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AWAY GUIDE
TO THE VITALITY STADIUM
Discover the ultimate Premier League away day with our fan-friendly guides. From the best pubs and bars to meet fellow supporters, to top spots for food, nightlife, and hotels, we’ve got you covered. Each guide also includes essential tips on getting to the stadium, where to sit, and how to make the most of your matchday experience. Whether you’re looking for a pre-match pint, a late-night party, or a comfortable place to stay, our away guides help fans find the best places to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy every moment of the game.
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THE OFFICIAL
BOURNEMOUTH AWAY GUIDE
Welcome to the Official Away Guide, your ultimate resource for travelling to the match. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned away fan, this guide is your bible for everything you need to make the most of your trip.
From the best restaurants and casual grab-and-go spots, to budget-friendly pubs, lively bars, and premium venues, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll help you work your way around the Ground, find the best fan spots, and enjoy everything the city has to offer before, during, and after the game.
Whether you’re here for the game, the atmosphere, or to explore the city itself, this guide makes travelling simple, fun, and stress-free. Don’t forget to try our quiz, share your results, and tag us on social media at @fanparkuk, we’d love to see how you get on!
Capacity: 11,379
Opened: 2001
Location: Kings Park, Bournemouth
The Vitality Stadium, historically known as Dean Court, is a football stadium located in Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England, and serves as the home ground of AFC Bournemouth. With a current capacity of 11,307, it holds the distinction of being the smallest stadium in the Premier League. The stadium's origins date back to 1910 when Boscombe were given a piece of land by the town's Cooper-Dean family, after whom the ground was originally named. Built on the site of an old gravel pit, the ground was not completed in time for the 1910-11 season, forcing the club to initially play at the adjacent King's Park before moving to Dean Court in December 1910.
The stadium underwent a complete reconstruction in 2001, with the pitch rotated ninety degrees from its original position and moved away from adjacent housing. Due to construction delays, Bournemouth played their first eight games of the 2001-02 season at Dorchester's Avenue Stadium before Dean Court reopened with a match against Wrexham on November 10. The venue has carried various sponsored names throughout its history, including the Fitness First Stadium and currently operates under the Vitality Stadium name since July 2015
- AFC Bournemouth was founded in 1899 as Boscombe FC, making them one of the oldest clubs in English football, though they didn't join the Football League until 1923—taking the name Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic.
- The Cherries hold the record for being the longest continuous members of the Third Division in English football history, spending 47 consecutive seasons in the division from 1923-1970.
- Ted MacDougall scored nine goals in a single FA Cup match against Margate in November 1971, setting an FA Cup record that still stands today—the most goals ever scored by one player in the competition proper during their 11-0 victory.
- James Hayter holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in Football League history, scoring three goals in just 2 minutes and 21 seconds as a substitute against Wrexham in February 2004—his parents missed it as they left early to catch the last ferry to the Isle of Wight.
- The Great Escape: In 2008-09, Bournemouth started the season with a 17-point deduction for administration, were bottom of League Two, and facing non-league football—yet under 31-year-old Eddie Howe (the youngest manager in the Football League), they survived on the final day.
- From Fourth to First in Six Years: Under Eddie Howe's management, Bournemouth achieved three promotions in six seasons (2009-2015), rising from League Two to the Premier League for the first time in their 116-year history—the most remarkable ascent in modern English football.
- Bournemouth became the smallest town ever to have a Premier League team when they were promoted in 2015, with a population of just 183,000—smaller than many Premier League stadiums' capacities.
- The club adopted their current name 'AFC Bournemouth' in 1971 specifically to appear first in alphabetical lists of English clubs, keeping the AFC acronym while dropping 'Athletic Football Club' from their full name.
- Record-Breaking Transfers: In August 2024, Bournemouth set new club records with both their highest sale (Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for £65 million) and highest purchase (Evanilson from Porto for £40.2 million) in the same transfer window.
- Against All Odds: Bournemouth defeated reigning FA Cup holders Manchester United 2-0 in January 1984 while playing in the Third Division, one of the greatest cup upsets in English football history.
- The club's red and black kit, introduced in 1971, was directly inspired by AC Milan's famous strip—a bold choice for a Fourth Division club that has become their iconic identity.
- Steve Fletcher is Bournemouth's appearance record holder with 726 games over 21 years (1992-2013), while Ron Eyre scored a remarkable 229 goals in 337 appearances between 1924-1933—a strike rate that remains unmatched.
