Sporting Fervour in Britain

A football frenzy is about to engulf the world, with just under a month to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off across Australia/New Zealand. And even if your allegiance doesn't swing red and white, there’s no denying that Britain is a nation awash with passion for ‘the beautiful game’ as home to some of the world’s most historic and lauded clubs, attracting star players from around the globe.

Football Fervour in Britain

Want to see football in its natural habitat? Draw inspiration from the World Cup action and head over to Britain to soak up football fever in the place where it all began. Be a part of the match-day atmosphere during the English Premier League (from 12 August) and Women’s Super League (from late September), walk in the footsteps of sporting greats on a stadium tour or visit the world’s biggest football museum in Manchester. Seeking something a little different? Go beyond the pitch and get the adrenaline pumping 46 metres above the ground on the skywalk at Tottenham Stadium or enjoy a pint at Ted Lasso’s local haunt on a walking tour of Richmond, before ending the night at the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, TOCA Social at the O2. No matter where your loyalty lies, Britain offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the game year-round.

July Sporting Highlights

In July, grab yourself a Pimm’s Cup along with a punnet of strawberries and cream as you enjoy the best of British summer sport at the historic Wimbledon Championships (3 – 16 July). A stone’s throw from Centre Court, experience the charming village of Wimbledon with Visit London’s insider’s guide to the affluent South West London suburb. From 7 – 9 July, witness the jewel in the crown of British Motorsports, the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. For those looking to further embrace their need for speed, read our guide on Britain’s best experiences that every motorsport fan will be racing to get behind the wheels of.

August Sporting Highlights

The world's greatest riders will come together in Glasgow and across Scotland in August for 11-days of unmissable cycling action at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships (3 – 13 August). For the first time ever, the event will bring together all road, track, BMX, indoor, mountain bike and para-cycling world championships disciplines into one major event. For those feeling inspired to get back on the pedal, this is the year to explore Scotland’s 3,000 kilometres of cycle routes.

From heart-racing sporting spectacles to world-class football and wacky sporting alternatives steeped in tradition and local culture, the annual British sporting calendar is bursting with events throughout the year. For more ways to get your sporting fix in Britain, read on in our story highlights below.

One to watch this month

This week, the National Portrait Gallery reopened to the public for the first time since spring 2020. Following an extensive three-year refurbishment, the transformation marks the biggest redevelopment project that the building has seen since 1896, which includes the restoration of the Grade 1 listed gallery and a redisplay of the Collection in refurbished galleries. The gallery will also see the opening of Larry’s, a late-night underground cocktail bar and The Portrait Restaurant, located on the gallery’s top floor and offering panoramic views across London. For more information on the reopening, please visit: https://www.npg.org.uk/about/press.

Source: Amelia, VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org