Explore London’s top sporting events, iconic venues, and fan experiences—from Wimbledon and Premier League matches to interactive activities and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated sports traveler, London has something for everyone. As a Roadtrips on-site host, I’m excited to pass along our experiences of helping people make memories in London.

London — A Global Capital for Sports

If there’s one city that truly embodies the global spirit of sport, it’s London. From the thunderous roar inside Wembley Stadium to the polite hush of Centre Court at Wimbledon, this is a city where athletic drama meets rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re watching cricket at Lord’s, rugby at Twickenham, or kayaking on the River Thames, London offers endless opportunities for sports lovers.

To me, London blends tradition and history with global leadership and modernity – it’s estimated that the 15.1 million people who live there speak more than 300 languages. You can have a casual afternoon pint with friends at the local pub, experience fandom with your favorite Premier League club, or enjoy the highest of high culture with world class… everything! At the same time, you’ll walk through idyllic residential neighborhoods, pastoral parks, corner shoppes and cafes. Peaceful afternoons will give way to exciting nightlife and cultural experiences galore to blend in with your sporting event.

In a given year, London sporting events draw more than 80,000,000 spectators! With seven Premier League teams, international rugby and cricket competitions, tennis, Champions League, NFL and MLB games, and so much more, the sports scene in London is top-ranked.

Tips for Visiting London as a Sports Fan

London is a city where sports culture is woven into the urban fabric, but navigating it as a visitor can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. From ticket safety to local etiquette, these tips help you make the most of all of the sports things to do in London while ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience. 

1. Getting Around

London is comprised of 32 boroughs – the square mile of “City of London” and 12 inner boroughs, and then 20 outer boroughs.

London’s Tube and bus networks make reaching stadiums and venues straightforward:

• Wembley Stadium – Jubilee or Metropolitan Line to Wembley Park.
• Twickenham Stadium – South West Trains to Twickenham station.
• Wimbledon – District Line or Thameslink to Southfields.

Consider an Oyster card or contactless payment for seamless travel.

2. Understand Local Etiquette

Cheering and traditions vary by sport and venue:

• Football matches – Chanting is part of the experience, but avoid offensive behavior.
• Wimbledon – Maintain silence during points; dress codes apply in certain areas.
• Rugby and cricket – Applaud great plays and respect the pace of the game.

Observing local customs enhances your experience and shows respect for the sport.

3. Plan for Seasonal Weather

London weather can be unpredictable:

• Spring and Summer – Light layers, sunscreen, and rain jackets for outdoor events.
• Autumn and Winter – Warm clothing, scarves, and waterproof footwear are essential for football, rugby, or open-air screenings.
• Check weather forecasts before outdoor events like the London Marathon or Boat Race.

4. Combine Sports with Sightseeing

London offers more than stadiums:

• Visit iconic attractions like the Tower of London, The Palace of Westminster, or South Bank between matches.
• Explore sports museums and interactive experiences for a deeper connection to London’s athletic culture.
• Take advantage of walking tours or day trips to nearby sports destinations such as Silverstone or Henley-on-Thames.

5. Family-Friendly Tips

• Many parks, fan zones, and museums offer free or low-cost activities suitable for children.
• Check age restrictions for stadium tours or VIP experiences.
• Bring snacks, water, and comfortable clothing for day-long adventures.

6. Insider Travel Advice

• Contact Roadtrips today to discuss the design and curation of your London sports experience! 
• Arrive early to avoid long queues and maximize sightseeing around events.
• Plan meals in advance – popular bars and restaurants near stadiums can fill quickly on matchdays.
• Consider travel planning services – Companies like Roadtrips can organize luxury itineraries combining sports things to do in London with accommodations, transport, and VIP experiences.
• Tipping Etiquette – 10-15% tips are customary for food, rounding off for a cab is a minimum, and cash is more likely to get directly to your server than a service fee on a machine would. 

With careful planning, attention to local customs, and awareness of logistics, visiting London as a sports fan can be seamless, fun, and unforgettable. These tips ensure that whether you’re watching Wimbledon, a Premier League derby, or the London Marathon, your experience will be smooth and memorable.

Top Sports Things to Do in London

London’s sporting calendar is packed with world-class events, showcasing why it remains a global sports hub. From the elegance of Wimbledon to the roar of Premier League football, the city has something for every fan.

Major Sporting Events in London

London hosts sporting events year-round, from elite competitions to mass-participation spectacles.

