I visited a ‘world’s best’ stadium with its own 5-star hotel and a beach nearby

The ‘world’s best stadium’ has been hailed as a “bucket list destination” for any . The Adelaide Oval offers close proximity to a sun-soaked , a vibrant urban atmosphere, with an interesting British heritage that can be traced back to the a group of backpackers seeking a “dream trip” in the 90s.

The stadium is nestled within the heart of South Australia, this iconic stadium offers stunning vistas of the charmingly small-scale city afforded by either a leisurely through its “beautiful” surroundings or by an intrepid climb on top of its structure. The adjacent Oval Hotel, a luxurious five-star retreat, tempts guests with an on-site restaurant and wine bar that provide spectacular views. 

To add to the experience, The Next Gen Health and Lifestyle Club allows visitors to bask in yet another magnificent view while taking a dip in the pool to escape the warm embrace of the 27C heat.

The visual splendour begins long before stepping inside the stadium, with the breathtaking presence of St. Peter’s Cathedral dominating the skyline . A quiet walk along the River Torrens, nestled at the heart of the city, is highly recommended for nature lovers.

It’s considered an idyllic location for reconnecting with the natural world, whether through a peaceful kayak journey or a more lively bike tour operated by Earth Adventure. This operator also guides scenic cycling escapes to pristine coastlines such as Glenelg and Henley Beach. 

This unique venue, famous for hosting huge events including NFL clashes, stellar tennis matches, and headline-grabbing concerts featuring megastars like Ed Sheeran and Adele, draws thousands to its cricket fixtures alone.

The stadium is preparing for an electrifying atmosphere as it becomes the centre of attention for English cricket enthusiasts this winter with an Ashes test scheduled there.

Visitors rave about the “fantastic” vibe at this venue, praising it above other test locations. In a refreshing twist, fans are permitted to freely explore during breaks in play, lounging on the lush lawns and admiring the grand Moreton Bay fig trees.

An influx of around 40,000 cricket fans, including the passionate Barmy Army, plan to trek across the globe to witness England in action later this year. This ground holds a treasured status unlike any other Australian test site, especially amongst British cricket supporters.

“It’s got a special place in our hearts, but it’s a beautiful ground. If you go to all five test match grounds in Australia it is the most scenic,” said David Peacock, the founder of the Barmy Army, in an interview with the Mirror.

And ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2025/26 Ashes Series, Mirror journalist Monica Charsley visited this iconic sporting location to share just what makes it so enchanting.

Her stadium guide covers the top activities to enjoy while at the Oval, how to uncover the best tour packages, and tips on securing your trip — all with help from the Barmy Army and the .

30 years of the Barmy Army at The Ashes

At the tender age of 27, David inadvertently laid the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon. Alongside Paul Burnham and Gareth Evans, he established the beloved fan group, the Barmy Army, during England’s 1994/95 Ashes tour of Australia.

As part of a small band of backpackers living in hostels, their relentless support and captivating chants caught the attention of the Australian media, earning them their now legendary nickname.

David fondly remembers being part of England’s unexpected victory during that tour.

“The Australian media had written us off. But miraculously, England won the test match on day five. So, it was the first time we had seen England win away from home. So, you can imagine how excited the fans were. We ran onto the pitch. We started singing in front of the player’s dressing room and then Alex Stewart called me up to his balcony with a couple of others.”

When asked about other memorable moments in the stadium, he said: “2010, was the first time England had won since 1994/95, we won in Adelaide.

“So, the after-party in the Cathedral Hotel which is adjacent to the ground and in the city was just amazing. We’ve won twice in Adelaide. And then most recently, I was there when England beat India by 10 wickets in the semi-final of the World Cup. It was probably one of the greatest ever England performances that we saw.”

The record book tilts in England’s favour when it comes to Adelaide, as one cricket fan pointed out: “England actually have a track record of success in Adelaide, whereas we’ve never won in Brisbane for years and years. You’ve probably got a bit more chance of seeing England win in Adelaide.”

Why is the Adelaide Oval special?

Veteran tour guide Bob Elliot, with a decade of experience under his belt and 282 tours to his name, shared his insights about this legendary venue with The Mirror: “The history of the place, the iconic scoreboard, the memories of seeing Sir Donald Bradman play, and people who have come to see other great test cricketers and AFL footballers as well.”

Elliot also praised the picturesque surroundings: “You’ve got the beautiful iconic trees out here at the back as well. The thick trees which are magnificent.”

Speaking about the Barmy Army, Bob, the founder of Historical Adelaide Tours, said he admired them: “I think they’re fantastic. Their culture is better than the Australian culture for a lot of the cricket matches. It’s just the way they sing and the way they bring humour to the players without being offensive.”

Things to do in Adelaide

It’s not just cricket that draws people to Adelaide; there are attractions for everyone. The Barmy Army team also highlighted the tropical climate and diverse activities that make Adelaide a top destination for all sorts of visitors.

“You’re not just going 24 hours to watch a game of cricket. You’re going to experience an amazing country,” said David from Barmy Army, who also suggests hitting the beach.

One visitor shared his family’s experience: “My wife went gliding which was easy to get to. The trams are iconic, the beers are great, and also it’s just a 10-minute walk from the city centre to the ground. You walk over the Torren River. It’s a beautiful walk.”

Chris Millard, the Barmy Army’s managing director, said of the group’s reach: “We’ve got 56,000 members, you’d be surprised with how many junior Barmy Army shirts we sell.”

He also praised the “community-based town” and boasted about an “abundance” of things to do. “It feels very townlike and you’ve got some amazing places to eat and drink. And in my view, probably the best wine in Australia comes from that way of the world.”

The recommendations didn’t end there, as Chris spotlighted a greatattraction for fans of high-adrenaline activites: “I think one of the biggies would be the roof climb because you can do that during the game as well.

“It’s a pretty unique experience to stand on the roof while the game’s going on. It’s really enjoyable. It’s a great view. It’s completely different to anything else you’ll have experienced at a cricket game before.”

Tour packages

The Barmy Army is offering a variety of Ashes packages, including one for the Adelaide Test. This package starts at £4,695 per person and includes return economy international flights, 8 nights in an Adelaide hotel with breakfast, 5-day Official Test Match tickets within the Barmy Army section for the Adelaide Test, an Official Barmy Army Merchandise Bundle and other extras such as Barmy Army membership, group welcome drinks and Barmy Army tour managers on hand.

To book, visit: .

Independent travel

If you’re looking for comfort and want to start your trip early, return tickets with Qatar Airways from London Gatwick start at £1,022 for economy and £5,634 for business class in November. Privilege Club members can save up to 20% off with promo code PCMAR25 if booked between March 4 to March 14 (terms and conditions apply).

Fares are subject to change and availability. For more information, visit .