A quick guide for those going to the Valley
The Valley is a fairly easy place to get to, unless you are driving, if you do choose to drive, you have two options, battling around the South Circular or adding miles but shortening time by taking the M25 anti clockwisea and then taking the A2 virtually straight to the Valley, both will be around about a two hour drive.
Easiest option, assuming that you dont have access to a private jet and are planning to leave Southampton for the London City Airport, is to take the train. At Waterloo its a short walk to Waterloo East where you can get a train that will take you to Charlton station in about 20 minutes, from the station its about 200 meteres to the ground. One not of caution, some of the trains to Charlton got to Gillingham, who are at home to Millwall, so early doors you could be sharing tha carriages with Millwall fans.
We have visited Charlton many times in the past dozen years or so, so most Saints fans will have a good idea of where to drink etc, for those who want to get there and have a drink knowing its only a short walk, there are three options from the train station., right outside is the Antigalligan, itt gets heaving with away supporters and is usally a trifle uncomfortable.
If you turn left out of the station and then 50 metres later on the main road turn left again, aa 5 minute walk will take you to the Rose of Denmark, mix of home and away fans and a bit less hectic.
Turning right out of the station followed by a 200 metre walk up the hill will take you to the Charlton Liberal Club on the left, for a payment of a £1 they let you in the back bar, big spacious and easy to get served its probably the best option for visiting fans, especially if you have kids, however it should be noted that both this and the Rose of Denmark become home fans only after the game.
If you dont mind getting the train in late, a mooch around the ara outside London Bridge station is a great option, by the market there is a plethora of pubs and also plenty of cafe's and takeaways for food, two points should be noted, its Millwall territory so be careful, as although they are not at home, they are away to Gillingham so will be around London Bridge early on, also some of the pubs dont let colours in.