Built in 1840, the Oval has a rich and varied sporting history. It hosted the first Test match in England in 1880 and was where the Ashes was created back in 1882. Cricket aside, it hosted the first international football match in England (Scotland v England) in 1870 and the first FA Cup Final (Wanderers v Engineers) was played here in 1872.
Best spots for food and drink at the Oval
For breakfast or lunch head to Sugar Pot in Kennington, a local family-run cafe shop that also serves some of the finest coffee in the area. Grab a pub lunch at one of the many traditional pubs near Vauxhall including the Black Dog, the Vauxhall Griffin and The Rose. Treat yourself to dinner at the understated 24 the Oval, dishing up modern British cuisine in a relaxed setting; if the weather is good, book a table in the outdoor area. Albert Embankment also has stylish restaurants and delis where you can enjoy views of the River Thames while tucking into your meal.
Best hotels near the Oval
There are plenty of hotel options around Vauxhall, including familiar brands like Travelodge and Holiday Inn. For a more personal touch, stay at the Marlin in Waterloo, an aparthotel with great views and the perfect location to explore London’s Southbank.
Things to do near the Oval
If you’re a lover of art there are several galleries in the area to enjoy. Just behind the Oval on Vauxhall Street, you’ll find the Gasworks Gallery showcasing contemporary visual arts. A further 10-minutes’ walk away, is the Newport Street Gallery where you can marvel at Damien Hirst’s impressive art collection. On the same road you’ll also find Beaconsfield Gallery which has a vegetarian cafe if you work up an appetite strolling around these galleries! Cross over Vauxhall Bridge and Tate Britain is moments away.
If watching the cricket makes you want to do something sporty, try your hand at indoor bouldering at Vauxhall Climbing Centre. There are climbing circuits suitable for all ages and levels and you can also hire climbing shoes if you don’t have your own pair.
Make the most of being so close to Westminster, and take in some of London’s iconic sights; Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are all a scenic 30-minute walk away.
Events near The Oval during the Men's Cricket World Cup
There's a wide variety of events, festivals and activities taking place in south London during the Men's Cricket World Cup. Click the name of the event to find out more.
Underbelly Festival - 17 April - 29 September
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival - 21 June - 6 July
The Championships, Wimbledon - 1-14 July
Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 2-7 July
Kew the Music at Kew Gardens - 9-14 July
Getting to the Oval
The nearest tube station is Oval (Northern Iine) only 100 metres away from the ground. Vauxhall station (on the Victoria line and Overground) is also a short 10-minute walk away.
The Oval is served by several bus routes including 36, 185 and 436 which stop outside the ground. Buses 3, 59, 109, 133, 159 and 333 all stop within five-minutes of the ground.