With the next season of Ted Lasso arriving this summer, football fever is back in a big way. If rewatching the series has made you curious about what it’s really like to experience a live match, there’s no better place to start than London. And it’s not just about soccer! From Wimbledon to cricket at Lord’s and legendary annual events, London is one of the best places to experience the most popular sports in the UK. When you stay in one of our Vacation Perfect apartment rentals, you’ll be well placed to enjoy the city’s famous sports pubs, easy public transport and exciting match-day atmosphere.
Overview of Sports In London
London is an incredible city for sports, with passionate fans, historic venues and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan or simply looking for a new London experience, here are some of the most popular sports in the UK to know about before your visit.
London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Football
The most popular sport in London is football. This is clear from the number of teams in London as well as the spectators. The city is home to 16 men’s professional clubs, with 7 in the Premier League, 7 in the Football League, and 2 in the National League. There are also five pro women’s teams in the Women’s Super League: Arsenal, Chelsea, London City Lionesses, Tottenham, and West Ham United.
The Premier League is the top division and the one to check out if you are looking to see some of the best teams featuring world-renowned athletes. London teams in the Premier League are:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United
- Crystal Palace
- Fulham
- Brentford
Our Chelsea and Kensington vacation rentals are especially convenient for sports fans. Chelsea F.C.’s Stamford Bridge stadium is easy to reach, and the city’s excellent transport links make it simple to travel to other major sports events across London.
Rugby
Rugby is another hugely popular sport in London, with clubs competing at several levels. The top division in the UK is the Premiership, and London has two clubs: Harlequins and Saracens. Some of the other top-tier rugby teams are Ealing Trailfinders, London Scottish and Richmond. All three of these clubs compete in the RFU Championship.
Tennis
For tennis fans, Wimbledon is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. One of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in the world, The Championships is the third of the four Grand Slam tennis events held annually. The other events are the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open.
Part of Wimbledon’s appeal is how much tradition remains woven into the experience. First held in 1877, The Championships is still played on grass and still follows its famous all-white dress code for competitors. For visitors, the magic is in the details: strawberries and cream, champagne, the restrained advertising and the atmosphere of Centre Court, where sporting drama meets more than a century of history.
Cricket
For many visitors, cricket is one of the most fascinating sports to experience in London. Test cricket, one of the sport’s traditional formats, can last up to five days and is a major part of British sporting culture. London has two Test cricket grounds: Lord’s and The Oval. Lord’s is known as the “Home of Cricket” and also houses the world’s oldest sporting museum.
Other Major Sports Events In London
London’s sporting calendar is busy throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you book your stay. Some events take place at the same time each year, while others change dates annually, but these are some of the major sporting experiences to look out for:
Spring: The Boat Race brings one of Britain’s great sporting traditions to the River Thames, with Oxford and Cambridge competing on the historic course between Putney and Mortlake. The London Marathon also takes place in spring, filling the city with an unforgettable atmosphere as runners make their way past some of London’s most famous landmarks.
May: Football fans can look out for the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, one of the biggest dates in the English football calendar.
June: Tennis season begins in London with the Queen’s Club Championships, a prestigious grass-court tournament that offers a wonderful lead-in to Wimbledon. Cricket also becomes a major part of the summer sporting calendar, with matches at Lord’s and The Oval.
Late June and July: Wimbledon is the highlight of London’s summer sports season. Tickets can be highly sought after, but even watching from a London pub or joining the famous queue can be part of the experience.
July: The London Athletics Meet brings world-class track and field to London Stadium, making it a great option for visitors who enjoy Olympic-style sporting events.
Autumn: Rugby, football and American football all bring major events to London in autumn. The NFL London Games have become a popular fixture, with regular-season American football games usually held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Wembley.
Winter: Rugby fans should keep an eye on the Six Nations, which usually begins in late winter and brings a fantastic match-day atmosphere to Twickenham when England plays at home.
Experience One of the Best Sports Cities In The World
From the excitement of a Chelsea F.C. match to the traditions of Wimbledon, the atmosphere at Lord’s or the pageantry of The Boat Race, London is packed with unforgettable sporting experiences. Even if you’re not usually a sports fan, attending a match or event can be a memorable way to connect with local life and see another side of the city.
Make your stay even more comfortable with a London vacation apartment rental from Vacation Perfect. With beautiful homes in favorite neighborhoods like Chelsea and Kensington, you’ll enjoy a stylish London base close to transport, restaurants, pubs and many of the city’s top attractions.
To learn more about planning your stay, read our London Perfect travel guide for things to do, neighborhood tips and vacation planning advice. You can also contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn more about planning a fabulous vacation rental stay in London.
