A trip to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, formerly known as Twickenham Stadium and often called ‘HQ’ by rugby fans, is a must for people who love the sport. The venue was renamed Allianz Stadium in September 2024 and remains the home of England Rugby. With a capacity of 82,000, it is the largest rugby union stadium in the world. The stadium sits in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is more than a field — it is a big landmark full of energy and history. For first-time visitors, the size and the rules can feel overwhelming. But being ready helps a lot. Know the entry rules, what you can bring, and how to handle extra items. If you have more things than allowed, there are nearby Twickenham storage point options that can help with the stadium’s strict entry rules.
Twickenham is busy even on non-match days. You can take a stadium tour to see behind the scenes. The current tour includes areas such as the Royal Box, England Changing Room, Players’ Tunnel, and pitch-side, before finishing with a visit to the World Rugby Museum. The museum holds the most extensive collection of rugby football memorabilia in the world, with more than 41,000 recorded objects, as well as archive material and photographs. Highlights include the Calcutta Cup, rugby’s oldest international trophy, plus interactive displays and exhibitions covering the sport’s history. Whether you are a serious fan or a curious traveller, Allianz Stadium mixes history, passion, and modern sport into a memorable London visit.
Twickenham Bag Policy
Knowing the stadium’s rules about bags is one of the most important things when planning your visit. To keep everyone safe, Allianz Stadium asks visitors to avoid bringing bags wherever possible. If you do bring one, it must comply with the venue’s current bag policy. All bags are searched, so allow enough time for security checks before entering.
The stadium currently permits bags no larger than A4 size. The official policy does not publish an additional 21cm depth limit, so the rule should not be described as 30cm x 21cm x 21cm.
Types of Bags Allowed
Visitors may bring a bag that is A4 size or smaller. The venue does not publish a separate permitted-bag list limited to clutches, handbags, or cross-body bags, so the important requirement is that the bag stays within the A4 size restriction and passes the security search.
Backpacks and rucksacks are not automatically prohibited simply because of their type. A small backpack that meets the A4 restriction may be admitted after inspection.
Exceptions can be made for bags that are reasonably necessary because of accessibility needs or attendance with small children. Medically necessary items are also permitted following appropriate inspection at the search gates.
There is no official clear-bag requirement, and Allianz Stadium does not state that transparent bags receive faster entry.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
Bags larger than A4 size are not permitted through the stadium turnstiles under the standard policy. This can include large backpacks, rucksacks, travel bags, briefcases, sports bags, shopping bags, and suitcases when they exceed the permitted size.
The rule is based primarily on the size of the bag rather than a blanket prohibition on a particular style of bag.
If you arrive with a bag larger than A4 and do not qualify for an applicable exception, you will need to use the stadium’s Bag Drop facility or arrange another storage option before entering.
Twickenham Lockers
Allianz Stadium does not operate ordinary self-service public lockers, but it does currently provide an official Bag Drop / left-luggage facility.
The Bag Drop is located at Webb Ellis House on Rugby Road, opposite Gate F. The current charge is £10 per item.
Items larger than the A4 bag limit must be deposited there before entry. The facility can also accept larger items such as suitcases, bags exceeding the A4 limit, baby buggies, and some mobility equipment.
This means it is no longer accurate to say that the stadium only occasionally provides limited left luggage or that visitors should assume there will be no official storage option at all. However, using the Bag Drop can still add time before and after an event, so travelling light or arranging storage in advance may be more convenient.
Twickenham Transportation
Allianz Stadium sits in a busy part of Twickenham, and public transport is usually the easiest option on major event days. Road closures and diversions can operate around the stadium, while match-day parking should be booked in advance.
Twickenham Rail Station is the closest main station and is approximately a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It has rail connections towards London Waterloo, Reading, and Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Other options include Whitton Rail Station, approximately a 20-minute walk away, and Hounslow Rail Station, approximately 30 minutes away.
For London Underground connections, Hounslow East on the Piccadilly line is around a 30-minute walk from the stadium, while Richmond offers both District line and National Rail services and is approximately a 45-minute walk away.
Several bus routes serve the stadium area. Current official guidance lists 281, 481, 681, and 110 as stopping about one minute from the stadium, subject to match-day diversions. The H20 stops about five minutes away and the 267 around eight minutes away. Routes including R68, R70, 33, 290, H22, and 490 stop roughly 10–15 minutes away.
Some major events also operate special transport arrangements, including shuttle-bus services, so check the official event page before travelling.
Driving is possible, but match-day parking must be pre-booked and availability varies by event. The surrounding area is within London’s ULEZ, so drivers should also check whether their vehicle meets the current emissions standards.
Twickenham Camera Policy
The current camera rules are less restrictive than a blanket ban on professional-style still cameras. Mobile phones, tablets, and cameras, including SLR cameras, are permitted inside the stadium provided they are used for personal, private, and domestic purposes and do not obstruct another spectator’s view.
The venue does not currently publish a general rule banning every camera with a detachable lens or every lens longer than three inches.