- The Vitality Stadium is the smallest ground in Premier League history, yet Bournemouth have achieved their highest-ever league finishes (9th place) in both 2016-17 and 2024-25, proving size doesn't always matter.
- Hollywood Connection: The club is now owned by Bill Foley's Black Knight Football Club, with minority ownership including Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, bringing glamour to England's South Coast.
- Ted MacDougall- The ultimate Cherries legend who scored 126 goals in 165 appearances and netted nine goals in a single FA Cup match against Margate in 1971—a record that still stands today. "SuperMac" hit 42 league goals in one season and has the South Stand at the Vitality Stadium named in his honor.
- Eddie Howe- The miracle manager who transformed Bournemouth from a League Two team facing non-league football into Premier League mainstays, achieving three promotions in six years. Named Football League Manager of the Decade in 2015, he took the club to the top flight for the first time in their 116-year history.
- Ron Eyre- The club's all-time leading goalscorer with 229 goals in 337 appearances between 1924-1933, establishing himself as the original Cherries scoring machine. His incredible strike rate and eight consecutive seasons as top scorer laid the foundation for the club's early Football League identity.
- Steve Fletcher- The ultimate one-club man who holds the appearance record with 726 games over 21 years, embodying everything that makes Bournemouth special. "Fletch" scored the crucial survival goal in "The Great Escape" of 2009 and represents the heart and soul of the club through thick and thin.
- James Hayter- The man who holds the fastest hat-trick record in Football League history with three goals in 2 minutes 21 seconds against Wrexham in 2004. A clinical finisher who scored 107 goals in 407 appearances and created one of football's most incredible individual moments.
- Harry Redknapp- The manager who first brought Bournemouth into the second tier as Third Division champions in 1987 and orchestrated the famous 2-0 FA Cup victory over holders Manchester United in 1984. He won the club's second trophy with the Associate Members' Cup and established their reputation for punching above their weight.
- John Bond- The visionary manager who discovered and developed Ted MacDougall, transforming the club's attack and creating their most famous FA Cup moments. His tactical acumen and eye for talent during the early 1970s helped establish Bournemouth's reputation for entertaining, attacking football.
- Callum Wilson- The striker who scored Bournemouth's first-ever Premier League goal and first Premier League hat-trick, becoming the face of their top-flight success. His 67 goals helped establish the club in the Premier League and earned him England recognition, proving even the smallest clubs can produce international stars.
Mello Mello Bar, Bournemouth
⚽ Mello Mello Bar is a lively sports pub in Boscombe established in 1983, famous for its cheap drinks, big-screen football coverage
📍 ~3 minute drive to Villa Park
The Bell, Bournemouth
⚽ A thriving community pub in Pokesdown, established in the late 1850s, famous for its welcoming atmosphere, live entertainment including karaoke and bands, and being
a mixed football pub that proudly hosts both home and away fans.
📍 ~3 minute drive to Villa Park
🌐 www.thebellbournemouth.co.uk
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
📍 ~30 minutes walk or 15 minutes via bus from Vitality Stadium
⚽ Lavish Grade II-listed Victorian mansion showcasing the eclectic collection of world travelers Lady Annie and Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, featuring striking Art Nouveau architecture, European and Japanese artifacts, and sloping English gardens overlooking the sea.
Bournemouth Beach
📍 ~25 minutes walk or 10 minutes via bus from Vitality Stadium
⚽ Seven miles of award-winning golden sand stretching from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks, featuring Blue Flag status, Victorian beach huts, water sports, and some of England's finest seaside scenery along the South Coast.
Bournemouth Pier
📍 ~30 minutes walk or 12 minutes via bus from Vitality Stadium
⚽ Historic Victorian pier stretching into the sea since 1856, packed with traditional seaside attractions including amusement arcades, helter-skelter, eateries, plus modern adventures like RockReef's rock climbing and 250-meter zip-lining experience.
The Oceanarium
📍 ~25 minutes walk or 10 minutes via bus from Vitality Stadium
⚽ Captivating aquatic adventure featuring mesmerizing marine life from around the globe, walk-through underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits, and educational displays about ocean conservation in the heart of Bournemouth's seafront.
Bournemouth Gardens
📍 ~20 minutes walk or 8 minutes via bus from Vitality Stadium
⚽ Three linear gardens (Upper, Middle, and Lower) running along the River Bourne from the town center to the sea, featuring Victorian landscaping, cafes, an aviary, mini golf, and vibrant seasonal flower displays in a tranquil urban oasis.
