HEADINGLEY: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Built: 1890

Headingley Cricket Ground is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

It is situated next to Headingley Rugby Stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos (League) and Yorkshire Carnegie (Union). It will stage four fixtures at the 2019 Cricket World Cup and holds 18,350 people. 

HISTORY

First-class cricket has been played at Headingley since 1891, when Yorkshire welcomed Kent to Leeds. It was hardly a game to remember as no batsman managed to score above 40 and the contest ended in a draw.

Eight years later, the first ever Test match at Headingley was played between England and Australia, which incidentally, also ended in a draw.

In 1930, the great Don Bradman scored 309 runs on the first day of an Ashes Test – the most ever scored by a batsman in a single day of Test cricket. 

Two years later, spinner Hedley Verity took 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire. To this day, it is still the best bowling analysis ever recorded in first-class cricket.

In 1948, Australia scored 404 for three on the last day of the fourth Test to win the Ashes, and in 1977, Geoffrey Boycott scored his hundredth first-class hundred on his home ground.

The first ODI to played at Headingley in 1973 was a classic. After the West Indies collapsed to 181 all out, England looked set to record a famous victory. But needing less than 40 to win, wickets started to tumble. Thankfully for the hosts, Bob Willis and Derek Underwood carried them home with one wicket and three balls remaining.

It was games like this that encouraged the ICC to stage the first men’s Cricket World Cup in 1975. Headingley hosted three games – including the semi-final, where England were bowled out for 93 by Australia.

Sir Don Bradman walks out to bat at Headingley in 1938

FAMOUS MOMENT

In the third Test of the 1981 Ashes series, England were forced to follow on after scoring just 174 in reply to Australia’s 401 for nine. At 105 for five and still 122 runs behind, it looked like Ashes were heading down under.

However, Ian Botham’s quick-fire 149 from 148 helped England set a target. Needing just 130 to win, it still looked as if the visitors would get across the line.

But eight wickets from Bob Willis helped dismiss the Aussies for 111 and England went on to win the series 3-1.

Sir Ian Botham in front of the Headingley crowd after a famous Ashes Test in 1981

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: Headingley Stadium, Leeds, LS6 3DP

Train: This is probably the best way of getting to the ground. If you catch the train to Leeds city centre, you will then be able to get a short eight-minute train to Burley Park – the closest station to the ground. From there, it’s just a quick five-minute walk to the ground. One of the easiest grounds to get to by train in the country.

The ground is also in walking distance from Headingley station, but Burley Park is the closest to the ground.

To check out train times and costs, please visit the National Rail website.

Parking: Headingley is nowhere near the city centre and is a residential area, meaning there are plenty of back streets you can park on free of charge. 

Bus: Plenty of buses run through Headingley. If you’re travelling from Leeds city centre, you hop on either the number 19 towards Ireland Wood, the 19A towards Tinshill, the 56 towards Moor Grange, or the 91 towards Pudsey.

For more information, please consult the First Leeds Journey Planner.

Taxi: A taxi from Leeds City Centre shouldn’t be too expensive, costing between £5 and £10. Also, it’s usually cheaper if you book using a company rather than trying to flag a cab down.

Walk/Cycle: It's around 2 miles between the city centre and Headingley, so please take that into consideration if you wish to walk or cycle. If you cycle, you will be able to leave your bicycle safely locked up at the stadium.  

WHERE TO EAT

Thai Sabai

If you’re fancying Thai food, this is the place to go. Thai Sabai is fully licensed and air conditioned, with main courses priced between £6.95 and £13.25

The Parade, 2 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HP

Website


Santorini Bar & Grill

This family run business specialises in Greek and Turkish cuisine and promises a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Main courses are priced between £9.95 and £16.95, and there is a two-course offer available between Tuesday and Thursday (5pm till 7pm), Friday and Saturday (12pm till 6pm), and all day Sunday

55 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AB

Website


Salvo’s

This Italian restaurant has been established in Headingley since 1976, when Salvatore Dammone opened with a vision “to bring a piece of his beloved Italy to Leeds.” Main courses are priced between £7 and £20

115 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3PX

Website


Manahatta

This bar-cum-restaurant has various offers for those not looking to dine out. You can get two breakfasts for £12.50 before midday, there is a £6.95 Deli Lunch menu, and you can get 50% off food (all day Monday & Tuesday; from 6pm on Sunday)

19 Ash Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3JJ

Website


St Michael’s Fisheries

And finally, if you just want to get some classic fish and chips to enjoy after the match, then make sure you try the famous St Michael’s Lane Fisheries. After all, you can’t beat a good chippy!

