict Controlled Parking Zones operate in surrounding residential streets across Zones T, X, and Y, enforcing one-hour or two-hour maximum stay limits on matchdays. Limited accessible spaces can be requested in advance through the disability liaison officer of the club.

Why Craven Cottage matters to Fulham

With its unique setting directly adjacent to the River Thames and Bishops Park, Craven Cottage has operated as the historic home ground of Fulham since 1896.