Hornchurch FC Away Fans Guide
A short Essex away day, a club with a brilliant non-league story, and one of the easiest trips of the season for Southend United supporters.
Hornchurch Away Day Overview
Hornchurch is one of the shortest away trips Southend United fans are likely to get, with the Urchins based just down the road in Upminster. It is a proper Essex non-league away day: easy by train, manageable by car, and close enough that plenty of Shrimpers should be able to make the trip.
On the pitch, Hornchurch have been one of the big non-league success stories of recent years. After Wembley FA Trophy glory in 2021, two painful play-off final defeats followed before the club finally powered their way up again. Their title-winning 2023/24 season was outstanding, with 100 points, 95 goals and promotion secured with games to spare.
They then backed that up by earning promotion from National League South via the play-offs, putting Hornchurch into the National League and setting up a new Essex away day for the travelling Blue Army.
The Essentials
| Full Name | Hornchurch Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Urchins |
| Ground | Hornchurch Stadium, Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2LX |
| Manager | Daryl McMahon |
| Website | hornchurchfc.com |
| For Southend Fans | A short, local-feeling away trip with simple rail links and plenty of pre-match pub options nearby. |
Hornchurch Stadium
Hornchurch Stadium is on Bridge Avenue in Upminster, despite the club name suggesting Hornchurch itself. It is a traditional non-league ground, close to the pitch and capable of generating a strong atmosphere when there is a big away following.
For some fixtures, visiting supporters may be directed towards the Riverside/Away Fan Zone area of the ground. Arrangements can change depending on expected crowd size, so Southend supporters should check the official match information before travelling.
Getting To Hornchurch
By Car
From Southend, take the A127 west towards London. Leave for Upminster, then head through towards St Mary’s Lane before turning into Bridge Avenue.
On a clear run, it is usually around 40–50 minutes, but allow extra time for A127 traffic and matchday parking.
By Train
Upminster is the most useful station for Southend fans. The c2c line runs from Southend Central and Southend East towards London, with Upminster on the route.
From Upminster Station, the ground is roughly a 15-minute walk.
By Tube
Upminster Bridge Underground Station is on the District line and is also close to the ground.
From the station, turn right, head under the railway bridge, then take the second right into Bridge Avenue.
Parking
Parking at the stadium itself is limited and is generally reserved for players, officials and club use.
Most supporters use nearby street parking around Bridge Avenue, Brookdale Avenue and the surrounding residential roads. Please park sensibly, avoid double yellow lines, and do not block driveways.
Pubs, Food & Drink
Hornchurch is a good away day for pre-match options. There are pubs close to the ground, more choices around Upminster Station, and further options in Hornchurch town centre if you are making more of a day of it.
The Windmill
Upminster Road, RM14 2RB
The closest and most obvious away pub. It sits very near the ground and is a Greene King pub with food, drinks and a beer garden.
For bigger games, this is likely to be one of the main gathering points for visiting supporters.
Hornchurch Stadium Clubhouse
The clubhouse has usually been welcoming to visiting supporters, with drinks available and a friendly non-league feel.
Access can depend on the fixture and whether segregation is in place, so check matchday information before relying on it.
Upminster Town Centre
A handy option if you are arriving by train. Upminster Station is around a 10–15 minute walk from the ground.
Options include The Junction near the station, The Crumpled Horn and The Optimist Tavern.
Hornchurch Town Centre
If you are heading into Hornchurch before going to the ground, The Fatling on the High Street is a large traditional pub with live sport.
Just remember that Hornchurch Stadium itself is in Upminster, so allow time to get across to Bridge Avenue.
A Quick Look At The Urchins
The modern Hornchurch story begins in 1923, when the club was formed as Upminster Wanderers. After years in local football, the club climbed through the Spartan League, Delphian League, Athenian League and Isthmian League.
There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. The club suffered financial collapse in 2005, reformed as AFC Hornchurch, and had to rebuild from the Essex Senior League.
That rebuild has been impressive. Hornchurch won trophies, climbed back through the divisions, lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2021 and have since pushed on again into the National League.
Did You Know?
Hornchurch won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2021, beating Hereford 3–1.
Title Form
The Urchins hit 100 points and scored 95 league goals during their 2023/24 title-winning season.
Essex Neighbours
It is one of the shortest trips of the season for Southend fans and should be a popular one with travelling Shrimpers.
FanZone Verdict
Hornchurch looks like a cracking local away day for Southend United fans. It is close, easy enough by train, manageable by car, and has decent pub options either near the ground or around Upminster Station.
The only thing to keep an eye on is matchday organisation. For bigger fixtures, away entry, segregation and clubhouse access may differ, so always check the official details once tickets are released.
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