Chesterfield – Recreation Ground (Saltergate)

recreation-ground-chesterfield

The Recreation Ground, Saltergate had a capacity of 8,500 and was home to Chesterfield FC. It was generally regarded to be one of the oldest football league grounds still in use, having had its inauguration in 1871, before finally closing its doors at the end of the 2009/10 season,to make way for housing, bowing out with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.

The four sides of the stadium were; The Main Stand, which is all-seated and contains the Family Stand in addition to away fans seating; The Spion Kop, which is the main terrace – known as The Karen Child Kop as of 2008 for sponsorship reasons; The Compton Street stand, which has recently been fitted with seats in the covered area; and the Cross Street Terrace, which is an open terrace where the away fans usually stand.

Following a public enquiry, Chesterfield received the go ahead for the building of a new 10,500 capacity stadium at the disused Derma glass factory site, next to the Chesterfield-Sheffield bypass about a mile from the town centre. The stadium, known as the B2net Stadium was completed in time for the 2010/11 season.

How to get to the Recreation Ground

By Roadmotorway

The Recreation Ground was located at Saltergate, Chesterfield S40 4SX.

Leave the M1 at Junction 29 and take the A617 towards Chesterfield. On reaching the edge of the town centre go straight across the first roundabout and then the next, passing the famous Chesterfield Church with the crooked spire on your left. As the road divides, keep to your left, going around an open car park. This road leads into Saltergate, where you will pass the Barley Mow pub on your left and the Town Hall car park, before reaching the former site of the ground on your right.

By Railrail

Chesterfield railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the ground. Follow Corporation Street across the big roundabout to Saltergate, where the ground is on the right. Visiting fans report that the local Police “round up” away fans at the station and escort them to the local pubs; the Industry Inn and the Chesterfield Arms. The pubs then close ½ an hour before kick-off so the fans can be escorted to the ground. Click here to check the current train timetables

By Air

The nearest airport is East Midlands. Air travellers can connect to East Midlands Parkway station on the half-hourly Railink bus. There are regular rail links from East Midlands Parkway to Chesterfield, either direct or via Derby. Click here to check the current flight times

Where to Park?parking

Away fans have recommended parking in one of the two council-run car parks at the Town Hall on Saltergate. These are reasonably priced and only a couple of minutes walk from the ground. Otherwise, there are plenty of car parks in the town centre or ample street parking near the ground.

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Away Friendly Pubs near the Recreation Ground

The Market Tavern, in the town centre, has received good reports as an excellent real ale outlet. The scantily-clad barmaids of the Barley Mow, in Saltergate, have received rave reviews from the lads, while the County, opposite, has also been recommended. Both these Saltergate pubs reportedly serve excellent food.

Other popular pubs with away fans are the Chesterfield Arms and the Industry Inn, on Queen Street, just a 5-minute walk from the ground.

Hotels near the Recreation Ground

The Legacy Chesterfield Hotel, Malkin Street Chesterfield S41 7UA is close to Chesterfield town centre and main road and rail links. The hotel is close to the edge of the Peak District and well-located for local business centres and for exploring Derbyshire. It has leisure facilities, a steakhouse restaurant and free on-site parking.

Buckingham’s Hotel, 85 – 87 Newbold Road, Newbold, Chesterfield, S41 7PU offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and luxury en suite rooms, close to the centre of Chesterfield, the eastern edge of the Peak District and the M1 motorway.

The Twin Oaks Hotel, Church Lane, Palterton, Nr Chesterfield S44 6UZ boasts views over Derbyshire and Bolsover Castle, allowing an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the benefits of a rural yet accessible location.

What have other Away Fans said about their trip?fans

The majority of visiting fans have been disappointed by their visit to the Recreation Ground, despite the fact that some improvements have been made with the re-laying of the terrace and the installation of new toilets. The Cross Street Terrace remains open to the elements and the “seats” in the Main Stand are wooden benches.

All the facilities are reported poor and in need of modernisation. Many fans have been perturbed by the high Police presence and found their filming of supporters intrusive.

James Dooley avatar