The Kia Oval

Where cricket history was written: England's first Test ground and birthplace of the Ashes.

4.6

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

The Kia Oval is an iconic international cricket ground in Kennington, south London, and the home of Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845. This historic venue hosted England's first Test match in 1880 and is where the Ashes rivalry was born in 1882. Instantly recognisable by its distinctive Victorian gasholders, The Oval remains one of the world's most important cricket grounds and a symbol of English sporting heritage.

A brief summary to The Oval

Kennington Oval, London, SE11 5SS, GB
+442039460100
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Arrive early on match days to explore the pavilion and learn about the ground's rich history through the museum exhibits and heritage displays before play begins.
The distinctive Victorian gasholders provide iconic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour at sunset when they frame beautifully against the sky.
Book hospitality packages for premium seating and dining experiences that combine cricket viewing with access to exclusive areas of this historic venue.
Visit during international Test matches rather than county games for the most atmospheric experience and the chance to witness world-class cricket.
Check the fixture calendar in advance, as The Oval traditionally hosts the final Test of the English summer season, typically in late August or early September.

Getting There

London Underground

Take the Northern Line to Oval station (approximately 2 minutes walk to the ground). The station is directly adjacent to the venue. Service runs every 3–5 minutes during peak hours and every 5–10 minutes off-peak. A single journey costs £1.75–£2.80 depending on your starting point within London.
Bus

Multiple bus routes serve Kennington Oval, including routes 3, 77, and 345. Journey times vary from 15–45 minutes depending on your starting location and traffic conditions. A single bus fare costs £1.75 (contactless payment) or £2.80 (cash). Buses run frequently throughout the day.
Taxi or Ride-Share

Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) are available throughout London. Journey times from central London range from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £12–£25 from central areas. Ride-share services often surge during major match days.
Cycling

London's Santander Cycles scheme provides bike hire stations throughout the city. The journey from central London takes approximately 20–40 minutes depending on your starting point. Daily hire costs £2 for unlimited 30-minute journeys. Kennington has dedicated cycle lanes and parking facilities.

The Oval location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Oval

From Cabbage Patch to Cricket Cathedral

The story of The Oval begins not with cricket, but with vegetables. In 1844, the site was a humble cabbage patch and market garden owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. The land's distinctive oval shape dates back to around 1790, when an oval road was first laid around what was then agricultural land. By 1830, locals had begun calling it simply 'The Oval'. In 1845, the Duchy leased the site to William Houghton, president of the Montpelier Cricket Club, for the purpose of creating a subscription cricket ground. The transformation was swift: 10,000 grass turfs were brought down from Tooting Common and laid in spring 1845, costing £300—a substantial sum at the time. The first cricket match was played in May 1845, marking the beginning of an extraordinary sporting legacy.

Birth of Test Cricket and the Ashes

The Oval's significance to international cricket cannot be overstated. In September 1880, it became the first ground in England to host a Test match, welcoming Australia for a historic encounter. Just two years later, in August 1882, The Oval hosted the match that would define cricket forever. England suffered a shocking defeat to Australia, prompting a British newspaper to publish a mock obituary declaring cricket 'dead'. The Sporting Times responded by announcing the creation of the Ashes—a symbolic trophy representing the urn of English cricket. This single match transformed The Oval into hallowed ground and established one of sport's greatest rivalries. The ball from that legendary 1882 Test, kept as a souvenir by Australian wicketkeeper Jack Blackham, is now displayed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A Ground of Many Firsts

Beyond cricket, The Oval pioneered sporting innovation. In 1872, it hosted the first FA Cup Final, attracting 2,000 spectators to watch Wanderers defeat Royal Engineers. The ground also staged England's first rugby union internationals against Scotland and Wales in 1876, and rugby's first varsity match in 1877. In 1851, an endurance walking event saw Richard Manks complete 1,000 miles in 500 hours around the Oval's outfield—with gas lamps hung around the ground to illuminate night-time walking, making this arguably the world's first floodlit sporting event. The Oval was also the first cricket ground to employ artificial lighting in the form of gas lamps, a revolutionary development for the era.

Victorian Architecture and Iconic Landmarks

The Oval's architectural character is defined by two remarkable structures. The pavilion, designed by Thomas Muirhead and completed in 1897, is a Victorian masterpiece featuring elegant sash windows in various configurations. This Grade II listed building was meticulously restored in 2013, with a new front gate installed to preserve its historical integrity. More distinctive still are the Victorian gasholders that loom over the ground—particularly the Grade II listed gasometer built in 1847, which was the largest gasholder in the world when constructed. These iron structures have become the visual signature of The Oval, appearing in countless photographs and broadcasts. Every great cricketer in the world has played in their shadow, making them as much a part of cricket history as the pitch itself.

Wartime Sacrifice and Resilience

During the Second World War, The Oval endured significant hardship. The ground was requisitioned by the government before Britain even declared war on Germany, with plans to convert it into a prisoner-of-war camp. Though it was never used for this purpose, the requisition lasted until 1945, denying Surrey the use of their home for the entire duration of the conflict. The ground suffered bomb damage during the Blitz, yet remarkably, it was restored and resumed cricket operations in 1946. A war memorial was erected to honour the 48 Surrey players and members who died fighting in the First World War, including several who played their final Test matches at The Oval in August 1939, just days before war was declared.

Modern Legacy and Global Significance

Today, The Oval remains one of cricket's most prestigious venues. It has hosted the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 and 2017, and the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final. The final Test match of the English domestic season is traditionally played here, cementing its status as the season's climax. The ground once held the record for the largest playing area of any Test venue in the world—a distinction that speaks to its expansive design and importance. Surrey County Cricket Club, now 179 years old, continues to thrive, having won the County Championship 23 times, most recently in 2024. With membership reaching over 20,000 in 2024 and exciting developments planned for the future, The Oval looks forward to its next chapter while honouring the centuries of history embedded in its turf.