Apologies this is a bit late. I wanted to drive into Aldershot the recommended way and check the signs but have been flattened by lurgy and haven't left the house. My weekend away has been cancelled so I may yet appear.
A quick guide to RL in Aldershot for anyone thinking of watching the Army v London Chargers in the cup, I live in Aldershot.
The ground.
Army Rugby Stadium, GU11 2TD
The smaller of the two stadiums on Queen’s Avenue, the stand will be plenty big enough to accommodate the likely crowd for this match. Admission is likely to be free, with no proggie issued. Parking at the stadium may be restricted to players and officials, even if it isn’t I wouldn’t recommend parking there as it is limited and I have had my car accidentally damaged there. If you drive past the stadium, towards Aldershot, you will soon find another car park on the left. I use that one though a second stadium car park is signposted if you turn off as if to enter that car park and keep going round the corner. The clubhouse in the athletics stadium is likely to be open however I’ve never been in so cannot comment. The army sometimes bring marching bands along to games however with this being a weekend game that’s unlikely. Be aware kicking penalties to the touchline opposite the stand is usually prohibited as it’s a secure area behind there and the ball won’t come back very quickly. If you are thinking of bringing a dog note they are officially banned however no-one seems to enforce the rule as you often see dogs present at matches.
Getting there.
The Stagecoach number 1 bus between Aldershot and Farnborough Main stations runs past the stadium. Engineering works permitting you get faster trains to Farnborough Main however the bus journey will be quicker from Aldershot. It is walkable from Aldershot station if you are feeling energetic, note there is a bit of a hill at one point. The Aldershot Wetherspoon’s is a useful stop off point (the Queen Hotel) if you want to break the journey. I walk quite quickly and from memory it took about 40 mins from my house near Aldershot station last time I walked it. Real ale fans arriving in Aldershot by train may want to head to the Garden Gate. Real ale fans arriving in Farnborough may want to try the Prince of Wales (very close to Farnborough North station if anyone arrives that way) though the Wetherspoon’s (Tilly Shilling) is closer to Farnborough Main. At the time of typing there are three buses an hour during the day on Sunday.
By car get off the A331 at the exit signposted North Camp. Then follow signs to Aldershot Military Museum. The stadiums are just past the museum on the left. (Look out for guns and tanks parked next to the road, that’s the museum. The museum covers the history of Aldershot, Cove and Farnborough. It has a small entry fee, about £4 I think these days, and is worth a quick look if you enjoy that sort of thing. It’s not going to detain you for hours though.)
