London’s Best Sports
Since records began, us Londoners have been hooked on sport. Something about the hustle, bustle and competitive spirit means we’re never far from the action. Paris may be hosting the Olympics but a short Eurostar train will catapult you into a city rich with sporting heritage.
Here are a few highlights well-worth checking out:
Football- The Tourist Choice- Arsenal
Football is the UK’s unofficial official sport, and London is at its heart. There are 17 professional football clubs in the city, including 7 in the top division- and that’s just the men’s game. This means your options for catching a game are numerous. We are giving you two of our favourites. The first is Arsenal in North London. One of the city’s biggest teams, they are currently enjoying a hot streak, which really boosts the atmosphere. This makes it a great place to experience the iconic culture of football chanting. Probably our most internationally recognised stadium – visited by the Kardashians and their kids in a recent episode.
Tour guide tip– Sold out game? Our friends at Premier League Tours should be able to sort you out with their exclusive access corporate packages.
Football- The Local Choice- Millwall
You don’t get much more of a contrast to Arsenal than Millwall. Based in the traditionally working-class area of Bermondsey, Millwall has built up a reputation for its raucous fanbase, known for their slogan “no one likes us, we don’t care”. Be warned- you will be sure to hear more than your fair share of bad language so exercise caution if you find that offensive. But you will also experience a less commercialised, more authentic version of the greatest game.
Tour guide tip- be sure to sample the traditional half-time pie. Chicken Balti is our favourite.
The Traditional Choice- Cricket at the Lords
Cricket is one of the UK’s oldest sports, and its home is Lord’s in North London. A visit here gives you the chance to see either England or local team Middlesex in action- followed up by a visit to the world’s oldest sporting museum. Cricket is traditionally enjoyed by the upper classes which makes the atmosphere a more muted refined experience.
Tour guide tip– make sure you know what kind of game you are going to see, as depending on the format matches last from half a day to 3 or 4 days!
The Active Choice- London Marathon
Taking place every April, the London Marathon is central to London’s sporting calendar. As a spectator you will get to witness one of the world’s largest marathons, with around 50,000 people taking part, many of whom are dressed up in all kinds of wacky costumes. However, if you’re feeling fit, then taking part is an amazing way to view the city from an angle you would never get otherwise.
Tour guide tip– our favourite place to watch the runners is on Tooley street in Bermondsey. Not so busy, and afterwards you are close to loads of great bars and restaurants.
The Historian’s Choice- Jousting at Hampton Court
If you fancy a more historical approach, one great option is to head to Hampton Court Palace. This 16th Century Palace, was known as Henry VIII’s pleasure palace. And it’s clear that the infamous King derived much pleasure from Sport as you’ll discover as you witness the (still functioning) traditional tennis courts and Summer display of jousting done on horseback in the Palace grounds. Hampton Court Palace is slightly out of the centre of town but very easily accesible meaning you can enjoy Tudor grandeur without the crowds of some of London’s other historic attractions.
Tour guide tip- Jousting is a firm favourite in the summer- check the Hampton Court Palace website for times of this family friendly spectacle, free with your entrance ticket.
The American Choice- NFL at Wembley
Just because there is a great heritage of British sport in London, that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to outside influence. There is no better way to celebrate this than with one of the 3 NFL games to take place in London every October.
These take place at either Wembley Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but for our money you have to pick Wembley- it’s the UK’s biggest and most iconic stadium after all and having hosted global megastars like Taylor Swift and Adele, you’ll be in a truly iconic location.
Tour guide tip: Wembley as an area is home to a lot of South Indians so if you are looking for a pre-match dinner we would recommend a traditonal British Curry. We like Wembley Tandoori, a 20 minute walk from the Stadium.
At Totally Tailored we have some truly Sports-mad guides who can infuse your private tours with Sporting trivia. Click here to see the London tours we offer and mention on booking you’d like to talk Sport on the booking form. Or click here to contact us and we can ‘Totally Tailor’ a Sports-specific Package.
Written by Benjamin Crouch
