Men's Ashes 2027 · Host City
London
London hosts two Tests in the 2027 Men's Ashes, at Lord's from 30 June–4 July and Kia Oval from 29 July–2 August.
Trip overview
- Event
- Men's Ashes 2027
- Tests
- Second & Fifth
- Dates
- 30 Jun–4 Jul & 29 Jul–2 Aug
- Grounds
- Lord's & Kia Oval
- City
- London
- Main transport
- Underground & rail
London for the Ashes
London hosts two separate Tests several weeks apart: the Second Test at Lord's in St John's Wood (north-west central London) from 30 June–4 July, and the Fifth Test at Kia Oval in Kennington (south of the Thames) from 29 July–2 August.
The two grounds are not in the same part of the city. They are connected by London's Underground network. This means the practical considerations for accommodation, transport and planning differ significantly depending on which Test you are attending. Use TfL journey planner to check connections between them.
Most visitors plan their London stay around the specific Test they are going to. A traveller attending both Tests will normally book two separate London stays, unless London is part of a longer UK itinerary taking in multiple host cities, in which case a more central hotel can work as a transport hub for connections to both grounds.
Understanding the two grounds
Lord's — 30 June–4 July
Lord's is in St John's Wood, in north-west central London. The Jubilee Underground line stops at St John's Wood station, a short walk from the ground. Baker Street and Marylebone stations (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) are also within reasonable reach.
The ground is accessible from central London by Underground. The area around Lord's combines residential streets with good access to West End amenities and northern central London. Check TfL journey planner for connections from your accommodation.
For a detailed Lord's ground guide and historical context, see the Men's Ashes Grounds page.
Kia Oval — 29 July–2 August
Kia Oval is in Kennington, south of the River Thames. The Northern line stops at Oval station, a short walk from the ground. Vauxhall station on the Victoria line is also a short walk from the ground. Both provide good access to central London.
The ground is accessible from central London by Underground. The area around Kia Oval blends South Bank amenities with the south-London character and neighbourhood spots. Check TfL journey planner for connections from your accommodation.
For a detailed Kia Oval ground guide, see the Men's Ashes Grounds page.
Getting to London
By air
London has multiple airports: Heathrow and Gatwick are the main long-haul gateways. Stansted, Luton and London City are also in use for different carriers and routes.
Heathrow connects to central London via the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly Underground line. Gatwick connects via Gatwick Express to Victoria or Thameslink to London Bridge and St Pancras. Both give quick access to the Jubilee and Northern lines that serve Lord's and Kia Oval. Check current schedules when planning your airport transfer.
Your best airport depends on your airline, origin and onward accommodation. Do not assume specific routes will operate in 2027; check current carriers and routes when booking.
By rail
London has multiple major terminal stations: King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington, Victoria, and Waterloo. Intercity services from Nottingham, Birmingham and Southampton all arrive at different stations.
From Nottingham, trains typically use St Pancras (reached via King's Cross). From Birmingham, services arrive at Euston. From Southampton, services arrive at Waterloo. Once in London, you can change to the Underground or use a specific station's proximity to your hotel.
For detailed intercity routing between host cities, see the Rail Travel page. Check operators and National Rail closer to departure for current timetables and fares.
By road
London is accessible by motorway, but driving into central London on a matchday introduces significant traffic and parking conditions that differ from normal. Congestion charges, Ultra Low Emission Zone charges and parking restrictions can add cost and complexity. Official information on parking controls and road restrictions for the 2027 Tests has not yet been published. The Underground and rail are normally a simpler choice than a car.
Moving around London
The Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to reach both Lord's and Kia Oval from anywhere in central London. TfL (Transport for London) operates the network, plus local buses and some rail services.
Use contactless payment (any debit or credit card) or an Oyster card to travel. Contactless fares are automatically capped at the daily maximum. On matchdays, Underground services around the ground stops will be busy, especially before play begins and at close of play.
Plan your journey in advance using the TfL journey planner, particularly for the connections between your accommodation and either Lord's or Kia Oval. A short walk from the final Underground stop is usually the last leg to either ground.
Services, frequencies and routes can change due to maintenance and special events. Check TfL's service updates on or just before your matchday to confirm your planned route.
Where to stay
Near Lord's — St John's Wood, Marylebone and Maida Vale
Best for travellers attending the Second Test at Lord's. St John's Wood is the closest option (Jubilee line). Marylebone and Maida Vale are a short Underground journey away and offer a wider range of accommodation and evening options.
Central London — King's Cross, Waterloo and Embankment
Best for travellers prioritising good Underground access to both Lord's and Kia Oval, plus broader access to restaurants, shops and London's main attractions. These areas connect to both the Jubilee line (for Lord's) and the Northern and Victoria lines (for Kia Oval). A central hotel base is most useful if London is part of a longer itinerary taking in multiple host cities.
South Bank and Kennington — Vauxhall, Waterloo and Elephant & Castle
Best for travellers attending the Fifth Test at Kia Oval. Vauxhall and Elephant & Castle are the closest options (Victoria and Northern lines respectively). Waterloo offers a central-South London balance with good dining, museums and riverside access, while still being a short Underground journey from Kia Oval.
Near a major terminal — King's Cross, Paddington, Victoria or Waterloo
Best for travellers connecting to other Ashes host cities. Staying near your arrival or departure terminal simplifies luggage handling and station changes.
For recommendations on specific hotels and further planning, see Hotels & Flights.
Planning for two London Tests
The two London Tests are separated by several weeks. A traveller attending both will usually plan two separate London stays, rather than booking one long hotel reservation.
If you are visiting London for multiple host cities in a single trip, London might serve as a transport hub between Tests in Nottingham, Birmingham and Southampton. In this case, a single central hotel can work if the ground connections suit your itinerary. Use TfL journey planner to check Underground routes from your potential accommodation to both grounds.
Accommodation, flights and rail tickets should be planned separately for each visit unless you are creating a longer, multi-city itinerary. Ticket availability, pricing and release dates may also differ between the two London Tests, so check official channels for each separately.
Matchday planning
Allow extra time for local transport on matchday. Both grounds are well served by the Underground, but peak-time travel around the stops and final approaches to each ground will be busier than normal.
Check the official Lord's or Kia Oval channels closer to the match for ground entry policies, bag restrictions and any temporary transport information. On matchdays, expect heavier pedestrian traffic near the ground and from the nearest Underground station.
Confirm your planned Underground and bus routes on the day using the TfL journey planner. Check for service updates and any emergency maintenance that might have changed your planned route overnight.
Building the wider trip
Nottingham
First Test at Trent Bridge, 18–22 June — direct train from St Pancras.
Birmingham
Third Test at Edgbaston, 8–12 July — via Euston or Waterloo.
Southampton
Fourth Test at Utilita Bowl, 21–25 July — via Waterloo.
Rail Travel
Plan your intercity connections between all host cities.
Hotels & Flights
Search and plan your accommodation and international arrivals.
Tickets
Check ticket release information and official booking channels.
Grounds
Detailed information on Lord's and Kia Oval.
All Host Cities
Back to the complete Men's Ashes 2027 host cities overview.
Practical notes
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP). Most establishments accept cards; cash is still useful in some smaller venues and for tips.
Language: English is widely spoken. Most signage and announcements are in English.
Electricity: UK standard Type G plugs (230V, 50Hz).
Emergency: Call 999 (or 112) for fire, police or ambulance.
Weather: Late June and late July–early August are changeable in England. Rain is possible; warm spells are common. Pack layers and waterproof clothing.
Visa requirements: Check Visa Information for your nationality before booking.