Franklin's Gardens Northampton
Home of the Northampton Saints rugby club, Franklin's Gardens offers a vibrant atmosphere and close-to-action views for thrilling matches and diverse ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Franklin's Gardens Northampton
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home of the Northampton Saints rugby club, Franklin's Gardens offers a vibrant atmosphere and close-to-action views for thrilling matches and diverse events.
"A great stadium that gets you close to the action with a great crowd creating an amazing atmosphere."
🚗 Avoid Parking Nightmares
Opt for public transport or ride-sharing; parking is often difficult.
🎉 Arrive Early for Fanzone
Soak in the pre-game buzz and enjoy the Fanzone before kick-off.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northampton Saints Match Day
The Pitch
Experience the thrill of a live rugby match with the passionate Saints supporters creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Women's Rugby World Cup
The Stadium
Witness top-tier international women's rugby in a vibrant setting, with past events drawing energetic crowds.
+1
The Fanzone Experience
Market Square (near stadium)
Pre-game festivities and community spirit await in the Fanzone, a great spot to build excitement before the match.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Parking & Transport
Embrace the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Parking Nightmares
Opt for public transport or ride-sharing; parking is often difficult.
🎉 Arrive Early for Fanzone
Soak in the pre-game buzz and enjoy the Fanzone before kick-off.
🪑 Limited Leg Room
Be aware that some seating areas may have limited leg room. [^review]
🤝 Get Close to Players
Enjoy the opportunity to get close to players post-game for autographs. [^review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Parking Nightmares
Opt for public transport or ride-sharing; parking is often difficult.
🎉 Arrive Early for Fanzone
Soak in the pre-game buzz and enjoy the Fanzone before kick-off.
🪑 Limited Leg Room
Be aware that some seating areas may have limited leg room. [^review]
🤝 Get Close to Players
Enjoy the opportunity to get close to players post-game for autographs. [^review]
💨 Pyrotechnics Caution
Be mindful that pre-game pyrotechnics can create smoke and obscure views. [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Franklin's Gardens for its incredible atmosphere, especially during Northampton Saints rugby matches, and the excellent food and drink offerings. The close proximity to players post-game is a significant highlight. However, parking is a recurring issue, with many finding it difficult and inconvenient, and some seating areas are noted for having limited legroom. [^review]
"WRWC2025 double header Ireland vs Japan amd South Africa vs Brazil.
The vibe was excellent, the crowd energetic. The food selection was outstanding and stadium access excellent.
However, parking is a joke. It's a 20 minute walk, no busses. There is virtually no leg room in the seating. Also, cops chased away street vendors who where hawking game day scarfs. That soured the experience."
Chris Wyatt
"A great experience. The pre match set up is very good with excellent F&B offerings and not a lot of queuing at the bars. The stadium itself is very good (but it could be argued that the seats in the East stand are rather narrow and the leg room limited) with excellent views. A great crowd who create an amazing atmosphere ... it's rare as an away fan to find yourself singing along to the home chants but some of the Saints stuff is very good.
If I had one complaint it would be the rubbish pyrotechnics just before kick off. All they seem to do is fill the East stand with acrid smoke and obscure the pitch. It was so bad that the Saints fly half kicked off short of the 10m as he couldnt see the line!"
Jerry C
"Great stadium that gets you close to the action. Supporters well mannered and the ability to get close to the players after the game is a great way of engaging more followers into rugby"
Mark Hyett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Franklin's Gardens is located in Northampton. While driving is an option, many visitors find parking challenging and recommend using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid congestion on match days.
Information on specific bus routes or train connections to Franklin's Gardens can be found on local transport websites. It's advisable to check schedules in advance, especially for match days.
Parking at Franklin's Gardens can be difficult, with some reviews noting it as a 'joke'. While some parking may be available, it's often a significant walk, and alternatives are frequently suggested. [^review]
Taxis and ride-sharing services are a viable option for reaching Franklin's Gardens, offering a convenient alternative to navigating parking.
Accessibility information for Franklin's Gardens, including options for those with mobility issues, can typically be found on the official stadium website or by contacting them directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Northampton Saints games at Franklin's Gardens can usually be purchased through the official Northampton Saints website or authorized ticketing partners. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular fixtures.
Opening hours for Franklin's Gardens vary depending on whether there is a match or event scheduled. For specific event times, it's best to check the official stadium or event organizer's website.
Yes, Franklin's Gardens offers various seating options. Some reviews mention that seats in the East Stand might have limited legroom, so consider this when booking. [^review]
While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day of a match, it's not guaranteed, especially for high-demand games. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Information regarding children's ticket prices and policies for Northampton Saints matches or other events at Franklin's Gardens can be found on the official ticketing pages.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Franklin's Gardens is renowned for its fantastic atmosphere, particularly during Northampton Saints matches. The crowd is energetic and passionate, creating an amazing experience for fans. [^review]
Yes, there are excellent food and beverage offerings at Franklin's Gardens, with many visitors praising the selection and minimal queuing at the bars. [^review]
A great aspect of Franklin's Gardens is the ability to get close to the players after the game, which is a fantastic way to engage more fans with rugby. [^review]
Franklin's Gardens hosts various events beyond rugby, including wedding shows and graduation ceremonies, making it a versatile venue.
Yes, there's often a Fanzone set up near the stadium, offering pre-match entertainment and a great way to build excitement before the game begins.
📸 📸 Photography
For unique aerial shots, consider the drone footage capturing the stadium's scale.
Generally, personal photography is allowed at Franklin's Gardens during matches, but professional photography may require accreditation. Always check the stadium's specific policy.
The large tower at the back of the stadium is the National Abseiling Centre, which can be an interesting visual element for photos. [^review]
Drone footage often captures the entire stadium, its surroundings, and the scale of the venue, providing a comprehensive view.
While personal photos are usually fine, it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on photography or videography, especially concerning commercial use or during certain events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For events like the Women's Rugby World Cup, specific Fanzone activities can add to the family fun.
It's advisable to check the specific event details for any family-oriented activities or facilities available on the day of your visit.💰 Budget Travelers
+1 For match days, consider booking tickets in advance as prices can sometimes increase closer to the event. couples
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rugby Experience at Franklin's Gardens
Beyond the professional matches, the stadium has also hosted significant international events, such as the Women's Rugby World Cup. These events further showcase the venue's capability to host large-scale sporting spectacles, drawing diverse and enthusiastic crowds.
+1 The close proximity to the players post-game is also a unique feature that enhances the fan engagement and makes the experience more personal. [^review]For those new to rugby, the Saints' style of play is often described as exciting, with a tendency to 'throw it around', which usually leads to entertaining and high-scoring games.
Beyond the Match: Events at Franklin's Gardens
+1 These events transform the stadium into a vibrant exhibition space, offering a different perspective on the venue's capabilities.Furthermore, Franklin's Gardens is a significant site for graduation ceremonies, celebrating the academic achievements of students.
+1 The stadium's capacity and facilities make it suitable for hosting these important milestones, providing a memorable backdrop for graduates and their families.The presence of the National Abseiling Centre at the back of the stadium also adds a unique element, offering adventurous activities for those seeking a thrill. [^review] This diverse range of events highlights Franklin's Gardens as a community hub and a multi-purpose venue, extending its appeal far beyond the rugby season.
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