Saturday, December 21Sports. Travel. Events

England

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane
England, Holidays & Trips, London

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane

Each month padel players from around the world come together at Rocks Lane Padel Academy in Chiswick, west London, for a week of padel training and cultural exploration.  Whether you’re just starting your padel journey or looking to improve your competitive edge, the week-long intensive training programme at Rocks Lane is designed for players of all levels. At its venue in Chiswick, you will find the biggest padel tennis facility in London – with 12 padel courts, including four covered courts, a clubhouse with cafe, changing rooms, soft play and social areas. Under the expert guidance of Álex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player and one of the UK’s most respected coaches, you’ll receive personalised coaching to help elevate your game. The sessions focus on technique, strate...
Festival of Sport: tickets now on sale for 2025 event
England, Events

Festival of Sport: tickets now on sale for 2025 event

Tickets are now on general sale for the Festival of Sport 2025 which will take place at Packington Estate in Warwickshire, England from 1-4 August 2025.   Co-founded by England international rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey, the Festival of Sport offers children the opportunity to try dozens of sports in a single weekend, to learn from the best and primarily to enjoy all of the benefits of sports participation with family and friends, old and new.  Sporting legends over the weekend include Olympians, Paralympians, world record-holders and international capped stars. They actively participate throughout the weekend, coaching and playing alongside youngsters – and making time to have fun with accompanying adults too.  The 2025 event kicks off at a new ven...
The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England 
England, Stadiums & Venues

The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England 

A new era of padel has arrived in north west England with the opening of The Hook Club at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Set in the landscaped grounds of Mottram Hall Hotel, The Hook Club opened its courts on 25 July offering an unrivalled location to play padel and socialise. Developed and installed by UK Padel Courts, the £400,000 padel venue is set to be a landmark destination for padel players of all abilities. The Hook Club, which is named after the padel shot ‘El Gancho’, instantly adds quality and a new dimension to the UK’s padel scene. The venue is open to anyone with a passion and interest in padel, with bookings via the padel booking app Playtomic. The venue boasts three world-class Superpanoramic padel courts designed and manufactured by Spanish-based Padelgest, provi...
Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats
Editor's Pick, England, Holidays & Trips, Scotland

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a cha...
Football hospitality ticket packages with Travelzoo
England, Events, Sports Travel

Football hospitality ticket packages with Travelzoo

Travelzoo UK has released its hospitality packages for English Premier League and Uefa Champions League football matches in May 2023. The packages, which are offered by Travel Connection, may include a premium seat and lounge access, food, complimentary drinks, and a match program. See the fixtures below for details and prices or Travelzoo’s Premier League hospitality page at travelzoo.com Manchester City vs. West Ham What: English Premier League When: Wednesday 3 May 2023Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester Price: from £67How to book: travelzoo.com Liverpool vs. Fulham What: English Premier LeagueWhen: Wednesday 3 May 2023Where: Anfield, LiverpoolPrice: from £200How to book: travelzoo.com Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace What: English Premier LeagueWhen: Satu...
Watching the Lionesses win at Wembley: ‘the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced’
England, Events, London, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Watching the Lionesses win at Wembley: ‘the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced’

In this blog post, Sports Tourism Media co-editor Mike Starling looks back on a glorious day out at Wembley Stadium for the Uefa Women’s Euro final between England and Germany... Just before she scored her winning goal, England hero Chloe Kelly looked towards us in the stands and urged the fans to roar the Lionesses on for the last minutes of the Uefa Women’s Euro final.  There was 110 minutes on the clock and seconds later Lauren Hemp swung in a corner which, after a goalmouth scramble, found Kelly who toe poked the ball home from close range. It may have been scrappy, but like Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick strike in 1966 and Gazza’s stunner against Scotland in 1996, Kelly’s Wembley goal is one that will go down in English football folklore. The forward’s now-iconic “taking-her-s...
Cycling breaks and routes in Lincoln and Lincolnshire
England, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling breaks and routes in Lincoln and Lincolnshire

The city of Lincoln and county of Lincolnshire in England has recreated a diverse group of cycling packages for 2022. Here we take a look at the best trips and routes for a two-wheel adventure…  Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area (155 miles) The Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area cycle route provides a five-day suggested itinerary covering 248km to see the many different aspects of the beautiful city, treating you to some of the best sights and experiences. Based predominantly in Lincoln, you’ll be able to explore this ancient city in all its glory whilst also venturing further afield to take in the contrasting and captivating surrounding countryside. One of the days’ routes gets you out of the city – you’ll follow the River Witham to Doddington and continue on a picturesq...
Bath and Bristol: ‘experiential’ sport, culture and history
England, Guides, Sports Travel

