The Rose Bowl or the Hampshire Bowl (currently known as ‘The Ageas Bowl’) is a relatively new cricket ground, built in 2001 to replace Hampshire’s former County Ground. England cricketer Ian Bell has scored the most test centuries at the Hampshire Bowl, with 119 against Sri Lanka in 2011 and 167 against India in 2014.
Best spots for food and drink near Hampshire Bowl
You’ll have a wider range of places to eat if you head to the city centre. For delicious, healthy food try Cafe Thrive in Hanover Buildings. Serving salads, sandwiches and burgers, this eatery is a good choice for lunch and early dinner. For more tasty salads, head to the Pig in the Wall - a deli-style restaurant that is popular with locals and visitors alike. An excellent spot for dinner is the Coriander Lounge, serving freshly made Indian curries and grilled dishes.
Best hotels near Hampshire Bowl
If you’re lucky enough to reserve a room, the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, is the ideal place to stay as it’s a part of the cricket ground; watch the World Cup action from the comfort of your own room! Another nearby choice is the budget-friendly Holiday Inn Express, just a 5-minute walk away from the Hampshire Bowl. If you want to stay in the city centre, try the luxurious Southampton Hotel Harbour and Spa overlooking the marina.
Things to do near Hampshire Bowl
Learn more about Southampton’s rich maritime history at Sea City museum, close to Southampton Central railway station; its Titanic Story is a must-see exhibition with an interactive model of the ship and moving stories of the crew aboard the doomed vessel. A firm family favourite is the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, packed full of vintage motorcycles and cars set within beautiful grounds. Enjoy beauty of a different kind at Bournemouth’s pristine beaches, only a 30-minute train ride away from Southampton. You can also hop on a ferry from Southampton and visit Osborne, Queen Victoria’s seaside palace in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Getting to Hampshire Bowl
Hampshire Bowl is only 3.9 miles from Southampton Airport and there’s plenty of public transport options to move you between the two. The nearest mainline station to the Ageas Bowl is Airport Parkway with connections to London, Birmingham and Manchester. From there, catch the Xelabus X4 to the grounds. Alternatively, you can catch the number 8 bus from Southampton city centre which will take you directly to the Hampshire Bowl.