LORD'S: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Built: 1814 

To describe Lord's as merely the home of cricket is arguably one of the great understatements.

The home of the most influential governors in cricket, including the lawmakers of the global game, the St John's Wood ground might generally be regarded as one of the most important single sites in all of world sport.

Bathed in history, grandeur and class, Lord's rightfully owns the label of a mecca of sport. 

HISTORY

Cricket has been played on the current Lord's site since the early 19th century, after the Marylebone Cricket Club were formed by Thomas Lord.

Among the first notable matches played were Eton v Harrow, the first Gentleman v Players clash and the varsity game between Oxford and Cambridge.

Middlesex CCC took up residence in 1877 before the first Test match was contested between England and Australia seven years later, with the hosts winning by an innings and five runs.

The ground is littered with some of the most famous sites in cricket, including the Long Room contained within the pavilion, and Old Father Time - the weather vane located atop of the Mound Stand.

Over 100 Tests have now been hosts at Lord's, where the 2000th edition of the five-day format was played in 2011 between England and India.

As well as being the main home of the England team, Lord's also houses a host of key governing bodies including the England and Wales Cricket Board and the MCC.

Crowds at Lord's during the 1928 summer

FAMOUS MOMENT

Of the four World Cup finals held at Lord's, none is more infamous than the 1975 showcase which saw West Indies prevail against Australia.

The defining image of the game came with three overs left when Windies fans climbed over the boundary role, prematurely celebrating victory during the Australian chase, with play continuing with dozens remaining on the outfield.

West Indies fans celebrate their 1975 World Cup final win

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN

By car: Fans are advised to use public transport to travel to Lord's, with parking options limited. Westminister City Council do however offer a number of pay by phone parking spots dotted around the city.

Alternatively, there are two designated car parks on Kingsmill Terrace, a seven-minute walk from the ground, and at Maida Vale - both of which can be booked in advance.

By public transport: There are as many as six stations served by London Underground within a 20-minute walk of Lord's. St John's Wood (Jubilee line), Baker Street (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan), Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo), Edgware Road (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Disrict), as well as Marylebone (Bakerloo) and Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle and District) - which are also served by National Rail services - all provide viable options.

The 13 and 113 buses run to Lord's via the Wellington Road and have stops close to both the North and East Gates. Access to the Grace Gate is best served by the 139 and 189 routes.

GROUND RECORDS

Highest ODI score: 334-4 (England v India, June 1975)

Lowest ODI score: 107 (South Africa vs England, July 2003)

PLAYING CONDITIONS

Some bowlers prefer running down the famous slope away from the pavilion, some enjoy the effort of going the other way. Regardless, Lord's often looks kindly on seamers, particularly under low-lying cloud. Not a traditional high-scoring venue.

WHERE TO EAT

Lord's Tavern

Cricket-themed pub providing classic dishes, located outside the stadium (£11-£15)

Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN

Website


Crockers Folly

Lebanese restaurant and hotel with four dining rooms which was opened in the mid-1890s (£16-£22)

24 Aberdeen Pl, St John's Wood, London NW8 8JR

Website


Original Lahore Restaurant

Offering Asian cuisine since 1970. Table seating or takeway available (£12-£15)

2-4 Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH

Website


Gogi

Watch Korean meat and vegetables cooked in your view in a barbecue style (£10-£30)

451 Edgware Road, Little Venice, London, W2 1TH

Website 



Oslo Court

Spanish run restaurant specialising in French cuisine and seafood. (£36-£47)

Oslo Court, Charlbert St, London, NW8 7EN

Website

WHAT TO DO NEARBY

MCC Cricket Museum

Claiming to be one of the oldest sporting museums in the world, this is a must for any cricket fan. (£20-£25)

St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN

Website


Sherlock Holmes Museum

Home of the great fictional detective between 1881-1904, the tour brings new life to the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. (£10-£15)

221b Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE 

Website

 

Abbey Road

Where many of The Beatles' most famous hits were recorded, with the crossing pictured on the album of the same name located right outside. (Free)

3 Abbey Road, London NW8 9AY, England

Website

WHERE TO DRINK

The Globe

Quaint bar just by Marylebone station specialising in craft beer.

47 Lisson Grove, Marylebone, London NW1 6UB

Website

 

The Windsor Castle

Slick and classy establishment which is good for groups.

98 Park Road, Marylebone, London, NW1 4SH

Website

 

The Golden Eagle

Traditional British pub with plentiful real ale.

59 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NW

Website

 

The Mason Arms

Open since 1848, a traditional feel is provided by the wood benches yet the Thai food gives it a modern touch.

58 Devonshire St, Marylebone, W1W 5EA

Website


The Duke of York

Specialising in cocktails with a variety of other drinks on offer.

No.2 St Anne’s Terrace, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 6PJ

Website

WHAT TO DO NEARBY

London Central Mosque

A place of worship opened in 1976 which contains a number of exhibitions. (Free)

146 Park Road, London, NW8 7RG

Website


ZSL London Zoo

The oldest scientific zoo in the capital and open since 1828. (£20-£30)

Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

Website

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

British rock band Placebo recorded their sci-fi inspired video for single 'Special K' inside the current Lord's media centre in 2001, which had been constructed two years earlier.

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