Wembley Stadium isn’t just a football ground. It’s a landmark that pulses with history, music, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a football fan who’s watched England’s heartbreaks and triumphs on its pitch, or someone who’s never set foot inside, there’s more to Wembley than the game. This is the place where legends like Pelé, Beyoncé, and Freddie Mercury have performed, where over 90,000 people scream as one, and where the architecture itself tells a story of reinvention.
Take a Wembley Stadium Tour
You don’t need a ticket to a match to experience Wembley. The official stadium tour lets you walk in the shoes of the players. You’ll step into the England dressing room, run down the same tunnel the team charges through before kickoff, and stand on the pitch where the FA Cup final is decided every year. The tour includes the Royal Box, the media center, and the iconic Arch - the world’s longest unsupported roof structure - with views that stretch across north London.
The tour lasts about 75 minutes and runs daily, even on match days (though routes may change). Tickets start at £22 for adults and £12 for kids. Book online ahead - slots fill fast, especially on weekends. If you visit on a non-match day, you might even get a behind-the-scenes look at pitch maintenance crews preparing the grass for the next big event.
What Events Happen at Wembley?
Football is the heartbeat of Wembley, but it’s far from the only rhythm. The stadium hosts the FA Cup Final, the League Cup Final, and England’s international matches. But it’s also one of the UK’s top concert venues. In 2024 alone, Wembley welcomed Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift - each drawing crowds of over 80,000. The sound systems are engineered for live music, not just sport. The acoustics are so precise that even the quietest guitar riff carries to the top tier.
It’s also home to major non-sporting events. The NFL has played regular-season games here since 2016, bringing American football to British fans. In 2025, Wembley will host the NCAA March Madness Final Four - the first time the event has been held outside the U.S. And for fans of motorsport, the stadium has hosted the London E-Prix, where electric race cars zip through a temporary track laid over the pitch.
Check the official Wembley website for the full calendar. Events are booked months, sometimes years, in advance. If you’re planning a trip, don’t just look for football - check for concerts, festivals, and even the occasional comedy night.
Where to Eat Near Wembley Stadium
Food options around Wembley have improved dramatically over the last five years. Gone are the days of overpriced pies and soggy chips. Now, you’ll find everything from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants within walking distance.
Just outside the stadium’s North Entrance, the Wembley Food Market opens on event days. Think Korean BBQ tacos, Jamaican jerk chicken wraps, and vegan jackfruit burgers. Locals love the halal-certified kebabs from Al-Salam Kebab House - a family-run spot that’s been here since 1998. For something quicker, grab a craft beer and a burger at The Wembley Tap, a pub with 12 rotating taps and a patio that fills up fast before kickoff.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, try Chutney Mary in nearby Wembley Park. It’s a modern Indian restaurant with dishes like lamb rogan josh with saffron rice and tandoori-spiced cauliflower. Reservations are recommended, especially on event nights.
Things to Do Near Wembley Stadium
Wembley isn’t just about the stadium. The surrounding area has quietly become one of London’s most vibrant cultural zones.
Wembley Park is a 40-acre green space that feels worlds away from the noise of the stadium. It has walking trails, a lake with swans, and free outdoor cinema nights in summer. The Wembley Arena - now called The SSE Arena - sits right next to the stadium and hosts everything from ice hockey to family shows. It’s a great option if you’re visiting on a day without a big match.
History buffs should walk 10 minutes to the Wembley Arch Visitor Centre. It’s a small, free exhibit that shows the evolution of the stadium - from the original 1923 version to the 2007 rebuild. There are photos of the 1966 World Cup final, the original FA Cup trophy, and even the boots worn by Geoff Hurst.
For a different kind of culture, head to The Place, a contemporary dance and performance venue in the Wembley Park complex. It’s not touristy, but locals swear by the intimate shows and experimental performances.
How to Get There
Wembley is easy to reach from central London. The fastest way is the London Underground. Take the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park Station - it’s a five-minute walk to the stadium. The Bakerloo Line stops at Wembley Central, which is a 15-minute walk but often less crowded.
If you’re driving, parking is available at the stadium’s official lots, but prices start at £25 on event days. Public transport is cheaper and faster. Uber and Lyft drop-offs are allowed at the main entrances, but traffic jams can last hours before big events.
For visitors coming from outside London, trains from Euston, Watford Junction, and Milton Keynes stop at Wembley Central. The journey from Manchester Piccadilly takes under two hours - you could easily make a day trip.
When to Visit
Wembley is always buzzing, but the vibe changes with the calendar. Spring and summer bring the most events - FA Cup finals, concerts, and outdoor markets. Autumn is quieter, perfect for a peaceful tour without crowds. Winter is cold, but the stadium lights look magical at night, especially during the holiday season.
If you want to avoid the chaos, skip match days and big concerts. Weekday afternoons are the best time for tours. The staff are more relaxed, and you’ll get better photo opportunities on the pitch.
What to Bring
Wembley is a public space, so there are no strict rules - but a few tips make your visit smoother. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk a lot, even if you’re just doing the tour. Bring a light jacket - it’s often windy near the Arch. Don’t carry large bags; security checks are strict on event days.
Photography is allowed everywhere except in the dressing rooms and behind-the-scenes areas. The view from the top of the Arch is one of the best in London. Bring your camera.
Is Wembley Worth It?
Yes - even if you’re not a sports fan. Wembley is a piece of British culture. It’s where national identity is celebrated, where music moves crowds like nothing else, and where architecture meets history. Whether you’re standing where England won the World Cup, listening to a pop star belt out a hit, or just eating a kebab under the Arch, you’re part of something bigger.
It’s not just a stadium. It’s a stage. And it’s always open for visitors.
Can you visit Wembley Stadium without a ticket?
Yes. The official Wembley Stadium Tour runs daily and doesn’t require a match or concert ticket. You can walk the pitch, visit the dressing rooms, and see the Arch without buying an event ticket. The tour costs £22 for adults and includes access to all key areas.
What’s the best time to tour Wembley Stadium?
The best time is on a weekday afternoon when there’s no event scheduled. Crowds are smaller, staff are more available to answer questions, and you’ll get better photo opportunities on the pitch. Avoid weekends and event days if you want a calm, thorough experience.
Is Wembley Stadium accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Wembley Stadium is fully accessible. All public areas, including the tour route, have step-free access. Wheelchair spaces are available in all seating sections, and accessible restrooms are located throughout the venue. The official website has a dedicated accessibility guide with detailed maps and contact info for special requests.
Are food and drinks allowed inside the stadium during tours?
No. Food and drinks are not permitted during the guided tour for safety and preservation reasons. But you can buy snacks and beverages at the café located at the end of the tour route. There are also multiple food stalls outside the stadium on event days.
How far is Wembley Stadium from central London?
Wembley Stadium is about 8 miles northwest of central London. It takes roughly 20 minutes by Jubilee Line from Westminster or 25 minutes from London Bridge. From Euston Station, it’s a 10-minute train ride to Wembley Central.