💸 Budget-Friendly Casual Eats
- Cafe Boscanova: A vibrant bohemian café in Boscombe serving exceptional coffee, scrumptious American-style pancakes with maple butter, and ethically sourced vegan and vegetarian dishes in a lively Caribbean-inspired atmosphere with most breakfast items under £10
- Korean Grill: An authentic Korean restaurant in Boscombe offering superb Korean cuisine in a casual café atmosphere, featuring huge portion sizes, house-made kimchi, and traditional dishes with generous servings at budget-friendly prices Dean Court
- Sunny's Fish and Chips: A local Boscombe favorite serving traditional British fish and chips within walking distance of Vitality Stadium, offering classic seaside fare with generous portions and wallet-friendly prices perfect for a pre-match meal
🍔 Grab-and-Go
- Pokesdown Chippy: A highly acclaimed independent chip shop on Christchurch Road known for incredibly fresh and delicious food with top-notch quality ingredients, offering traditional fish and chips with generous portions and exceptional friendly service from local staff
- Chicken & Blues Boscombe: Located in the middle of bustling Boscombe high street near Vitality Stadium, this original independent shack serves up mouth-watering chicken dishes in a lively area filled with art deco buildings perfect for a quick street food experience Chicken & Blues
- Sandwich Box & Cafe: A local independent sandwich shop located on Christchurch Road offering freshly made sandwiches, wraps and café fare, perfect for grabbing a quick bite while walking to the stadium from Boscombe
💎 £££
- Restaurant Roots: Michelin-recommended contemporary fine dining restaurant in Southbourne 3 AA Rosettes, offering monthly changing tasting menus in an exclusive setting with limited covers, featuring sophisticated flavour combinations and exceptional ingredient care in a minimalistic, classy atmosphere.
- The Crab at Bournemouth: A refined contemporary seafood restaurant with two Rosettes and Michelin Star-trained chefs located steps from the sea, specializing in locally sourced seafood from Dorset fishing villages and offering gourmet twists on traditional British favorites with seasonally changing menus Public exhibition for stadium plans
- Arbor Restaurant: An award-winning restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes claiming to be Bournemouth's best dining destination, where exceptional cuisine meets sustainable practices with the philosophy that "good food doesn't cost the earth," offering top-tier culinary experiences in an elegant setting
🍻 Budget-Friendly
- Mello Mello Bar: A subdued sports bar in Boscombe offering cheap drinks at £4 a pint, just a 10-minute walk from Vitality Stadium. Popular pre-match destination with big screens and karaoke nights, perfect for away fans looking for affordable pints before the game.
- Queens Park Hotel: Sports-oriented pub located a short walk from the stadium with a large beer garden and range of beers. Features multiple TV screens showing Sky Sports and serves hot food all day, though it gets busy approaching kick-off
- Marroy's Bar: A brilliant option for away fans just 5-10 minutes walk from the stadium on Christchurch Road, offering a wide range of very reasonably priced drinks and quality pizzas. Family-friendly venue with large TVs showing Sky and TNT Sport
🍸 Places You Can't Miss
- The Goat and Tricycle: Multi-award winning traditional genuine ale pub featuring an impressive selection of up to 11 guest ales, ciders, and craft beers. Originally two adjoining pubs dating to 1900, with stunning Art Nouveau dark and light green tiles and Arts and Crafts architecture creating a unique historic atmosphere
- Smokin' Aces - Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge: Bournemouth's hidden gem offering an insane whisky selection and expertly crafted cocktails with knowledgeable bartenders sharing stories about their back bar. Features dancing on the bar and creates such a welcoming atmosphere that quick drinks turn into all-night sessions Vitality Stadium ‘vital’ expansion plans
- Sixty Million Postcards: A unique cultural hub blending American classics with an eclectic atmosphere of beautiful wood, dusty antiques, kitsch furnishings, and funky items. Hosts live music, DJ sets, art exhibitions, film screenings, and musical bingo, making it popular among Bournemouth's creative community
💎 £££
- LEVEL8IGHT The Sky Bar: The highest bar in the South West located on the eighth floor of Hilton Bournemouth, offering dramatic coastal views and premium spirits with fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails. Features elegant afternoon tea at £32.50pp, cocktail masterclasses from £30 per person, and operates a strict smart casual dress code with no sportswear allowed.
