Wembley Stadium stands as a colossal monument to sports and entertainment in London, a venue whose name resonates with history, glory, and unforgettable moments. With 90,000 seats, it is the largest sports venue in the UK and the second-largest stadium in Europe. This iconic structure is more than just a place to watch a football match or a concert; it’s a pilgrimage site for fans from around the globe. Its soaring 133-metre-high arch is one of its defining features and is the world’s longest single-span roof support structure. For anyone planning their first visit, understanding the stadium’s layout, rules, and amenities is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Preparation is crucial, from knowing your travel route to understanding the strict security measures, including policies on bags and personal items. Conveniently, for those coming with excess belongings, there is a Wembley storage point available nearby, helping you avoid problems with oversized luggage at the entrance.
Beyond the pitch and the main stage, Wembley offers a rich experience for every visitor. The sheer scale of the 90,000-seat arena is breathtaking, creating an electric atmosphere that has to be felt to be believed. On non-event days, you can delve into the stadium’s history by taking the official Wembley Stadium Tour. The current tour takes visitors behind the scenes into areas normally reserved for major names in sport and entertainment. The exact route can vary, but Wembley tours have traditionally included areas such as the England changing rooms, players’ tunnel, Royal Box and trophy route, and press conference areas. The tour experience also celebrates the stadium’s sporting and entertainment history. Olympic Way, the famous boulevard leading towards Wembley from Wembley Park station, is a major part of the arrival experience. For some events, dedicated fan zones, food and drink areas, or merchandise points operate around the stadium, but these arrangements vary by event.
Wembley Bag Policy
Navigating the entry gates at Wembley requires a clear understanding of the venue’s rules, and the Wembley bag policy is one of the most important regulations to be aware of. Enforced strictly for the safety and security of all attendees, these rules dictate the size of bag you can bring into the stadium. The policy is designed to speed up entry and reduce security risks. Bags and carried items are inspected at the outer security cordon, and security checks may also include personal wanding or a pat-down. Non-compliant bags will be refused entry. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to significant delays and the possibility of missing the start of your event, so it’s essential to pack accordingly.
The standard Wembley policy applies to many events, but it is important to note that some event owners, including UEFA, NFL, rugby organisers, and concert promoters, may impose different or additional bag and prohibited-item rules. Always check the page for your specific event shortly before travelling.
Types of Bags Allowed
Under Wembley’s standard policy, each person may bring one small bag no larger than A4 size. The official maximum dimensions are:
297mm high × 210mm wide × 210mm deep (11.7 × 8.27 × 8.27 inches)
These measurements apply to the actual size of the bag. A larger bag that is only half full or folded over to appear smaller will not be accepted.
Handbags, small backpacks, rucksacks, cross-body bags, and similar personal bags can be admitted if they stay within the maximum dimensions. The rule is based on the size of the bag rather than a blanket prohibition on a particular bag style.
There is no general requirement to use a transparent bag, and Wembley does not state that a clear bag receives faster security screening.
Match-day merchandise purchased from authorised Wembley outlets is supplied in compliant clear plastic bags and can be admitted in accordance with the venue’s current bag policy.
If you need to bring medication, medical equipment, or a bag that exceeds the standard size for medical reasons, Wembley operates a Medical Exemption Certificate process. This should be arranged before your event, and supporting documentation may be required. The bag will still be searched and may also be X-rayed.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
Any ordinary bag that exceeds 297mm × 210mm × 210mm will be refused under the standard Wembley policy unless a medical exemption has been approved.
This commonly affects large backpacks, suitcases, travel luggage, sports bags, duffel bags, large handbags, and oversized shopping bags.
The rule applies to the physical size of the bag, not how much is inside it. Folding or compressing an oversized bag at the security checkpoint does not make it compliant.
Wembley’s current prohibited and restricted items also include hampers and cold boxes, so these should not be treated as acceptable alternatives to a normal bag.
Event-specific rules can be stricter. Always check the event guide before travelling, particularly for concerts and events organised by third parties.
Wembley Lockers
Wembley Stadium does not operate public self-service lockers inside the stadium.
