A long trip to Teeside awaits Exeter City this season as the Grecians look to continue their fine form against Hartlepool United.
In our first visit to Hartlepool since 2019, here’s a travel guide to Victoria Park.
Stadium
- Name: Victoria Park
- Capacity: 7,865
- Year opened: 1886
- Record Attendance: 17,426 (vs Manchester United, FA Cup 3rd Round, 1957)
- Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
Originally home to West Hartlepool RFC, Victoria Park was renamed upon Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee before Hartlepools United sought tenancy in 1908.
During the First World War the ground was destroyed by a German Zepellin and the main stand was demolished. In 1957 over 17,000 fans crammed into the Stadium to see Matt Busby’s Manchester United run out 4-3 winners in a thriller. This was regarded by Busby as the most exciting game he’s ever witnessed
The England women's national football team beat Sweden 4–0 in an August 2014 friendly at Victoria Park. It was the female England team's first game in the North East since a 1–1 draw with Italy at Roker Park, Sunderland in November 1995. Several of the English players came from the North East, including Jordan Nobbs whose father Keith had played 327 times for Hartlepool United.
City fans will be housed in the Simpson Millar Stand (or the Rink End), behind one of the goals. The stand has a capacity of just over 1,000 seated.
Ticket Prices
- Adults: £20
- Concessions (Senior/Students/Forces): £14
- Under-19s: £14
- Under-16s: £5
- Under-5s: Free
Please note that ID is required for concession pricing.
Ambulant disabled are charged the relevant age category with a free carer given where person is on High Rate DLA for care or mobility. Please contact Hartlepool direct on 01429 272 584 to purchase.
Tickets will be available on the day from the ground.
How to buy:
You can buy tickets online by clicking here.
Tickets will also be able to be purchased from the club shop, or by phone.
Tickets for collection
All collections from Exeter City Club Shop Reception between 10:00 and 4:00 Monday to Friday.
Any not collected by 12:00 midday on the day before the game will be sent with the supporters coach for collection at Hartlepool before game.
Getting To Victoria Park
By Car: (Estimated: 5hrs 41mins)
The address for Victoria Park is Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
Take the M5 (N) to Junction 4a. Follow the M42 to the M1 to Junction 32.
Via the M18 take the A1(M) before merging onto the A168, then A19.
Exit the A19 at signpost Hartlepool A689, Motorway A1(M). At roundabout turn right (s/p Hartlepool A689) and continue on the A689 for 4.3 miles, through the village of Newton Bewley, to the roundabout by the Owton Lodge pub.
Go straight on (s/p Town Centre A689) and follow Town Centre signs for 2.8 miles, over two roundabouts. At the traffic lights just past the Blacksmiths Arms on your left, go straight on. At the next traffic lights go straight on again over the bridge into the new marina complex and straight on again at the roundabout into Marina Way.
This is the area for the Jackson’s Wharf parking. To get to the ground itself continue to the next roundabout and turn left (s/p The North A179, A1048). Turn left at the lights into Clarence Road to the ground.
Parking:
There are limited number of matchday parking spaces at the stadium though these are booked on a first come, first served basis. There is also a car park behind the EDC Neale Cooper Stand and street parking around Raby Road.
By rail: (Estimated 6hr 33m)
06:27 Exeter St Davids (Crosscountry toward Newcastle) change at York.
11:39 York (TransPennine toward Redcar Central) change at Thornaby
12:37 Thornaby (Northern toward Hexham) arrive at Hartlepool at 13:01
Grecian Travel, run by the Supporters' Club is available for City's trip to Hartlepool United.
The coach will depart from Unit 1 nightclub at 6am for a fare of £48 for adults and £43 for under-16s
Other pick-up points include: Honiton Road park and ride (by Miller and Carter Steakhouse), junction 28 (Cullompton services). Junction 27 (Tiverton), junction 25 (Taunton.) All other pick-ups by prior arrangement.
PLEASE NOTE: Face coverings are required to travel on Grecian Travel. This does not apply if you are exempt.
How to buy
Currently Grecian Travel can only be booked directly.
For more information or to book please contact John Bishop on 07904036334 or by email at: john.bishop760@btinternet.com (after 6pm).
Pubs and matchday refreshment:
There is the Centenary Bar near the entrance to the away end, which allows visiting fans. At the same end but at the opposite corner, is the ‘Corner Flag Supporters Bar’ which also welcomes away fans. There is also a small bar located behind the Cyrill Knowles Stand.
A little further beyond Raby Road is the Millhouse Inn. Popular with away fans is the Jackson’s Wharf Pub near the ground. It has good food and real ale on tap. This pub is over the road from the ASDA store to the left of the Old Sailing Ship.
Otherwise, the ground is not far from the town centre where there are plenty of pubs to be found. These include; beside the Camerons Brewery on Vicarage Gardens, the Causeway pub. Whilst next to the Brewery itself is the Anchor Tap Room.’ Recently opened on Tower Street is intriguingly named ‘Hops and Cheese’ real and craft ale bar. The Causeway and the Anchor Tap Room are both listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.