Bath and Bristol: ‘experiential’ sport, culture and history

Images: Ramy James Salameh Sport travellers need only point their compass to the west of England to find a weekend full of sporting, cultural and historical experiences. Sports Tourism Media’s Ramy James Salameh did exactly that and found two destinations uniquely distinct, offering many wonderfully different qualities and characteristics. Located just a 90-minute train ride from London, and just 12 minutes apart, Bath and Bristol make the ideal twin-centre sports travel weekend away. The former is an Unesco world heritage city and as quintessentially English as is possible to get, (think Bridgerton, filmed in the city) with period Georgian architecture around every corner and surrounded by nature. Bath is world-famous for its thermal waters, which have been enjoyed since be...
Hotel in focus: indoor golf at The Dilly in London
England, Hotels & Resorts, London, Sports Travel

Hotel in focus: indoor golf at The Dilly in London

The Dilly hotel on Piccadilly in central London has added a new sporting element to its health club – a Golfzon simulator which offers an indoor golf experience.  Voted the world’s best golf simulator five years running by Golf Digest magazine, this new experience is available for both guests and visitors and gives virtual access to more than 200 of the world’s best golf courses, including St Andrews Old Course, Celtic Manor and Pebble Beach. Using CGI graphics to create a realistic golf simulation experience, the Golfzon technology features a multitude of sensors and cameras that analyse ball flight data in real-time, to help improve the golfer’s swing and game. James Olivier, The Dilly’s general manager, said: “Whether you are an avid golfer or looking for an alternative after wor...
A sports travel guide to Manchester
England, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

A sports travel guide to Manchester

Social history, industry, manufacturing and music put Manchester on the global map. But in recent years the English city’s two Premier League football teams – champions Manchester City and rivals Manchester United – have become a major attraction for international visitors.  Thanks to the success of its clubs, facilities and events such as the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester is also now regarded as one of the world’s top sports cities. We spent a few days in England’s north west to discover the sporting attractions that Manchester has to offer.  Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United (Image: Marketing Manchester) Sports teams in Greater Manchester  As well as the world-famous Premier League rivals, the city of Manchester and the Greater Manchester reg...
Review: National Football Museum in Manchester
England, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Review: National Football Museum in Manchester

One of the UK’s most popular sporting attractions is the National Football Museum in Manchester, England. This is definitely one turnstile worth passing through, for both lovers of the beautiful game and those who just love sport.  Located in Manchester’s city centre, within the modernist “Urbis” building, visitors will find four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, dedicated to the birthplace of the modern game. Sports Tourism Media were lucky to have a tour of one of the world's best sports museums, here’s what co-editor Ramy James Salameh had to say… What can you see at the National Football Museum? The museum showcases 2,500 items of memorabilia taking the visitor from the earliest origins of the game through to the present day. It also strives to reflect ...
Major League Baseball hits a home run for London’s sports tourism portfolio
England, Events, London, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Major League Baseball hits a home run for London’s sports tourism portfolio

London’s position as a leading international sports city has been strengthened after a new long-term partnership was agreed with Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been confirmed that regular-season MLB matches will return to the UK capital in 2023, 2024 and 2026.  The first MLB London Series match to be played in the UK was in 2019 when the Boston Red Sox took on the New York Yankees in two games at the London Stadium. More than 60,000 fans were in attendance in both games.  As well as the upcoming regular-season matches, London’s Crystal Palace Park will also host the MLB Home Run Derby X on 9 July 2022. The competition will feature four historic franchises: the Red Sox, Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. According to MLB, each team will include a former player (...
Sports event guide: The Hundred 2022
England, Events, Guides, Sports Travel, Wales

Sports event guide: The Hundred 2022

2022 sports event guide CRICKET: THE HUNDRED Cricket fans in England and Wales will welcome the return of The Hundred in the summer of 2022. Featuring eight teams from seven cities, and tournaments for both men and women, the 100-ball cricket competition starts on Wednesday 3 August and ends with a double-header finals day at Lord’s on Saturday 3 September. The Hundred 2022 Dates: Wednesday 3 August to Saturday 3 September 2022 Teams: Welsh Fire (Cardiff), Southern Brave (Southampton), Northern Superchargers (Leeds), London Spirit (London), Trent Rockets (Nottingham), Oval Invincibles (London), Manchester Originals (Manchester), Birmingham Phoenix (Birmingham) Fixtures,...
2022 Six Nations: men’s and women’s fixtures
England, Events, Guides, Sports Travel

2022 Six Nations: men’s and women’s fixtures

International rugby union will be a major focus on the sporting schedule in early 2022 when the Guinness Six Nations championship takes place in Europe.  Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, France and Italy will be competing for the men's championship, which starts on Saturday 5 February and finishes on Saturday 19 March 2022. The women's championship will be held from Saturday 26 March to Saturday 30 April. Related articles International rugby union in 2022A sports travel guide to… CardiffA sports travel guide to… Edinburgh A sports travel guide to… London Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Men's Six Nations 2022 fixtures  - England: Twickenham Stadium, London- France: Stade de France, Paris- Ireland: Aviva Stadium, Dublin- Italy: Stadio Olimpico, Rome- Scotland: B...
15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure
England, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Scotland, Sports Travel, Wales