For many major events, however, Wembley currently lists a paid Bag Drop facility outside the Ibis Hotel near the stadium. This can be used by visitors arriving with bags that do not comply with the standard entry policy.
The Bag Drop should not be described as being inside Wembley Park station or as a permanent locker facility within the stadium. Its availability, operating arrangements, and charges can depend on the event, so check your event guide before relying on it.
Queues can form before and after major events, especially when thousands of visitors are arriving or leaving at the same time. If you know in advance that you will have a suitcase or other large bag, arranging storage before reaching the stadium can make the day easier.
For stadium tours, Wembley also states that there is no cloakroom service, and large bags or suitcases are not allowed on the standard tour.
Wembley Transportation
Reaching Wembley Stadium is convenient thanks to London’s public transport network. The stadium is served by three principal rail and Underground stations.
Wembley Park station is served by the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines. It is the station most closely associated with the famous walk down Olympic Way towards the stadium. On the Metropolitan line, Wembley Park is only two stops from Baker Street on many services.
Wembley Stadium station is served by Chiltern Railways and is the nearest National Rail station. Current Wembley event guidance places it around 400 metres, or roughly a four-minute walk, from the venue. It is one stop from London Marylebone on Chiltern services.
Wembley Central station is served by the Bakerloo line and London Overground, as well as selected National Rail services. Walking times published by Wembley vary depending on the route and event arrangements, but it is farther from the stadium than Wembley Stadium station.
Wembley is also well served by buses. Current official guidance lists routes including 18/N18, 83/N83, 92, 182, 206, 223, 297, and 483 in the surrounding area. Road closures and traffic controls can affect bus routes on event days, so check TfL before travelling.
National Express also operates event-specific coach services to Wembley from locations across the UK.
Driving is possible, but visitors are advised to use official event parking only and book parking in advance. Road closures and heavy traffic can make driving inconvenient during major events.
Visitors with accessibility requirements should also check current travel information. Wembley offers a complimentary accessible shuttle service from Wembley Park station for many events, with operating times varying by event.
Wembley Camera Policy
Personal photography is possible at many Wembley events, but the current rules are more specific than simply separating “amateur” and “professional” photographers.
Wembley’s current policy prohibits large-bodied cameras, professional cameras, recording devices, and cameras with interchangeable lenses. Selfie sticks are also listed among the restricted items.
A phone or permitted camera does not have to be placed inside your one allowed bag. Wembley specifically states that a phone or camera can be carried separately, provided you still bring no more than one compliant bag.
Small personal cameras may therefore be accepted at events where the promoter permits them, but event-specific restrictions can override the general policy. Some concerts allow only mobile-phone cameras and prohibit even ordinary compact cameras.
Because rules can change from one event to another, check the event-specific page before bringing any dedicated camera equipment.
Commercial filming or professional photography requires appropriate permission or accreditation.
Wembley Food Policy
Wembley’s current standard rules are restrictive regarding food and drink brought from outside.
Outside food is not normally permitted inside the stadium. Wembley also lists alcohol and most outside drinks among restricted items.
There is, however, an important exception for water. For most events, visitors may bring one clear, empty, soft and crushable plastic bottle of up to 500ml. The bottle should not have its top when taken through security and can be refilled at free water stations inside the stadium.
Hard reusable bottles, metal bottles, glass bottles, aluminium containers, cans, and flasks are not permitted.
For concerts, additional restrictions may apply. In particular, bottles are not permitted in some pitch-standing areas, where water may instead need to be decanted into a plastic cup.
Visitors who need otherwise prohibited food, drink, medication, or equipment for a medical reason can request a Medical Exemption Certificate in advance.
Inside the stadium, Wembley has numerous food and drink kiosks, and complimentary water stations or fountains are available across several concourse levels. Dietary options vary by kiosk and event, with selected gluten-free and other options available.
Wembley currently operates as a cashless venue, with food and drink kiosks accepting card and contactless payment.
Other Wembley Rules & Information
Wembley Stadium is a completely non-smoking venue. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, is not permitted anywhere within the stadium.
There are no general external smoking areas that allow you to leave and then return. Wembley applies a strict no re-entry policy: once your ticket has been scanned and you leave the venue, you will not be allowed back in.
