Football in Kent – 5 non league grounds you have to visit

The Jockey Farm Stadium, Rusthall FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.
The Jockey Farm Stadium, Rusthall FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.

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We’ve asked the best non league football bloggers around to list their favourite grounds in the area they cover as part of our new Football in.. series.

First up is our regular Bracknell Town & District Sunday League blogger Tony Hardy who has spent the last year visiting the football grounds of the South East and has pulled them together for this edition called Football in Kent.

Here’s Tony’s picks in reverse order:

5 The Jockey Farm Stadium (Rusthall FC)

Playing their first ever season at step 5, Rusthall – pictured top – have made many improvements to their ground and my visit, on August Bank Holiday Monday (2017) coincided with the official opening of their newly improved ground.

The game that attracted very healthy a crowd of 652 for their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division tie against local rivals Tunbridge Wells. This neat, compact rural-based ground boats a small but friendly bar plus tea bar. There’s ample parking here. Really enjoyed my visit – must go again!!

Visit Rusthall’s website for directions.

4 Altira Park Stadium (Herne Bay FC)

Altira Park Stadium, Herne Bay FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.
Altira Park Stadium, Herne Bay FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.

One of a number of “traditional” grounds along the north coast of Kent (that includes Whitstable Town and Ramsgate), my visit here was for an FA Cup tie against Walton Casuals.

Excellent bar and refreshment facilities with ample car parking. Neat little ground with character.

Visit Herne Bay’s website for directions.

3 Longmead Stadium (Tonbridge Angels FC)

Longmead Stadium, Tonbridge Angels. Photo: Tony Hardy.
Longmead Stadium, Tonbridge Angels. Photo: Tony Hardy.

A ground I would call “historic” that boasts a huge main stand (and one that you pay extra to sit in!!). Covered terracing at each end for the vocal fans. Great choice of pre-match music played over the tannoy I seem to remember. Good bar, food and plenty of car parking are a must for me and this one doesn’t disappoint!

Visit Tonbridge Angel’s website for directions.

2 The Havill Stadium, Holm Park (Sheppey United FC)

The Havill Stadium, Sheppey United. Photo: Tony Hardy.
The Havill Stadium, Sheppey United. Photo: Tony Hardy.

Excellent facilities here and the club seems well-placed for a step up to the next level. Mention is due, I feel, for the excellent playing surface at this ground. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and another one I’d definitely go back to!

Visit Sheppey United’s website for directions.

1 Princes Park (Dartford FC)

Princes Park, Dartford FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.
Princes Park, Dartford FC. Photo: Tony Hardy.

Great facilities as you’d expect at a club playing at step 2 (National South). This one’s my pick of grounds playing at step 1 and 2 in Kent (that includes Ebbsfleet, Dover Athletic and Maidstone United), not just because Dartford are my adopted local club but because this ground is ultra-modern that caters for everyone.

Look out for the “timber man” that stands high into the roof of one of the stands.

Visit Dartford’s website for directions.

For more information on non league away days, from clubs you should visit to costs involved. Visit our Away Days section here. And if you would like to submit five grounds from your area then please email editor@footballinbracknell.co.uk

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