Ashford United FC

Ashford United plays at the Homelands Stadium, a proper modest ground in the heart of Kent's largest town. The club competes in the National League South, which means you're watching genuine semi-professional football - fast-paced, competitive, and a world away from the Premier League circus. The stadium itself is functional rather than fancy, with a capacity of around 4,500, so there's an intimacy you won't find at bigger clubs.

It's the sort of place that appeals to serious football fans wanting a grassroots experience without the stadium queues and eye-watering ticket prices. You'll see proper skill and grit here, week in week out. The crowd is mixed - local supporters, visiting fans, families on match days. If your kids are into football, they'll get far more out of watching a competitive match at this level than standing around a massive Premier League ground where half the crowd barely watches the play.

Match days are typically Saturday afternoons, though you'd want to check their fixtures online before planning a visit. Admission is reasonable compared to the professional leagues, and parking at the ground is straightforward. The town of Ashford is only a short drive away, making it an easy add-on to a holiday at one of the nearby parks - Broadhembury is barely half a mile away, while Longberry Farm and Wildside Camping offer proper glamping options if you fancy something with a bit more comfort. A match day could easily slot into a Saturday itinerary without any hassle.