Other prohibited or restricted items currently include knives and blades, fireworks, pyrotechnics, smoke devices, flares, weapons, explosives, ammunition, illegal substances, air horns, laser devices, unlicensed musical instruments, drones, transmitting devices, laptops and tablets, large umbrellas, motorbike helmets, portable seats or stools, scooters and skateboards. Flag poles over 1 metre are also restricted under the general policy, while flags, banners, signs, and posters can be subject to event-specific rules.
Wembley operates a Challenge 25 approach when alcohol is sold. Visitors who appear under 25 may be asked to show accepted proof of age.
Age rules are also more specific than a general “under 16” rule. Under current Wembley guidance, children under two are not permitted inside the stadium, while children under 14 must be accompanied by an appropriate adult. Individual events can impose additional age restrictions, especially for pitch-standing areas or concerts.
Accessibility facilities are extensive. Wembley currently provides 310 wheelchair-user spaces with companion seating, accessible entrances, lifts and escalators to spectator levels, 147 accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, sensory and inclusion rooms, and Customer Engagement Team support. Accessible arrangements and ticketing should be organised according to the requirements of the specific event.
Tips for Visitors
For the most seamless and stress-free visit to Wembley, your first port of call should always be the official source. Make sure to check the Wembley Stadium website, as well as the specific event page for the day you are attending. While the general stadium rules provide a baseline, event owners can introduce additional or different restrictions, particularly for UEFA events, NFL games, rugby fixtures, and concerts.
Pack light. Wembley allows one bag per person no larger than 297mm × 210mm × 210mm under its standard policy. There is no general clear-bag requirement, so you do not need to buy a transparent bag specifically to enter Wembley. The simplest option is usually to bring no bag at all or use a small compliant one.
If you are travelling with a suitcase or another oversized bag, check whether your event provides the paid Bag Drop outside the Ibis Hotel. Alternatively, arrange off-site storage before entering the stadium area. Qeepl offers luggage storage near Wembley Stadium. Qeepl storage costs £3.69 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of £1,000.
Bring only permitted essentials. Small power banks are currently accepted for many Wembley events, but organisers can impose additional restrictions, so check your event page before travelling.
Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for walking, security checks, and post-event crowds. Wembley advises guests to arrive in good time rather than publishing one universal recommended arrival time for every event. Your ticket and event guide will give the most useful information about gate opening and your correct entrance zone.
For evening events, plan your journey home before arriving. Wembley Park, Wembley Stadium station, and Wembley Central can all become extremely busy immediately after major events.
FAQ
How strict is Wembley bag policy?
The Wembley bag policy is strictly enforced. Under the standard policy, each person can bring one bag no larger than 297mm high × 210mm wide × 210mm deep. The measurements apply to the actual bag, so an oversized bag cannot simply be folded or left half empty. Medical exemptions can be approved in advance, and some third-party events may use different rules.
What items are prohibited at Wembley?
Wembley prohibits or restricts a wide range of items, including bags above the A4 limit, weapons, knives, fireworks, flares, smoke devices, air horns, laser devices, large-bodied or professional cameras, cameras with interchangeable lenses, recording equipment, selfie sticks, laptops, tablets, hard or glass bottles, cans, flasks, large umbrellas, hampers, cold boxes, alcohol, and outside food. Event organisers may impose additional restrictions.
Are you allowed to take bottled water into Wembley Stadium?
For most events, you may bring one clear, empty, soft and crushable plastic bottle of up to 500ml. Hard plastic, metal, and glass bottles are not permitted. Free water refill facilities are available inside. Concerts can have stricter rules, and bottles are not permitted in some pitch-standing areas.
Are phone chargers allowed in Wembley?
Small portable phone chargers or power banks are permitted at many Wembley events and are specifically listed as acceptable in current event guidance. However, organisers can impose additional restrictions, so check the event page before travelling, especially if you are carrying a large battery pack.
How early should I arrive at Wembley Stadium?
Wembley recommends arriving in good time and entering early enough to allow for security checks and possible queues. There is no single arrival time that applies to every event. Check your ticket and the official event guide for gate opening times, your turnstile colour zone, and event-specific travel advice.