- Eden Bournemouth: Bournemouth's timeless alfresco sanctuary featuring a sophisticated Garden Bar with retractable roof technology that transforms from an open-air summer paradise to an intimate winter cocoon. Offers four-season luxury dining with premium cocktails in a setting that epitomizes refined elegance Bournemouth unveil schedule for £80m+ stadium upgrade
- 1812 Lounge Bar: An upscale cocktail lounge housed in a historic building dating back to the early 1800s, originally built for Captain Tregonwell who founded Bournemouth. Features gorgeous signature cocktails, live music, all-day fine dining, and exclusive cocktail masterclasses with champagne welcomes just steps from the seafront AFC Bournemouth Details Vitality Stadium Development Plan
Visiting supporters are generally allocated seats in blocks 21-24 of the East Stand, with typical allocations around 1,500 tickets for Premier League games, though this can be increased to 2,000 for higher-demand fixtures.
Facilities for away fans include access to dedicated concourses serving food and drink, toilet facilities, and excellent sightlines from the single-tier East Stand. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off, accessible through turnstile F, providing ample time to settle in at England's smallest and most intimate Premier League venue
Pint of Beer: £3.50–£4.00
Pie & Pint Combo: Around £7.50–£8.00
Parking near the stadium is very limited. Residents’ zones are strictly enforced on matchdays.
Closest Options:
- South Stand car park: £1 (fills up 75 minutes before kick-off)
- Harewood College: Free parking, 10-minute walk (Saturday games from 12:30pm)
- Sovereign Shopping Centre: £2 for 4 hours / £4 for 24 hours
- ✅ Pro Tip: Public transport is strongly recommended.
By Train
- Pokesdown Station: ~15 mins walk to the stadium.
- Bournemouth Central Station: ~30 mins walk; 10 mins taxi or bus.
- Trains connect from major UK cities including London, Southampton, and Winchester.
By Bus
- Local Buses: Routes M2, 1C, 22, P2, P3 – stops close to the stadium.
2 buses run every 7-10 minutes from Bournemouth town centre
- Yellow Bus services connect from Bournemouth Railway Station
Vitality Stadium is well connected by public transport, making it easily accessible from across the South Coast..
Looking for the best deals on places to stay when you’re heading to the game? At FANPARK, we’ve done the hard work for you! From cozy budget hotels to affordable apartments, we’ve scoured the area around the stadium to find where you can stay without breaking the bank.
- What year was AFC Bournemouth founded?
- What is the club’s nickname?
- Which colours make up Bournemouth’s traditional home kit?
- What is the name of Bournemouth’s home stadium?
- In which year did Bournemouth first get promoted to the Premier League?
- Who was the manager that guided Bournemouth to their first-ever Premier League promotion?
- What is the capacity of the Vitality Stadium? (closest wins)
- Which famous former England striker briefly played for Bournemouth in the early 2000s?
- Who scored Bournemouth’s first-ever Premier League goal?
- Which Bournemouth player won the club’s Player of the Season award three years in a row (2017–2019)?
- Bournemouth recorded their biggest-ever league win in 2014, winning 8–0 — which team did they beat?
- Who was Bournemouth’s top scorer in their debut Premier League season (2015/16)?
- In 2015, Bournemouth won the Championship title on the final day with a victory over which team?
- Who is Bournemouth’s all-time leading goalscorer?
- Which club is considered Bournemouth’s main South Coast rival?
- What year was AFC Bournemouth founded? 1899
- What is the club’s nickname? The Cherries
- Which colours make up Bournemouth’s traditional home kit? Red and black stripes
- What is the name of Bournemouth’s home stadium? Vitality Stadium (Dean Court)
- In which year did Bournemouth first get promoted to the Premier League? 2015
- Who was the manager that guided Bournemouth to their first-ever Premier League promotion? Eddie Howe
- What is the capacity of the Vitality Stadium? 11,364
- Which famous former England striker briefly played for Bournemouth in the early 2000s? Jermain Defoe
- Who scored Bournemouth’s first-ever Premier League goal? Callum Wilson
- Which Bournemouth player won the club’s Player of the Season three years in a row (2017–2019)? Nathan Aké
- Bournemouth recorded their biggest-ever league win in 2014, winning 8–0 — which team did they beat? Birmingham City
- Who was Bournemouth’s top scorer in their debut Premier League season (2015/16)? Callum Wilson
- In 2015, Bournemouth won the Championship title on the final day with a victory over which team? Charlton Athletic
- Who is Bournemouth’s all-time leading goalscorer? Ron Eyre (229 goals)
- Which club is considered Bournemouth’s main South Coast rival? Southampton
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