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Travel Guides / UK

7 must-see sporting events in the UK

Picky bits and Pimms packed, it's time to revel in some competition.

Die-hard sports-fan or just looking for a good time, the UK has a sport event for everyone to enjoy.

Get your cheering voices at the ready as we dive into our sporty picks for your British adventure.

Wimbledon

  • Location: London, England
  • Time of Year: Early July

You can’t talk about UK sports without mentioning Wimbledon. This legendary tennis tournament draws in 128 players and a whopping 42,000 spectators daily. Get ready for some intense matches, strawberries and cream (ask the Brits) and maybe even a glimpse of your favourite tennis stars.

FA Cup Final

  • Location: London, England
  • Time of Year: Mid-May

Experience the adrenaline-filled action of the FA Cup Final, the pinnacle of English football. If you're not lucky enough to score tickets to the match (it can be pretty pricey), head to your local pub to watch the game and the crowds will be just as animated.

Fun fact: the FA Cup trophy gets adorned with both teams' ribbons during the match and after the game, the losing team’s ribbons come off.

British Grand Prix

  • Location: Silverstone Circuit, England
  • Time of Year: Early July

If you’re all about speed, the British Grand Prix is a must-see. Witness the innovative engines and enthralling races as the cars zip by at speeds of up to 330 km/hr. It’s a spectacle that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

London Marathon

  • Location: London, England
  • Time of Year: Late April

Lace up your running shoes or grab your airhorn to cheer on the participants at the London Marathon. On race day, runners pass iconic landmarks, including the London Eye and Tower Bridge, making it a scenic and exhilarating race for all.

Six Nations Rugby

  • Location: Across the UK, Italy, and France
  • Time of Year: Early February – Mid-March

Get ready for the action at the Six Nations Rugby Championship. Spanning across six countries and over 1-2 months, this tournament promises thrilling matches and an electric atmosphere. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or just in it for the fun, this event is not to be missed.

Royal Ascot

  • Location: Ascot, England
  • Time of Year: Mid-June

Grab your fancy hat and join the elites at the Royal Ascot for a day of high-stakes horse racing. And who knows, you may just strike it rich with winning a bet. In 2024, prizes reached to a staggering £17 million.

The St. Andrews Golf

  • Location: Fife, Scotland
  • Time of Year: Year-Round

Tee off at the historic St. Andrews Golf Course, the oldest of its kind in Scotland. With its iconic 18-hole Old Course and six additional courses to explore, you're in for a golfing experience like no other, no matter the time of year.

Wildcard event

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship

  • Location: Waen Rhydd peat bog, Wales
  • Time of Year: Late August

Dive into the weird and wonderful world of bog snorkelling. Head to Llanwrtyd in Wales for this offbeat championship, where you can watch or even participate in the muddiest race of your life. Don't forget to enjoy the live music and sip on some cider or ale while you're at it.

Thinking of swapping Canada for the UK? Find out how you can be part of the British sporting world on a UK Working Holiday.

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"Dive into the wonderful world of bog snorkeling"

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