London’s collection of world-famous sports venues is truly impressive with each arena witnessing unforgettable moments. From the iconic Wembley Stadium to the prestigious Center court of Wimbledon, these arenas have become symbols of excellence in their respective disciplines.
An Iconic Football Stadium
Wembley Stadium stands tall as an emblem of English football greatness. Since its inception in 1923, this legendary venue has captured the hearts of fans nationwide. With its distinctive arch proudly touching the London skyline, Wembley holds a cherished place within British football culture.
Over the years, Wembley Stadium has witnessed countless historic events. It was here that England celebrated their triumphant World Cup victory in 1966 and where the Live Aid concert hosted over 72,000 spectators. Additionally, Wembley has also hosted the Olympic Games in 1948 and 2012.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Better known as Wimbledon, this historic venue is the site of the third Grand Slam event, the only one played on grass. The first championship took place in 1887 and fans can find numerous memorabilia on display here. This includes trophies from the first championship to a collection of more recent memorabilia.
It is also possible to visit the sports facilities built for the 2012 London Olympics. But Wimbledon is also about indulging in traditional strawberries and cream to discovering tennis-inspired fashion while watching breathtaking matches on the big screen. Although the tournament boasts 18 grass courts, some of the most exciting matches take place on Center Court. Apart from watching some of the most breathtaking games you may also get some celebrity sightings.
The Second-Largest Sports Venue in the UK
With a capacity of 82,000, Twickenham Stadium is the second largest sports venue in the United Kingdom, preceded only by the legendary Wembley. At Wembley, the English national soccer team won its only World Cup in 1966. In contrast, Twickenham is the home of the national rugby team and the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union, the English federation.
The stadium, which opened in 1909 and was last renovated in 2005, can be visited Tuesday through Sunday, when there are no scheduled matches. Visitors can take a tour of Twickenham Stadium to see areas that are usually off-limits. This includes the locker rooms reserved for the England national team, the infirmary, the press room, and the massage room. Fans can then sit in the grandstand and admire the stadium from the highest point before walking through the tunnel leading to the playing field. To then step on the grass of the legendary Twickenham Stadium.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Nestled in the heart of London lies Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. With its picturesque surroundings and a vast choice of sports and activities, it is a popular destination for sports lovers and families who want to enjoy some time away from the bustle of the city.
Set in over 560 acres, this impressive Olympic Park was purpose-built for the Summer Olympics in 2012. It was here that numerous world records were set. The Copper Box Arena hosted modern pentathlon fencing, goalball, and boxing. Michael Phelps broke an all-time record winning his 18th and 19th Olympic medals in the London Aquatics Center while the Lee Valley VeloPark saw unprecedented levels of track cycling.
Lord’s Cricket Ground
Renowned as the home of cricket, Lord’s Cricket Ground is over 200 years old and is home to the legendary Marylebone Cricket Club. The 28,000-seat sports arena hosts some of the world’s most prestigious cricket events and international test matches, and the on-site Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum is one of the oldest sports museums in the world.
The museum hosts an unrivalled collection of memorabilia as well as an impressive collection of cricket equipment such as cricket bats, gloves, pads and more. There is also a research center which has an extensive selection of archives related to the history of the ground. Cricket fans can also take a tour of the Lord’s Cricket Ground visiting the player’s balcony, the dressing rooms, and the famous Long Room. This room is lined with paintings of famous cricketers.
Many other iconic sites to visit
Wembley, Wimbledon, Twickenham, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and the Lord’s Cricket Ground are just a few of the impressive sports arenas you can visit in London. But with so much to see and do, how do you find the best offer and what can you see and do at each venue.
To help you make the right decision, why not contact Go Sport Travel for expert advice on where to go and what to see. Not only will you be given the best deal, but you will also have the chance to visit some of the most iconic stadiums in London at affordable prices. Choose when you want to go and Go Sport Travel will do the rest for you.