Sheffield Wednesday – Hillsborough
Jump to: Hotels – Pubs – Parking – Directions – Fan’s comments
Hillsborough Stadium has been the home of Sheffield Wednesday since 1899.
It is an all-seater stadium, with a capacity of just under 40,000. Hillsborough has missed out on the investment of some other clubs, but remains a ground full of character.
The large, two-tier South Stand dates back to 1914 and is a testimony to architect Archibald Leitch as it does not look out of place in the 21st century. Opposite is the single-tiered North Stand, opened in 1961.
The Spion Kop at the East end of the ground was formerly a very large, banked terrace. Seats were installed in 1993. The two-tier West Stand was opened in 1966, in time for Hillsborough to host World Cup games. The upper tier of this stand, at the Leppings Lane End, is customarily allocated to visiting fans. Outside the ground is a memorial to the fans that died at the Liverpool v Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final of 1989.
How to get to Hillsborough
By Road
For satnav purposes, the stadium is located at Hillsborough, Leppings Lane, Sheffield S6 1SW.
Drivers arriving from the North are advised to follow the M1 as far as junction 36, exiting onto the A61. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit to Sheffield (North). Having passed through one roundabout, take the 3rd exit at the next onto Leppings Lane. This is not the shortest route to the ground, but this is certainly the easiest and avoids traffic congestion in the city centre.
Northbound drivers can use junction 34 of the M1, exiting onto the A6178. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout, following the A6178 towards Sheffield (Centre). After passing through one roundabout, turn right at the A6102 and follow it through 3 roundabouts. Turn right at Herries Road and follow it through one roundabout into Leppings Lane.
View Larger Map
By Rail
Sheffield Railway Station is situated in the town centre, some 3 miles from the ground. A good method of getting to the ground is the South Yorkshire “Supertram” service, which is signed from the station. The tram for Middlewood stops at Leppings Lane, just a stone’s throw from the ground. Click here to check the current train timetables
By Air
The nearest airport is Doncaster’s Robin Hood Airport. There is also Manchester International, about 30 miles from Sheffield. It offers frequent rail and coach connections to Sheffield city centre. Click here to check the current flight times
Taxis
There are several taxi companies in Sheffield that can take you to and from Hillsborough. You can always prebook a private hire taxi, or hail a black cab on any highway.
Calling all Sheffield Taxi Companies – Why not advertise your company here?.
Where to Park?
Limited on-street parking is available for early arrivals. There are also several unofficial car parks on the A61 which offer parking at a reasonable cost. At the ground, there is the “Wednesdayite” car park located behind the Spion Kop, which is open to home and away fans. Some fans have recommended the “Park and Ride” service which operates from Meadowhall, near junction 34 of the M1. The tram ride to Hillsborough takes about 30 minutes.
Away Friendly Pubs near Hillsborough
Away friendly pubs near the ground are virtually non-existent. Many visiting fans have recommended pubs on the A61 for a pre-match drink, including The Red Lion and The Norfolk Arms. En route to the stadium from the city centre, The New Barrack Inn is reported to offer an excellent welcome to visiting fans. The New Bridge Inn, on Penniston Road, has also received several favourable reports. The Wadsley Jack and The Rose & Crown, both on Rural Lane, offer a warm welcome, but are a good 20-minute walk from the ground. No alcohol is available to visiting fans inside the ground.
Hotels near Hillsborough
The 4-star Holiday Inn Sheffield, Victoria Station Road, Royal Victoria, Sheffield S4 7YE is centrally located, just over half a mile from Sheffield railway station. It has received numerous excellent guest reviews. Guestroom facilities include satellite TV, direct-dial ‘phone and a safe, while the hotel offers a fitness and health club. Free on-site parking is provided. 
The 3-star Jurys Inn Sheffield, 119 Eyre Street, Sheffield S1 4QW is a slightly cheaper alternative, but also offers a central location. It is fully air-conditioned, including public areas. Guests have found it excellent value for money. Nearby parking is available.
Click here to see all hotels near Hillsborough
What have other Away Fans said about their trip to Hillsborough?
Generally, visiting fans have been impressed with Hillsborough, in terms of size, layout and character, though many have remarked that its age is beginning to show. However, most have found the seating spacious with excellent legroom, though a few supporting pillars can obscure the view of play. The majority of away fans have found the atmosphere inside the ground excellent, though this tends to vary from game to game.
The major downside reported is the inadequacy of the catering facilities, which leads to enormous queues. The food served is reported to be of poor quality and many fans were disappointed by the club’s refusal to serve alcohol to visitors.
Disappointing ground. Was expecting the “traditional, marvelous” stadium mentioned above but all I got was a rusting old ground with poor facilities and no atmosphere. No parking, hard to access and a rubbish away stand. 1.5/5
if you have taste buds and like a proper pint then the hillsborough hotel is a must.it is halfway between town and the stadium and is on the tram route.the beer is brewed in there own micro brewery and is great.away fans in small numbers are also welcome,recommended.
Nice traditional ground, but showing it’s age a bit! No atmosphere from the home fans and obstructive and annoying stewards but a worthwile day out with a 4-2 victory!
Best ground i’ve visited, full of history and tradition with welcoming stewards and home supporters. Fantastic atmosphere, the team should be much higher up the footballing ladder.
Disapointing ground, showing its age and poor facilities for a ‘bigger club’.
Stewards were friendly and helpful, poor food/drink choice and service.
View was ok, the two posts didn’t cause too much of an obstruction.
If the weather is ok then the park by the ground is a good choice as you won’t get in a pub close to the ground.
Also the long awaited Hillsborough memorial is a poor tribute to the 96 fans that lost thier lives, it should replicate the ‘eternal flame’ that glows at Anfield at the very least!
enjoyed the day out in sheffield, first time at the ground after seeing it on tv games from the past hundreds of times, it seems the three home ends are up to date (and very big) but the away end needs updating and a lic of paint, atmosphere was good and cant believe they are this low down, hope the new chairman improves the away stand however, all in all though still one of the best and well known grounds in the country.