The Kia Oval in London is a must-visit destination for cricket enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This iconic venue, home to the Surrey Cricket Club since 1845, offers a captivating guided tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of one of the world’s most renowned sporting sites. From the hallowed Members Pavilion to the pitch where the Ashes were born, the tour promises to immerse you in the rich heritage and significance of this landmark. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply curious, the Kia Oval tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the heart of English cricket and uncover its most intriguing stories.
Key Points

- The Kia Oval offers a 90-minute guided tour, providing behind-the-scenes access and insight into the historic cricket grounds.
- Visitors can explore the iconic Members Pavilion and learn about the venue’s rich heritage, including its role in the Ashes series.
- The tour is fully wheelchair accessible and includes tea or coffee in the Members Pavilion.
- The Kia Oval is located near Oval Underground station, with convenient public transport options for visitors.
- The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Overview of Kia Oval

The Kia Oval, home to the Surrey Cricket Club since 1845, has long been an iconic England Test match venue, welcoming cricket enthusiasts since 1880.
Visitors can embark on a 90-minute guided tour of the historic grounds, gaining behind-the-scenes access and experiencing the venue’s rich heritage. The tour offers the chance to explore the birthplace of the Ashes, as well as sites that have hosted the first FA Cup final and England’s inaugural international football match.
Guests will also have the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere from the Members Pavilion while enjoying tea or coffee. With its wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policy, the Kia Oval tour provides an immersive cricket experience for all.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the Kia Oval tour can explore the historic venue’s rich heritage, from its role as the birthplace of the Ashes to its hosting of the first FA Cup final and England’s inaugural international football match. The tour also highlights the ground’s impressive hosting of international rugby matches over the years.
| Birthplace of the Ashes | First FA Cup Final | First England International | International Rugby Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kia Oval is where the iconic Ashes series between England and Australia first began in 1882. | The first FA Cup final was held at the Oval in 1872, marking a significant moment in the history of English football. | The Kia Oval hosted the first ever England international football match in 1870. | The historic ground has also welcomed numerous international rugby matches over the decades. |
Tour Duration and Inclusions

A 90-minute guided tour of the Kia Oval takes visitors behind the scenes, providing access to all areas of the historic cricket ground.
Visitors can enjoy tea or coffee in the Members Pavilion as part of the tour experience.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of the Ashes, the venue for the first FA Cup Final, and the site of the first England international football match and international rugby matches.
Throughout the tour, guests will have ample opportunities to take photos and capture the essence of this iconic sporting venue.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or simply curious about the rich history of the Kia Oval, this tour is a must-do experience.
Location and Accessibility

Located near the Oval Underground station, the Kia Oval can be easily accessed by public transport. Visitors enter the ground through the John Edrich Gate, named after the legendary Surrey and England cricketer. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.
| Accessibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Transport | Nearby Oval Underground station |
| Entrance | John Edrich Gate |
| Wheelchair Access | Fully accessible |
The Kia Oval’s convenient location and inclusive facilities make it an ideal destination for cricket enthusiasts and visitors alike, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience during the tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyProhibited Items
Regarding prohibited items, the Kia Oval tour doesn’t allow:
Pets
Visitors are kindly asked to leave their furry companions at home.
Smoking
Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking.
Large bags
Visitors are asked to carry only essential items in small bags or purses.
These policies are in place to maintain the venue’s cleanliness, comfort, and safety, and to provide an exceptional tour experience where everyone can fully enjoy the rich history and architecture of this iconic cricket ground. The Kia Oval’s team is committed to enforcing these sensible guidelines to contribute to that goal.
Cancellation Policy

Providing flexibility for visitors, the Kia Oval tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to easily adjust their plans if needed. This policy ensures that travelers can book their tour with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized if their schedule changes unexpectedly. Whether it’s due to unforeseen circumstances or a change of plans, the Kia Oval’s generous cancellation terms make it easy for visitors to get a full refund if they need to cancel their tour. This added convenience is just one of the many ways the Kia Oval strives to provide an exceptional experience for all its guests.
| Cancellation Policy |
|---|
| Free Cancellation |
| Up to 24 Hours in Advance |
| No Penalties |
| Secure Refund |
Members Pavilion Experience

As part of the Kia Oval tour, visitors can enjoy tea or coffee within the prestigious Members Pavilion, where they’ll get a taste of the exclusive club atmosphere that has defined this historic cricket ground.
The Members Pavilion offers a unique insight into the rich heritage and traditions of Surrey Cricket Club, which has called the Kia Oval home since 1845.
Visitors can:
- Explore the inner sanctum of the players’ changing rooms and dressing areas
- Admire the trophies and memorabilia that adorn the walls, showcasing the club’s illustrious past
- Soak in the ambiance of the Members Pavilion’s elegant decor and breathtaking views of the famous cricket pitch
History and Significance

The Kia Oval boasts a rich history, having served as the home of Surrey Cricket Club since 1845 and an England Test match venue since 1880.
As the birthplace of the Ashes, the ground has witnessed some of cricket’s most iconic moments.
It’s also hosted the first FA Cup final in 1872 and the first England international football match in 1870.
Beyond cricket, the Oval has welcomed international rugby matches, cementing its status as a versatile sporting arena.
Today, the ground continues to captivate fans with its blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring its place as one of the most significant venues in the world of sports.
Recap

The Kia Oval’s cricket ground tour offers visitors a chance to explore the iconic England Test match venue, providing behind-the-scenes access and insights into its rich heritage.
From the Members Pavilion to the ground’s significance as the birthplace of the Ashes, the tour caters to both cricket enthusiasts and curious visitors, showcasing the Oval’s enduring importance as a renowned sporting site in London.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in London
More Tour Reviews in London
- London to Southampton Cruise Port Including Stonehenge
- Great Artists : Impressionists, Monet & Private Art Studios
- The Sweet Spots of Covent Garden
- Luxury Private Day Hire London-London Stopover at Windsor & Hampton Court Palace
- E-Scavenger Hunt London: Explore the City at Your Own Pace
- London Westminster With Big Ben Private Professional Photo Shoot 60MIN
Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In London
- 8 Best 3 Day Tours In London
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In London
- 20 Best Christmas Experiences In London
- 25 Best Dining Experiences In London
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In London
- 2 Best 2 Day Tours In London
- 2 Best Pasta Experiences In London
- 4 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Brighton
- 2 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Crawley
- 3 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Epsom
- 3 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Guildford