However, professional recording equipment is prohibited, and visitors must not use their devices to capture, supply, or transmit event material for commercial purposes. The use of electronic equipment must also not inconvenience other spectators or be used for prohibited data gathering, betting, or gambling purposes.
Event organisers can impose additional restrictions for individual matches, concerts, or other events, so check the information for your specific visit if you plan to bring substantial photographic or recording equipment.
Twickenham Food Policy
The current stadium security guidance states that outside food and drink are not allowed into the venue. Visitors should finish any food or drink they have before joining the entry queues.
This means it is no longer accurate to say that sandwiches, crisps, chocolate bars, or small bottles of water are generally permitted under the standard event policy.
The prohibited-items guidance also specifically lists alcohol, glass containers, and cans among items that cannot be taken through the turnstiles.
If you have a medical or other essential requirement involving food or drink, contact the stadium before your event to confirm the appropriate arrangements.
Inside the stadium, there are numerous bars and food units. Tap water is available free of charge from the bars, and there are also water stations located in the north-east and south-east corners on ground level.
Other Twickenham Rules & Information
Beyond bags, cameras, and food, Allianz Stadium has further rules to keep visitors safe. Prohibited items include alcohol, glass containers, cans, knives, air horns, professional recording equipment, pushchairs and buggies, and flagpoles measuring 1.5 metres or longer. The RFU Ground Rules contain a more extensive list, and individual events can introduce additional restrictions.
The stadium generally operates a no re-entry policy on event days. Once you have entered and then left the stadium, you should not expect to be admitted again with the same ticket unless the specific event provides an exception.
Allianz Stadium is a completely non-smoking venue within the green perimeter fence line. Smoking cigarettes, using e-cigarettes, and vaping are prohibited within this area.
The stadium is also cashless for bars and catering units, unless a specific event states otherwise. Card and contactless payments are accepted. Contrary to some older guidance, there is currently one cash machine at the stadium, located in the south-west area to the right of the England Rugby Store, although food and drink outlets themselves are card/contactless only.
The stadium provides a range of accessibility facilities. These include 62 wheelchair bays on three raised covered terraces accessible by lift, more than 200 accessible seats or bays in pitch-side enclosures, accessible toilets, a fully equipped Changing Places-style facility, audio descriptive commentary receivers, Accessible Support Stewards, and a wheelchair chaperone service. The stadium does not provide wheelchair hire.
Accessible parking is available for eligible visitors but must be booked in advance, and arrangements vary by event.
Tips for Visitors
The most important tip is to check the official Twickenham Stadium website before you go. Allianz Stadium publishes event-specific information such as kick-off times, gate opening times, transport advice, parking arrangements, security guidance, and any temporary changes to stadium rules.
Pack light. The easiest option is to bring no bag at all. If you do need one, make sure it is A4 size or smaller. There is no official requirement to use a transparent bag, and the venue does not state that clear bags receive faster security checks.
If you are coming to London with luggage or your bag exceeds the A4 restriction, you can use the official £10 Bag Drop at Webb Ellis House opposite Gate F. Alternatively, you can use Qeepl luggage storage near Twickenham. Qeepl storage costs £3.69 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of £1,000.
Arrive early. Security checks apply to all visitors and can create queues at major events. Gate times vary by fixture, so check the official event information rather than relying on one standard opening time.
Also wear comfortable shoes and check the weather before travelling. Public transport stations can require a walk to the stadium, and match-day road closures may mean additional walking.
Finally, follow the instructions of stewards and security staff. Event-specific rules can change, and the staff on the day will apply the requirements for that particular fixture or event.
Enjoy the game. It’s special.
FAQ
Can you take bags into Twickenham Stadium?
Yes. Allianz Stadium allows bags that are A4 size or smaller under its standard policy. The official guidance does not publish a separate 21cm depth limit. Bags are searched on entry, and larger bags must be taken to the official Bag Drop unless an applicable accessibility, medical, or small-child exception applies.
Can I bring a water bottle into Twickenham?
Not under the current standard security policy. Outside food and drink are not allowed into the venue, so visitors should not plan to bring their own filled water bottle. Free tap water is available from stadium bars, and water stations are located in the north-east and south-east corners on ground level.
How strict is the stadium bag policy?
The bag policy is enforced at the entrances, and all bags are searched. Bags should be A4 size or smaller. If your bag is larger, the stadium currently operates a Bag Drop at Webb Ellis House opposite Gate F for £10 per item. Exceptions can apply for medically necessary items, accessibility requirements, or needs connected with small children.
Can you take portable chargers into Twickenham?
Ordinary portable chargers are not specifically listed among the standard prohibited items currently published by Allianz Stadium. However, event organisers can introduce additional restrictions, so check the information for your specific event before travelling, especially if you are carrying a large power bank or other unusual electronic equipment.
What time should I get to Twickenham?
Arrive in plenty of time before your event because all visitors pass through security checks and queues can form at major fixtures. There is no single gate-opening time that applies to every event, so check the official event page for the exact opening time and travel advice for your visit.
