Wembley Stadium (1923)
Stadium Historic 1923 stadium site, former national football venue
The 1923 Wembley Stadium - the original national arena famed for the 1923 ‘White Horse’ FA Cup Final - hosted major football finals and concerts and lives on in archives and the new stadium on the same site.
Wembley Stadium (1923) was the original national stadium of England, opened in 1923 in the Wembley area of northwest London and known for its twin towers entrance. The site hosted many of the country’s principal football finals and large sporting and entertainment events for much of the 20th century.
The stadium’s capacity and terraces allowed for very large crowds in its mid-century heyday, and the ground staged notable events including domestic cup finals and matches during the 1948 Olympics. The twin towers became an enduring visual symbol of the venue.
The original 1923 stadium remained in use until it was closed and demolished in phases in the early 2000s to make way for the new Wembley Stadium, which opened on the same site in 2007. The location continues to serve as the national stadium for England.
The site is in Wembley, northwest London, and is well connected to central London by road and rail.
- Opening and demolition dates: Opened in 1923 as the Empire Stadium and famous for its twin towers entrance prior to demolition in the early 2000s.
- Historic events: Hosted major national and international sporting events including FA Cup finals and the 1948 Olympic football tournament.
What to See #
- Twin Towers (iconic entrance): The twin towers of the 1923 stadium that became an iconic visual element and symbol of the original site until the stadium's demolition.
- Pitch and spectator bowls: The original pitch and terraced bowls that hosted major matches including national finals and international fixtures before redevelopment.
How to Get to Wembley Stadium (1923) #
The original stadium occupied the same footprint as the current Wembley Stadium in northwest London. From Central London take the Metropolitan or Jubilee line to Wembley Park (about 20-25 minutes from Baker Street) or the Bakerloo line to Wembley Central. The modern Wembley Stadium address is served by regular local buses (routes 18, 83, 92, 206) and National Rail to Wembley Stadium station (Chiltern/London Overground connections). If arriving by car, follow signage to Wembley Park/HA9 - on event days drivers should expect heavy delays.
Tips for Visiting Wembley Stadium (1923) #
- Visit the small plaque and photographic panels in Wembley Park (south of Wembley Way) to study the original 1923 stadium footprint and the twin towers' photographs - they're easy to miss behind modern kiosks.
- If interested in the original stadium's stories, pair a trip with the Wembley Stadium Tour (new stadium) and ask a guide about the 'White Horse Final' - most guides relish the anecdote and will point out where the pitch ran to the terraces.
- Avoid matchday travel if the plan is to see the historic markers: the modern stadium and surrounding complex are gridlocked on event days; use Wembley Park tube (Jubilee/Met) and arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off if attending an event.
Best Time to Visit Wembley Stadium (1923) #
Because the 1923 stadium no longer stands, visiting is about traces - plaques, photographs and the footprint beside the modern Wembley. Best visited outside big football or concert days when the plaza is calmer.
Weather & Climate near Wembley Stadium (1923) #
Wembley Stadium (1923)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (631 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.