The Oval
Historic cricket ground in Kennington, home of Surrey CCC since 1845, site of the first England Test match and the first FA Cup Final, with guided tours
Historic cricket ground in Kennington, home of Surrey CCC since 1845, site of the first England Test match and the first FA Cup Final, with guided tours
The Kia Oval has been home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845 — the ground where international cricket in England began, with the first Test played here in 1880. It traditionally hosts the final Test of each summer, where the Ashes are decided.
Beyond cricket, the first FA Cup Final was played here in 1872. Guided tours cover the pavilion, commentary box, dressing rooms and museum of a ground at the heart of British sport for almost 180 years.
The first Test match on English soil was played here in September 1880, England beating Australia by five wickets. Two years later, Australia's first victory at the Oval prompted a mock obituary in The Sporting Times declaring English cricket dead and "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia" — giving birth to the Ashes. The ground's sporting firsts predate cricket's international era: the first FA Cup Final was held here in 1872 and the first England rugby international on home soil in 1872. At 25,500 seats, the Oval is one of the more intimate international venues, its Kennington setting and iconic gasholders giving it a character quite unlike larger modern stadiums.
Tours run on Fridays and Saturdays at 11am and last approximately 90 minutes. Guides take you through the Members' Pavilion, committee rooms and honours boards listing every century and five-wicket haul at the ground. You sit in the commentary box high in the OCS Stand with a sweeping view of the playing area, walk onto the outfield to stand on the pitch square, and visit the dressing rooms where England and Surrey players prepare before matches. The club museum houses memorabilia from Surrey's championship-winning sides and England's Test history at the ground. The visit ends with tea and coffee overlooking the outfield. For cricket fans, standing where Bradman batted, Botham bowled and Stokes played some of the most dramatic innings in recent memory is genuinely moving.
The Oval hosts County Championship four-day matches (April to September), T20 Vitality Blast evening fixtures, and international Tests and ODIs in selected years. For newcomers, a T20 Blast match is the most accessible — games last about three hours, the crowd is lively and the format is fast-paced. Championship days offer something different: buy a ticket on the gate, bring a picnic, and watch cricket at your own pace. International Test tickets go through the ECB website and sell out quickly, especially for Ashes series.
Tour prices include tea and coffee at the end of the visit. Match ticket prices vary by format and opposition — T20 Blast and international matches are the most expensive. Check kiaoval.com for current availability.
Tours run on Fridays and Saturdays only and have limited capacity. Book online through the Kia Oval website at least a few days ahead to secure your place.
County Championship matches are often available on the gate and offer a full day of cricket in an unhurried atmosphere. Bring a picnic and a book — you can dip in and out of the action at your leisure.
T20 Blast matches at the Oval sell well and the atmosphere is electric. Arrive early to explore the concourse, grab food from the street-food stalls and find your seat before the first ball.
The Victorian gasholders behind the Vauxhall End are one of the most iconic backdrops in world cricket. They are visible from inside the ground and make a great photo subject, especially at sunset during evening matches.
Oval station on the Northern line is literally across the road from the main entrance. It is one of the easiest sporting venues in London to reach by public transport.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: February 28, 2026
