Built: 1814
To describe Lord's as merely the home of cricket is arguably one of the great understatements.
The home of the most influential governors in cricket, including the lawmakers of the global game, the St John's Wood ground might generally be regarded as one of the most important single sites in all of world sport.
Bathed in history, grandeur and class, Lord's rightfully owns the label of a mecca of sport.
Cricket has been played on the current Lord's site since the early 19th century, after the Marylebone Cricket Club were formed by Thomas Lord.
Among the first notable matches played were Eton v Harrow, the first Gentleman v Players clash and the varsity game between Oxford and Cambridge.
Middlesex CCC took up residence in 1877 before the first Test match was contested between England and Australia seven years later, with the hosts winning by an innings and five runs.
The ground is littered with some of the most famous sites in cricket, including the Long Room contained within the pavilion, and Old Father Time - the weather vane located atop of the Mound Stand.
Over 100 Tests have now been hosts at Lord's, where the 2000th edition of the five-day format was played in 2011 between England and India.
As well as being the main home of the England team, Lord's also houses a
host of key governing bodies including the England and Wales Cricket Board and the MCC.
Of the four World Cup finals held at Lord's, none is more infamous than the 1975 showcase which saw West Indies prevail against Australia.
The defining image of the game came with three overs left when
Windies fans climbed over the boundary role, prematurely celebrating victory
during the Australian chase, with play continuing with dozens remaining on the
outfield.
Address: Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN
By car: Fans are advised to use public transport to travel to Lord's, with parking options limited. Westminister City Council do however offer a number of pay by phone parking spots dotted around the city.
Alternatively, there are two designated car parks on Kingsmill Terrace, a seven-minute walk from the ground, and at Maida Vale - both of which can be booked in advance.
By public transport: There are as many as six stations served by London Underground within a 20-minute walk of Lord's. St John's Wood (Jubilee line), Baker Street (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan), Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo), Edgware Road (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Disrict), as well as Marylebone (Bakerloo) and Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle and District) - which are also served by National Rail services - all provide viable options.
The 13 and 113 buses run to Lord's via the Wellington Road
and have stops close to both the North and East Gates. Access to the Grace Gate
is best served by the 139 and 189 routes.
Highest ODI score: 334-4 (England v India, June 1975)
Lowest ODI score: 107 (South Africa vs England, July 2003)
Some bowlers prefer running down the famous slope away from the pavilion, some enjoy the effort of going the other way. Regardless, Lord's often looks kindly on seamers, particularly under low-lying cloud. Not a traditional high-scoring venue.
Lord's Tavern
Cricket-themed pub providing classic dishes, located outside the stadium (£11-£15)
Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood,
London NW8 8QN
Crockers Folly
Lebanese restaurant and hotel with four dining rooms which was opened in the mid-1890s (£16-£22)
24 Aberdeen Pl, St John's Wood, London NW8 8JR
Original Lahore Restaurant
Offering Asian cuisine since
1970. Table seating or takeway available (£12-£15)
2-4 Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH
Gogi
Watch Korean meat and vegetables cooked in your view in a barbecue style (£10-£30)
451 Edgware Road, Little Venice, London, W2 1TH
Oslo Court
Spanish run restaurant specialising in French
cuisine and seafood. (£36-£47)
Oslo Court, Charlbert St, London, NW8 7EN
MCC Cricket Museum
Claiming to be one of the oldest sporting museums in the world, this is a must for any cricket fan. (£20-£25)
St John's Wood Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Home of the great fictional detective between 1881-1904, the tour brings new life to the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. (£10-£15)
221b Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE
Abbey Road
Where many of The Beatles' most famous hits were recorded, with the crossing pictured on the album of the same name located right outside. (Free)
3 Abbey Road, London NW8 9AY, England
The Globe
Quaint bar just by Marylebone station
specialising in craft beer.
47 Lisson Grove, Marylebone, London NW1 6UB
The Windsor Castle
Slick and classy establishment which is
good for groups.
98 Park Road, Marylebone, London, NW1 4SH
The Golden Eagle
Traditional British pub with plentiful real
ale.
59 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NW
The Mason Arms
Open since 1848, a traditional feel is
provided by the wood benches yet the Thai food gives it a modern touch.
58 Devonshire St, Marylebone, W1W 5EA
The Duke of York
Specialising in cocktails with a variety of
other drinks on offer.
No.2 St Anne’s Terrace, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 6PJ
British rock band Placebo recorded their sci-fi inspired
video for single 'Special K' inside the current Lord's media centre in 2001,
which had been constructed two years earlier.
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