5 St Michael's Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AN


There is also a Nando’s, KFC, Pizza Express and Red’s True Barbecue in Headingley

WHAT TO DO NEARBY

Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House

Established in 1914 and situated just around the corner from Headingley, the historic Hyde Park Picture House is the perfect place to go if you fancy catching a movie after watching the cricket.

73 Brudenell Rd, Leeds, LS6 1JD

Website


Grab yourself a bargain at the local charity stores

Headingley is famed for its abundance of charity stores. Many of these shops contain old Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United and Yorkshire kits, so if you fancy collecting some rare sporting goods, it’s worth having a quick browse before the morning start.

Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AB


Visit the Headingley War Memorial

Just next to the Skyrack stands the Headingley War Memorial, a statue that remembers the 125 men from the area that lost their lives during the First World War. A potent reminder of Britain’s history.

Junction of St Michael’s Road and Headingley Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AW


Brudenell Social Club

All music fans visiting Headingley must go see a concert at the world famous Brudenell Social Club in Hyde Park after the match. Established in 1913, the historic venue has hosted The Cribs, Bloc Party and various other acts over the years, and continues to act as a cultural hub for the city.

33 Queen’s Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NY

Website


Rude Tattoo Studios

Fancy getting something to mark your visit to Headingley? Well why not get a tattoo from the famous Rude Studios on North Lane. Surely there’s no better to remember the contest between England and Sri Lanka by?

13B North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HG

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Go visit the Brotherton Library

The Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds is one of the most iconic and buildings in Leeds. You are able to access the building as a day visitor, but even if you don’t want to have a browse inside, it’s still worth seeing the exterior of this stunning piece of architecture.

Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT

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Have a nice sit down on Woodhouse Moor

When the sun is shining in Leeds and the cricket has finished, there’s no place better to sit and relax than Woodhouse Moor. The area will be bustling during the World Cup as hundreds of students celebrate the end of exams. If you’re looking to soak up some non-cricketing atmosphere, then head to this famous park.  

Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3AP 

WHERE TO DRINK

The Original Oak

Without doubt, The Original Oak has the best beer garden in Leeds. With a huge television showing the sport and endless rows of tables, it’s the ideal place to go to if you wish to sit in the sun and enjoy a beer before or after the match.

It also sells a fine selection of gins, whiskeys, rums, wines, cocktails and lagers. If you’re a craft beer fan, you can get two for £6.50 between Monday and Thursday. Beavertown, Brewdog, Goose – all the best craft brands are available at the Oak! Food is also available.

2 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2DG

Website


The Skyrack

The Skyrack is a classic pub situated on the edge of Headingley. Although it only has a small beer garden, it does have a pool table and shows all the sport – so if you’re needing to escape the inevitable Headingley showers, this is the ideal place to go.

There are various drink offers available at the Skyrack. All cocktails are two for one everyday from 5pm, and you can buy two bottles of Budweiser, Peroni, Kopparberg and various other brands for just a fiver. The latter offer – known as ‘the £5 round’ – also allows you to get two glasses of prosecco, three shots (tequila, sambuca, Jägermeister, etc.) two bombs, or six Sours. Food is also available.

2 St Michael’s Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AW

Website


The Headingley Taps

If you go to Headingley, you must go to the Taps. Perhaps the closest boozer to the stadium, it is synonymous with the area and you can always see punters standing outside the entrance with a beer or two.

Unlike the other pubs, you won’t have a 10-minute walk to contend with once you finish your beverage. When you’re done in the Taps, simply turn left at the entrance and you will see the Carnegie Pavilion right there in front of you. Is there a better sight in English cricket? Food is also available.

Bennett Road Car Park, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HN

Website


The Box

If you’re feeling a bit more upmarket, then The Box is for you. It’s one of the more expensive pubs in the area, with pints costing between £3.50 and £4.50. For London folk, this may seem a bargain – but if you’re wanting something a bit cheaper, then maybe head to the Taps or Skyrack. However, there are various drink offers and food is available.

8 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AD

Website


The Head of Steam

One of the newest places in the area, the Head of Steam – a chain with 15 bars across the country – specialises in keg beer and cask ale. From Motorhead Road Crew to Brooklyn Lager, you’ll be able to find a whole variety of premium drinks here. Yet because they offer quality drinks, the Head of Steam is expensive – priced between £3.50 and £6 a pint.

An upmarket place for the mature punter, the Head of Steam will be the best option for many fans attending one of the four Headingley clashes. Food and drink offers are available. 

11-13 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HG

Website

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

Prior to this year’s tournament, Headingley has hosted more World Cup matches than any other ground (12). That’s one more than Trent Bridge, Old Trafford and Edgbaston. 

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