The Old Trafford Stadium Tour and Museum: What to Expect

Planning your visit

An Old Trafford tour offers a chance to see parts of the ground that supporters might otherwise know only from matchday coverage, alongside museum displays about United’s history. This guide covers the advertised route, how long to allow, access arrangements and the details worth checking before you travel.

MUFCLUB is an independent fan magazine and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Manchester United. Tour arrangements can change, so check the club’s latest information before making plans.

The tour and museum

Manchester United advertises a stadium tour that includes museum access. The tour itself takes approximately 70 minutes; allow additional time for the museum rather than treating that figure as the length of the whole visit.

The advertised route includes the players’ dressing room, tunnel, pitchside dugouts and press/media room. For a supporter, those stops offer different perspectives on a matchday: the preparations away from the pitch, the walk through the tunnel and the view from beside the playing area.

The club warns that tours can change at short notice or be cancelled. Treat the advertised stops as a guide, not a guarantee that every space will be available on your chosen day. If there is somewhere you particularly want to see, check the current arrangements with the club before booking or travelling.

The museum is spread over three levels. Its displays cover subjects including trophies, Munich, Newton Heath, kit history and the Treble. You could choose a subject you already know well, then spend time with another that is less familiar. Allow room in your plans to explore rather than assuming the tour duration covers the whole visit.

Questions supporters often ask

When should I arrive?

Visitors must arrive at the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception at least 20 minutes before their tour. The club recommends arriving 30–60 minutes beforehand. Build that into your journey rather than aiming to reach the stadium at the advertised start time.

An earlier arrival also gives you some breathing space if you are unfamiliar with the ground. Check your booking details for any further instructions before setting off.

Should I visit the museum before or after the tour?

The answer depends on your tour time. If your tour is booked for 3pm or later, you must visit the museum first: the club says it will be closed by the time your tour finishes.

For an earlier tour, check the current arrangements when planning your day. However you organise the visit, remember that the approximately 70-minute tour time does not include a separate allowance for exploring the museum.

Is the route accessible?

The standard route has 177 steps. Flat-route tours can be arranged, and visitors with access needs are asked to contact the club at least 48 hours beforehand.

It is worth explaining what you need when you get in touch, rather than assuming the standard route will suit your group. Ask the club about the arrangements for your particular visit and confirm any details that matter to you before travelling.

Where can I park?

The club says free parking is available in car park E2. The postcode given for navigation is M16 0SZ. Check the latest visitor information before your journey in case arrangements have changed.

Can I visit on a home matchday?

The club’s visiting supporters guide says the tour and museum are not open on home matchdays unless visitors have booked matchday hospitality. If you are hoping to combine a visit with a home fixture, check what your particular booking includes rather than assuming the usual tour will be running.

Are there other types of tour?

The club lists alternative experiences including Legends Tours, Sneak Peek Tours and British Sign Language tours. Check the club’s current information for the details and availability of each option before deciding which is right for you. The standard tour description above should not be taken as a promise of an identical route or format for every experience.

Making the most of the day

Think about what matters most to your group. A supporter interested in the matchday experience might look forward to the tunnel and dugouts; someone keen on club history might want more time across the museum’s three levels. If you are going together, leave space for each person to explore an area that interests them.

Keep your plans flexible, particularly if you are hoping to see a specific part of the ground. Checking the club’s latest information before travelling can help you prepare for any changes.

Continue exploring the ground and the supporter experience in our Old Trafford & Matchday archive, or browse more stories in Club History. For further context on one of the subjects represented in the museum, read The Busby Babes and Munich 1958: How United Remembers.