By Right then, last weekend we finally took the kids to check out the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Been planning this for ages, especially wanting to suss out the parking situation with the little ones in tow. You know how it is – gotta plan like a military operation!
Setting Off & The Parking Hassle
Got everyone piled into the car much later than planned. Kids, eh? Always one more trip to the loo or suddenly needing a different pair of shoes. The drive itself was alright until we got near the stadium area.
Parking is a proper nightmare. Honestly wish someone had spelled this out clearer beforehand. Drove around the residential streets closest to the ground for what felt like ages, every single space taken or Residents Only zones plastered with strict signs. Nope. Didn’t fancy getting a ticket or towed on a family day out. Ended up heading towards one of those bigger car parks further out, near a shopping area about a 15-minute walk away. Cost a fair bit for several hours too. Packed decent trainers – you’ll need ’em!
The Tour Itself with Mini-Me’s
Booked the stadium tour online weeks back, specifically a family slot mid-morning. Check-in was smooth at the main ticket office, staff were actually really sound with the kids. Got those headsets for everyone – even the smaller ones got special kids’ versions that fit properly, which was a nice touch. They loved pressing the buttons.
The walking, though… be ready. Stairs, ramps, long walkways. Lots of concrete. We’ve got a five-year-old and an eight-year-old. The little one’s legs started complaining halfway through. Thank god for snacks! Stuffing fruit bars in their mouths kept the whingeing down to a low rumble. Saw the players’ tunnel (felt epic!), the changing rooms (so flash!), the press room (kids pretended to be managers), and obviously the pitch side. The scale of the place is mad when you’re standing there.
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Kid-Specific Bits That Helped:
- The staff didn’t rush us once, letting the kids dawdle at bits they liked.
- Toilets were easy to find along the route – crucial when the five-year-old suddenly announces they’re bursting!
- The walkways are wide enough to manage the double buggy we saw one family using for a toddler.
- Gift shop at the end had loads of kid-sized gear. Budget took a hit, obviously.
Wrapping Up & Escaping
Whole tour lasted about 90 minutes. Kids were flagging by the end, but buzzing. Dragged them back to the car park. The walk back felt longer, everyone a bit knackered. Stopped for chips nearby to avoid the stadium crowds. Total lifesaver. Traffic getting out was slow, but then again, it usually is in that part of town.
Final Takeaway? Great day, kids loved it more than I expected. Parking is a battle – honestly, if you can get the train/ tube straight there, DO IT. Save the driving stress. And pack twice as many snacks as you think you’ll need. Seriously. Your sanity depends on it when tackling concrete stairs with small humans.