Franklin's Gardens

Franklin's Gardens is a rugby union stadium in Northampton with four covered stands arranged around the central pitch, holding approximately 15,000 spectators. The facility hosts matches and other sporting events throughout the year.

The grounds were established in 1864 under the name Melbourne Gardens before being acquired and renamed in 1887 by John Franklin. This ownership change set the foundation for its development as a sports venue.

The cenotaph inside the grounds serves as a focal point where the local rugby community gathers each Remembrance Weekend to pay tribute to those who served. This practice demonstrates how the venue holds meaning beyond sport for the town.

The venue provides 1,500 parking spaces on-site and sits within easy reach of other major towns in the region. Arriving early on match days is recommended, as the parking area fills quickly during events.

The Supporters' Village converts from a standard parking area into an entertainment zone on match days, complete with food vendors and gathering spaces. This setup creates a social environment outside the stands where fans spend time before and after games.

Location: Northampton

Inception: 1864

Official opening: 1864

Address: Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG

Website: https://franklinsgardens.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.23944,-0.91972

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31