The Beautiful Game, South London Style  

If you want proper football with your sleeves rolled up, Charlton Athletic is your kind of club. Since 1905, this corner of South London has been home to a football experience that feels refreshingly real in an era of corporate boxes and £100+ tickets. 

The Valley isn’t just concrete and seats – it’s where kids have had their first glimpse of live football, where grandads tell stories of the 1947 FA Cup win, and where that spine-tingling roar still gives goosebumps whether you’re a lifetime fan or first-time visitor.  

Unlike the high-profile glamour of some London clubs, Charlton really does offer an authentic football experience, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere for fans of all ages.  

And with Charlton recently promoted to the Championship, there’s even more reason to visit. Expect bigger games, bigger away followings, and an electric matchday buzz as top-tier teams return to The Valley. 

Whether you’re a lifelong Addicks supporter or a neutral football fan looking for an exciting matchday, a visit to The Valley promises a thrilling day out.  

Matchday at The Valley – What to Expect  

Matchdays around The Valley start long before the referee’s first whistle. By midday, the residential streets begin their transformation as red and white scarves appear and pubs like The Royal Oak or The White Swan start filling up. This is football as it should be – pies, predictions, and passionate debates about the starting lineup.  

The walk to the ground itself is part of the ritual. Join the streams of supporters making their way to this 27,111-capacity stadium that sits nestled among South London streets. It’s not the fanciest in London, but that’s exactly the point.  

Once inside, you’ll find yourself swept up in something genuine watching Charlton battle it out in League One, experiencing the highs and lows of a club with a rich football heritage. One minute you’re screaming in frustration, the next you’re hugging complete strangers as the ball hits the back of the net!  

And if you’re an away fan travelling in from Leicester, Leeds, Middlesbrough or one of the other big-name Championship clubs, you’ll find The Valley delivers a proper football atmosphere – with good local pubs and a warm welcome to boot.  

When the final whistle goes, the day isn’t over. Win, lose or draw, the pubs fill again with animated conversations picking apart every decision and moment.  

Getting to The Valley from Blackheath (Without Breaking a Sweat!)  

If you’re staying at The Clarendon Hotel in Blackheath you’re in the perfect spot for matchday convenience. Getting to The Valley is quick and easy:  

• Jump on the Train: Hop on the Southeastern service from Blackheath Station – it’s just 1 stop and 5 minutes to Charlton Station. On matchdays, you’ll spot the fans immediately – just follow the red and white. 

• Hop on a Bus: the 54 and 380 will take you door-to-door in around 10 minutes – and if you grab a window seat upstairs, you’ll get a full tour of South East London en route. 

• Grab a Taxi: A quick 10-minute ride if you prefer door-to-door convenience.  

• Walk: It’s a scenic 30-minute stroll to the ground if you’re feeling leisurely and want to soak up the local atmosphere. 

The beauty of staying in Blackheath is that you’re close enough to feel part of the matchday buzz but far enough to escape the post-match crowds when you’ve had your fill.  

Kicking Back at The Clarendon  

Football weekends aren’t just about the 90 minutes on the pitch. They’re about the whole experience, and that includes where you lay your head.  

The Clarendon Hotel offers what many football fans look for – comfort without pretension, convenience without the price tag of central London, and a genuine local experience.  

After an emotion-filled afternoon cheering on the Addicks, you’ll appreciate returning to spacious rooms where you can properly unwind. Start your matchday right with a hearty breakfast to fuel your support, and end it with relaxed dining without having to venture far.  

The hotel’s bar provides the perfect setting for those post-match analyses that are almost as much a part of football as the game itself. Compare notes with fellow guests or locals about that controversial penalty decision or stunning last-minute goal!  

Make a Weekend of It in Blackheath 

Visiting Charlton isn’t just about the football. Staying in Blackheath gives you the chance to make a real weekend of it – think Saturday football, Sunday brunch in the village, leafy walks through Greenwich Park and a drink or two in one of Blackheath’s welcoming pubs. It’s the perfect mix of sport and sightseeing, all without the stress of central London crowds. 

Ready to Experience Matchday with the Addicks?  

Whether you’re a dedicated Charlton supporter making a weekend of it, a groundhopper ticking off another stadium, or a travelling away fan looking for somewhere local, combining a match at The Valley with a stay at The Clarendon makes perfect sense.  

The 2025/26 Championship season is full of standout fixtures – from big games like Leicester City’s visit in August to the always-lively clash with QPR, you won’t want to miss out. Rooms fill up fast on key match weekends, so be sure to book early. 

Check fixtures and plan your stay. 
Book your room at The Clarendon. 

This is football as it should be – passionate, unpredictable, and properly South London.