Game for anything - get in on the action
UK sporting venues are renowned worldwide - some are steeped in history, others boast state-of-the-art facilities. And, as sport is an integral part of , you won't have far to go to find the perfect pitch, court or track, wherever you are based
Published: 01 October 2003
UK sporting venues are renowned worldwide - some are steeped in history, others boast state-of-the-art facilities. And, as sport is an integral part of , you won't have far to go to find the perfect pitch, court or track, wherever you are based
ATHLETICS National Indoor Arena, Birmingham
One of the finest indoor athletics venues in Britain. Hosted the World Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2003, as well as the CGU Grand Prix.
Getting there: Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill (train); 0121-200 2022; www.runtrackdir.com
Lord's is named after Thomas Lord, founder of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the fathers of the game. The museum contains the original Ashes for which Australia and England battle every two years. Guided tours are available.
Getting there:
St John's Wood (underground); 020-7289 1611; www.lords.org
CULTURAL (HIGHLAND) GAMES Braemar, Aberdeenshire
Although these games take place all over the Highlands, the village of Braemar is the focus. The Braemar Royal Highland Society puts on colourful processions of bagpipers, dancing and traditional games - including tossing the caber (tree trunk), putting the stone, throwing the hammer and tug-of-war - where a mix of kilted clansmen and international athletes compete.
Getting there: Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Perth (train), then bus to Braemar; 01339 755377; www.braemargathering.org
FOOTBALL Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester United supporters from around the world make the sporting pilgrimage to this, their majestic "theatre of dreams". Take the tour, and soak up the atmosphere.
Getting there: Old Trafford (train) or Trafford Park (tram); 0161-868 8000; 0870-442 1994 (museum); www.manutd.com
GOLF St Andrews, Fife
Six hundred years ago, golf was played at St Andrews on a track cut through heather. Today, it is the largest golfing complex in Europe. Jack Nicklaus said: "For any golfer to be remembered, he must win at St Andrews."
Getting there: Leuchars (train), then bus to St Andrews; 01334 466666; www.standrews.org.uk
HORSE RACING Newmarket, Suffolk
The horseracing capital of the world, Newmarket has two courses, the National Stud and the National Horseracing Museum. Newmarket's most famous races are the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, run on the first Saturday and Sunday in May.
Getting there: Newmarket (train); 01638 663482; www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk
ICE SPORT The Odyssey, Belfast
This ultra-modern complex hosts major international sports events such as basketball, tennis, athletics, motor-cycle trials and ice-skating. It is home to Superleague ice hockey team, the Belfast Giants.
Getting there: Central (train); 028-9045 1055; www.theodyssey.co.uk
MOTOR RACING Silverstone, Northamptonshire
This world-famous track has been the home of the British Grand Prix for many years. It also stages a number of other races throughout the year. Visitors can try out race and rally cars.
Getting there: Northampton or Milton Keynes (train); 01327 857 273; www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk
RUGBY UNION Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
The 72,500-seat, state-of-the-art Millennium Stadium is a world-class arena with one of the most passionate atmospheres in the world of sport. It hosted the 1999 Rugby Union World Cup and the 2003 FA Cup Final.
Getting there: Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street (train); 08705 582 582; www.wru.co.uk
SNOOKER Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, Yorkshire
Every April and May since 1977, this theatre ditches performance art in favour of art on the green baize, when it hosts the World Snooker Championships. The Crucible has an incredible atmosphere.
Getting there: Sheffield (train); 0114-249 5999; www.embassysnooker.com
TENNIS Wimbledon, London
This suburb of London will forever be associated with lawn tennis. Home to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, recent redevelopment brings better facilities than ever before, and a museum with an excellent view of Centre Court.
Getting there: Southfields (underground); 020-8944 1066; www.wimbledon.org
WATER SPORTS AND SURFING Newquay, Cornwall
Newquay is the surfing capital of Britain and Europe. Fistral beach regularly holds major surfing events.
Getting there: Newquay (train); 01637 854020; www.surfnewquay.co.uk
YACHTING Cowes, Isle of Wight
The main event in this picturesque town is Cowes Week in July and August, the most famous sailing event in the world.
Getting there: Boat from Southampton; 01983 291914; www.cowes.co.uk
For more information, go to www.visitbritain.com/sport
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