The Oval Tours and Activities

Kennington Oval featuring interior views
The Oval
Kennington Oval
Kennington Oval which includes interior views
Kennington Oval which includes signage


Tour the grounds, watch international cricket matches and learn about the historic sporting events held at this well-known cricket stadium.

Attend international and first-class cricket matches during the summer at Kennington Oval, more commonly known as “the Oval.” Take a tour of the stadium to discover its storied history and to access many unique areas, including the Members’ Pavilion, the Committee Room and the Long Room.

Although it’s famous for being an international cricket ground and the home ground of the Surrey County Cricket Club, the Oval has also hosted various rugby and soccer matches in the past. Among the key sporting events to have been held here was the first FA (Football Association) Cup Final in the late 19th century. Embark on a tour to learn about other notable moments from its history.

Enter the players’ dressing rooms to see where they prepare before heading out onto the pitch and admire the view from the Corinthian Roof Terrace. Find out what it’s like for media personnel covering matches at the Brian Johnston Broadcasting Centre and the Pardon Press Box. Tours also cover the Galadari Museum, Committee Room and the historic, high-ceilinged Long Room, which overlooks the Oval wicket. This luxurious room once hosted cricket greats, including Sir Donald Bradman to Andrew Flintoff. During the tour, a guide will share insider information as well as anecdotes from the stadium’s history.

To experience the grounds at their most atmospheric, buy tickets to one of the international cricket matches. Pick a team to support and cheer along with the crowd. Check the official website for tickets and information on upcoming fixtures.

If the weather is good, enjoy a picnic at nearby Kennington Park. Culture enthusiasts can make the 20-minute walk across the river to Tate Britain, an international gallery featuring more than 70,000 artworks.

To get to the Oval, ride the Tube to Oval station. The grounds are about a 10-minute walk from Vauxhall Underground station too. A fee is charged for the tours, which run regularly on Saturday mornings and non-match days. Be aware that parts of the tour are subject to availability and fine weather contact the ticket office prior to your visit to confirm which areas will be open.

Plan a trip to see The Oval

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Oval

The Oval offers a range of exciting activities, including the chance to catch thrilling Twenty20 cricket matches. Visitors can also explore local art galleries and enjoy vibrant theatre performances nearby. Don't forget to check travel tips for easy navigation around this lively area, ensuring a memorable experience in London.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience near The Oval, visit Borough Market for fresh produce and unique gifts, or explore Harrods for luxury items. Leadenhall Market offers a charming atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, check out larger shopping centres further afield.

Recreation

At O2 Arena, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. For a touch of luxury, head to Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can enjoy fine dining and beautiful surroundings. The ABBA Arena offers an entertaining experience with live music, perfect for a fun night out.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views of London from the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km from The Oval. For thrill-seekers, Vertical Chill offers exciting climbing adventures 3.2km away. Alternatively, enjoy high-speed fun at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, a mere 1.3km from The Oval.

Nightlife

The Oval comes alive at night with the London Eye, offering dazzling views and a family-friendly atmosphere just 1.6km away. For a cultural experience, the Globe Theatre and Apollo Victoria Theatre, both within 1.6km, provide captivating performances, perfect for a romantic night out or a family evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Oval

The Oval, located in London, offers a delightful mix of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Explore the lively streets, picturesque piazzas, and historic churches, all while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. A must-visit is the Kia Oval, a renowned cricket ground that showcases the spirit of British sport. Whether you're after local culture or a day out with the family, The Oval has something for everyone.

  • Big Ben: A magnificent clock tower that epitomises London's rich history and architectural beauty. Standing at 1.6km from The Oval, Big Ben is an iconic symbol, surrounded by vibrant city vibes that capture the essence of London’s cultural heartbeat.
  • Buckingham Palace: This historic palace, located 3.2km from The Oval, is the official residence of the British monarch. Its impressive façade and the grandeur of the surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into royal life, making it a must-visit for those seeking cultural experiences.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A lively street also situated 3.2km away, Piccadilly Circus is renowned for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. It serves as a hub of entertainment and shopping, embodying the energetic spirit of London.

Best time to go to The Oval

The best time to visit The Oval can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Oval falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Oval falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Oval

For a budget-friendly trip to The Oval, consider visiting from January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Sundays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to find eco-friendly options and sort results by price. Additionally, look into package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the area to make the most of your visit!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Oval are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around The Oval about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Oval is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Oval is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your stay at The Oval with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.