Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Capacity: 15,249

Main Sport: Rugby Union

There can’t be too many towns in the UK that are smaller than Northampton and have three (or more) sports stadia. I had previously visited Sixfields (Football) and The County Cricket Ground in the town, Franklin’s Gardens completed the set. My first visit was for a group stage match between Ireland and Spain during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

On our visit to Franklin’s Gardens during the World Cup we pre-booked parking nearby. I’m not sure what the situation is like on a “normal” match day but this worked really well. From here is was a 5/10min walk to the ground.

Franklin’s Gardens has been home to sporting events since 1886 and has been the home to Northampton Saints Rugby Club since 1888. Despite it’s age, the stands have all been redeveloped since 2000.

When we visited there was a really jovial atmosphere due to it being a World Cup match. We saw the team buses arrive and there was loads going on in the concourses outside of the stands. I don’t know how much of this would be on offer on a normal match day so may have to go back again to check it out. The seats in the stand were like so many grounds from the late 90s/early 2000s in that there wasn’t a huge amount of leg room (I am 6’4 so more of an issue for me) but otherwise the views were great and we were lucky to watch a great game.

After the game we were lucky to have the Irish team come round and take selfies, sign things which was great for my young son. Getting out was then no problem at all from where we had parked. A great day out!