Wikipedia tells us that the name Tranmere refers to a district in the south of Birkenhead, on the eastern side of the Wirral Peninsula. Tranmere alone has a population of 11,668 (2001 Census). The area is made up of industrial buildings and Victorian terraced houses. Its name was given by Norwegian Vikings who settled and colonised Wirral in the 10th century. Tranmere in Old Norse is Trani-melr, "cranebird sandbank" or "sandbank with the cranebirds".
So now you know!
TICKETS
£17.50 Adults, £9.50 Seniors and Young Persons, £5 under 16's.
TICKET PRICES REMAIN THE SAME ON THE DAY (Well done Tranmere.)
COACH
TICKET PRICES REMAIN THE SAME ON THE DAY (Well done Tranmere.)
COACH
For the latest news and prices and pick-up points for the supporters club coaches click on www.shrimperstrust.co.uk/default.asp?page_id=302
For an alternative journey keep up to date with SoL Travel at www.theshrimpers-online.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=8.
If anybody picked up the fiver National Express fare the coach station is arrowed below and is a 10 minute walk to Lime Street station, clearly signposted.
TRAIN
Considering it's a major city, horrible fares and not a great service. The cheaper tickets have long gone, any decent train into Liverpool Lime Street and getting back the same day is now £62.60, regular services up but the last train back is 17.52.
There are several stations within walkable distance of the ground but you have to keep an eye on the watch if your catching that last 17.52 to London, earlier than last season.
The closest railway stations are Rock Ferry and Birkenhead Central, both served by Liverpool Lime St. and a fair walk from the ground. (15-20 minutes).
TLG recommends Rock Ferry to Prenton Park, turn right and walk up the road for a fair distance until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, turn right again and walk straight up Benington Road until you are close to the Sportsman pub. Then turn left down Everest Road and walk straight down to the bottom where you will be standing opposite the turnstiles for the Cowshed Stand.
Services leave for Rock Ferry from Lime Street at 13, 28, 43 and 58 past the hour, the last one to catch without a quick jog would be the 14.13, in at 14.27.
The only two services you can catch if going back on that 17.52 is the 17.14/14.28 (recommended), and 17.29/17.43 (pushing it!)
(All prices and times given are correct as of Monday November 10 2008)
ROAD
Fill in the details from your home postcode to Tranmere Rovers FC here for a full route plan www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp but for an edited version;
Approx. 248 miles, 4 & 1/4 hours.
The M25 joining the M1 North at South Mimms. Join M6 North West. Join the M42 until Junction 9 and then through the M6 toll. At the M6 J20 join the M56 until J15 when you go north on the M53 until J4. Take the fourth exit from the roundabout onto the B5151 (Mount Road). Continue for 2.5 miles when Mount Road becomes Storeton Road and turn right onto Preston Road West at traffic lights. The ground is on the right-hand side in 200 yards.
If your meeting someone in the centre of town or just want to go over the Mersey keep on the M6 until J21a joining the M62 going onto the A5080, 5047 the 5080 again then the A5047 signposted Birkenhead, Wallasey, City Centre. Then the B5173, A580, A59 before joining the Queensway Mersey Tunnel (signposted Birkenhead) and another toll, you need £1.30. The A552 at the other end will lead you to the ground. Phew, go the other way!
There is a car park at the ground which costs £4, otherwise, street parking. Be warned, there is a strict local residents parking scheme in operation around the ground.
FOOD AND DRINK
There's a wonderful Head of Steam in Liverpool Lime St. if you've got time before catching the local service.
The Mersey Clipper is behind the main stand and a popular Shrimper meeting point.
For other choices the Pub Crawl on the Mersey here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/loadsngl.asp?cid=EDW8&id=411858
SHORT BREAKS
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Football Hotels who are powered by Activehotels, who specialise in locating accommodation near or within a short travelling distance of the football ground. They also have the added advantage over some other hotel booking services that you pay on departure. To access their Tranmere page click here.
(Thanks to the Internet Ground Guide, www.footballgroundguide.com/tranmere.htm, and DoDtS's excellent Shrimperzone Away Travel section, www.shrimperzone.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=24, for their help in preparing this article.)