15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure

The Coolstays.com website has a collection of unique and unusual places to stay across the UK, Europe and worldwide. We pick out 15 very cool UK properties which have an active theme – options include by the sea, outdoors, wild swimming and more… Nagden House (Image credit: Coolstays.com) Nagden House Where: Faversham, Kent, EnglandAbout the property: “With stunning panoramic views across Graveney Marshes, Nagden House is a stylish and secluded rural retreat in Kent”Ideal for: groups, dog friendly, wild swimming, families, boating Details: sleeps 10, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsPrice: from £1,969-£4,245 per weekHow to book: coolstays.com The Lodge in the Loch (Image credit: Coolstays.com) The Lodge in the Loch  Where: Portree, Isle of Skye, ScotlandAbout the property: “L...
Rugby League World Cup: 2022 dates confirmed for rescheduled event
England, Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Rugby League World Cup: 2022 dates confirmed for rescheduled event

Following the postponement of the 2021 event, Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) organisers have now confirmed the dates for 2022.  Taking place in 2022 from Saturday 15 October to Saturday 19 November, the RLWC in England will feature the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments - the first time all three will be held simultaneously.  A statement said: “The dates see the tournament move one week earlier than scheduled in 2021 to maximise attendance and viewership. Work now continues to release a full revised match schedule by no later than the end of the year.” As originally planned St James' Park in Newcastle will host the opening match while the men’s and women’s finals will be held in a double header at Old Trafford in Manchester.  The earlier start date in 2022 means the...
Olympics-inspired things to do in Southampton: cycling, sailing and more
England, Guides, Sports Travel

Olympics-inspired things to do in Southampton: cycling, sailing and more

Inspired by Team GB’s success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, sports fans heading to Southampton can choose from a range of new tours, events and activities that have launched in the city on England’s south coast. Highlights include: New sightseeing by bike tour A new E-Bike sightseeing tour has launched in Southampton. Local operator Madein:Here has teamed up with SEE Southampton tour guides and The Hub Cycleworks to offer visitors and locals an alternative sightseeing perspective on the city. Led by an accredited guide, the two-hour Classic tour, takes cyclists through the city’s backstreets, parks and cycle paths at a gentle pace, with frequent stops to learn about Southampton’s surprising history. Departing from the Dolphin Hotel (where Jane Austin celebrated her 18th birthday...
2021 NFL London games: Falcons face the Jets and Jaguars host the Dolphins
England, Events, London

2021 NFL London games: Falcons face the Jets and Jaguars host the Dolphins

American football returns to London this autumn with two regular season NFL international matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. On Sunday 10 October the Atlanta Falcons will host the New York Jets then on Sunday 17 October the Jacksonville Jaguars will play the Miami Dolphins. Both games will start at 2.30pm UK time. From 2007 to 2019 there have been 28 NFL London games and this year’s matches will see the first two picks of the 2021 NFL Draft – Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) and Zach Wilson (Jets) – in action.  “We are excited to be returning to London and welcoming back our fans for two great matchups,” said Christopher Halpin, NFL executive vice-president - chief strategy and growth officer. “We expect these games to be a celebration of our sport and our robust UK fan base. ...
2021 F1 British Grand Prix set for full capacity at Silverstone
England, Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2021 F1 British Grand Prix set for full capacity at Silverstone

The 2021 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix has been included in the latest phase of the UK Government’s Event Research Programme (ERP) allowing a full capacity crowd for the event from 15-18 July. Silverstone will be in touch with all ticket holders in the coming days with further details about how the Formula 1 British GP will run as a pilot event. Ticket holders will be asked for either proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of arrival at Silverstone, or proof of full vaccination, the second dose having been received at least 14 days prior to the first day of attending the British GP. The Silverstone team will be working closely with the ERP experts and particularly the Director of Public Health in Northamptonshire on the specific conditions of entry that w...
The Open: 32,000 daily capacity confirmed for 149th championship
England, Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

The Open: 32,000 daily capacity confirmed for 149th championship

Up to 32,000 golf fans will be allowed to attend each day of The Open Championship. The 149th Open will be taking place from 15-18 July at The Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England.  Last year’s event was postponed due to the Covid pandemic and there had been concerns over the capacity for the 2021 edition, Sky Sports reports. However, it has been confirmed that the championship will be included in the UK government’s “Events Research Programme”, which will enable a number of events to take place with higher capacities than present guidance permits. Of the 32,000 fans allowed each day, this will include existing ticket holders and hospitality guests who have already purchased tickets. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We are pleased to now be a...

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