One of the top draws to the city is in its sporting legend. With many of the best football teams, rugby matches and boxing arenas having been located in London, it’s no wonder that the city is such a top international sporting destination. Any one who was living in London during the 2012 Olympics will remember how atmospheric and energetic the city became, the city becoming an international mash up of cultures and excitement. Whilst these glory days are once in a lifetime, there are plenty of other ways in which you can explore the cities sporting culture. Whether you’re looking for the best matches, the best architecture or to soak up the ambiance of match day, there are plenty of football stadiums, cricket pitches and much more to explore.
Wembley
This 90,000 man stadium is one of the most iconic in the UK. Whether you’re a guest at the Park Grand London Hyde Park or you’re just visiting London for the day. A trip to Wembley stadium in North West London is well worth your time. This stadium, currently the temporary home of Tottenham Hotspur as their home stadium is done up, was opened in its current state in 2007. The stadium itself is the second largest in Europe and being owned by the Football Association, puts on many international and FA cup matches. With its white glass construction and the glowing halo reaching out in a crescent above it, the Wembley Stadium is truly unforgettable.
Lords
Lords Cricket Ground is one of the most famous cricket grounds in the UK and is widely referred to as the “home of cricket” due to this. Based in St John’s Wood, the stadium was opened in 1814, hence giving it centuries worth of history and plenty of statues, memorials and museum sites for tourists to visit. The MCC Museum is the oldest sports museum in the world and has on display such iconic items as the Ashes urn and cricket kit used by famous cricketers dating back to the mid 19th century.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is well known as the site of the 2012 Olympics. Based in Stratford, the park is still used as a sporting venue by such football teams as West Ham United, whilst also hosting other sporting events throughout the year including the European Hockey Championships and the 2017 World Athletics Championships taking place here. What’s more, the surrounding area is still a nature reserve, giving visitors plenty to see and do in the East London wilderness enclave. With Stratford and Hackney Wick in close proximity, the Olympic Park is a perfect destination for a sporting event and subsequent restaurant or bar.
Wimbledon
Based in West London, guests at the London Hyde Park Hotel can find that extra touch of class with Wimbledon tennis tournament. Every early July, two weeks become buzzing with tennis fans as some of the biggest tennis players in the world hash it out for the cup. With only around 375 members to the Wimbledon tennis club, the members number among some of the best tennis players in the world, whilst the 18 grass courts, 8 clay courts, 2 acrylic courts and 5 indoor courts make it one of the highest class tennis facilities in the world. If you can’t get in for a game yourself, which is highly likely, then come to see the Wimbledon tournaments take place in the first two weeks of July. Why not treat yourself to some of their famous strawberries and cream whilst you’re at it!
