Colchester United

Directions

From The North:
Leave the A14 at Ipswich and join the A12. On approaching Colchester do not take the first turn off but continue on the A12 towards London and take the Halstead/Cambridge turn off. At top of slip road turn left and continue along Essex Yeomanry Way then left at roundabout into London Road. Proceed for just over 3/4 mile to traffic lights (MFI store on your right). Turn right at lights and follow this road until you reach it's end where a pub (Leather Bottle) is on left. Turn left and follow until traffic lights at Boadecia Way, 3/4 mile, where you turn right. Go to end of this road and turn left; this is Layer Rd and the ground is about 1/4 mile on left.

From The South:
Leave the M25 at junction 28 and head east. Leave the A12 before you reach Colchester at the Halstead/Cambridge turn off. Turn right at top of slip road and continue along Essex Yeomanry Way, left at roundabout into London Road. Then as above.

Richard Lay informs me; 'Parking is easiest in Boadecia Way or in one of the side roads to the right and this will leave about a 5 - 7 min walk to the ground'. On the car parking front David Battson adds; 'there is a small unofficial car park about 200 yards from the ground. There is also a Park and Ride scheme which is well sign posted (situated at Sobroan barracks). Cost for the unofficial car park is £2.50 per car, and holds between 50 to 100 cars. The Matchday Park and Ride is slightly larger and is £2 per car. However, the buses can be every 20 minutes or so'. Paul Bruce adds; 'There is also a pay and display car park which is located on the right hand side of Butt Road, going towards the town centre from the ground, which I believe is free in the evenings'.

Pubs

Jonathan Hull writes 'for a drink near the ground try the Dragoon in Butt Road which is on the way to the ground and is almost opposite the police station. It is in the Campaign For Real Ale guide, serves good ales and does a mean chilli on match days. It is full of Col U fans but of the friendly real ale drinker variety'. There is also the Drury pub at the top of Layer Road, which is generally okay for away fans, unless it is a high profile match, such as a local derby, or where there has been a bit of 'history' between the two clubs.

Peter Mansell adds; 'A great pub for visiting fans who like quality real ale is called "The Odd One Out", It is situated at the bottom part of Mersea Road not far from Colchester Town station, maybe a 15 minute walk away from the ground. The pub has won the best real ale pub in Essex award on more than one occasion'.

By Train

The nearest station to the ground is Colchester Town which is around a 25 minute walk away and is seven minute journey time away from Colchester mainline station where most fans are likely to end up at. Vicky Booth a visiting Southampton supporter adds; 'It may also be worth pointing out to people that the "football ground" marked on the map outside the station is a recreation ground and not Layer Road, which isn't shown. Very confusing!'

The main Colchester station is really too far from the ground to walk, so either get another train to Colchester Town station or jump in a taxi, which should cost about £5. If you arrive early at Colchester mainline station and decide to walk to the ground (crossing through the town centre) then it should take about 40 minutes.