The Wimbledon Championships (July)
The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon has been played on the All England Club lawns since 1877. Rain delays, strict dress codes, and the iconic queue all add to its charm. Roadtrips offers exclusive Wimbledon VIP packages with luxury hospitality and prime seating.

The FA Cup Final (May)
Held at Wembley Stadium, this historic football final blends tradition, rivalry, and national pride. It’s one of the oldest and most revered competitions in world football.

London Marathon (April)
A city-wide celebration, the London Marathon features runners passing landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, cheered on by thousands of spectators.

NFL London Games (Autumn)
American football crosses the Atlantic each fall at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, complete with tailgates, cheer squads, and enthusiastic British fans. 

MLB London Series (Summer)
Major League Baseball brings its rivalry to London Stadium, attracting expats and curious locals alike.

The Hundred (Summer)
The Hundred is a professional cricket competition with a fast-paced, fan-friendly format. Each team faces just 100 balls per inning, creating exciting, action-packed matches that typically last about three hours. Eight city-based teams, including London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, compete across iconic venues such as Lord’s, The Oval, and the Kia Oval. The tournament takes place every summer, typically from July to August, offering family-friendly atmospheres, live music, and interactive fan zones—making The Hundred a unique and thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts.

Test Cricket (Summer)
Lord’s and The Oval host England’s cricket matches against the world’s best national teams. These historic grounds are steeped in tradition.

Rugby Internationals at Twickenham (Autumn/Winter)
Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world with a capacity of 83,000, hosting Six Nations Championship and autumn internationals with electrifying fan atmospheres.

Upcoming Major Sporting Events Calendar – London

Iconic Sports Venues to Visit in London

London isn’t just a great city for watching sports—it’s a living museum of athletic history. From the roar of Wembley Stadium to the manicured lawns of Wimbledon, these venues define sporting excellence.

• Wembley Stadium – The Cathedral of Football: The modern 90,000-seat stadium hosts everything from FA Cup finals to NFL games. Tours let visitors walk the players’ tunnel, stand pitch-side, and experience England’s managerial perspective.
• Twickenham Stadium – Home of Rugby Union: The world’s largest dedicated rugby stadium features the World Rugby Museum and offers unmatched atmospheres during Six Nations and autumn internationals.
• Lord’s Cricket Ground – Home of Cricket: “Home of Cricket” since 1814, Lord’s features Georgian architecture, the Long Room, Players’ Dressing Rooms, and the legendary Ashes Urn. Tours and Museum are available.
• The All England Lawn Tennis Club – Wimbledon: Visitors can tour Centre Court, the Lawn Tennis Museum, and even explore exclusive VIP packages for Wimbledon matches.
• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Future of Football: This ultra-modern arena hosts Premier League matches, NFL games, and rooftop Skywalk tours with panoramic city views.
• The Oval – A South London Classic: Historic cricket and football venue with guided tours revealing one of the oldest professional playing fields in the world.
• Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) & Stamford Bridge (Chelsea): Premier League fans can tour these iconic clubs, experiencing museums, players’ tunnels, and interactive exhibits.
  • Emirates Stadium Tours & Museum
  • Stamford Bridge Tours & Museum
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – A Legacy Reimagined: Home to swimming, cycling, West Ham United matches, and family-friendly open spaces, the park celebrates London’s Olympic legacy.

Best Places to Watch Live Sports in London

Sometimes the best experience isn’t in the stadium—it’s in a lively bar surrounded by fans, where you can shout at TVs! London offers upscale sports bars, casual pubs, and outdoor fan zones.

• Greenwood – Victoria: Upscale venue with multiple screens, craft beers, and gourmet food.
• Bar Kick – Shoreditch (located in The Shoreditch Arms): Casual spot with table football, craft beers, and live broadcasts.
• The Sports Bar & Grill – Marylebone: Central hub with multiple screens, vibrant atmosphere, and accessibility.
• Flat Iron Square – Southwark: High-energy live sports and entertainment venue with food and drink options aplenty.
  
  Other notable sports pubs include Belushi’s (Shepherd’s Bush / Camden), The Faltering Fullback (Finsbury Park), and Waxy O’Connor’s (Covent Garden).

Free and Family-Friendly Sports Activities in London

London parks, rivers, and public spaces offer countless ways to enjoy sport for free:

• Parks for Casual Play
  • Hyde Park: Football, cricket, jogging, rowing.
  • Regent’s Park: Cricket nets, tennis courts, open fields.
  • Clapham Common: Casual sports meetups and yoga.
• Wimbledon Outdoor Screenings
  • King’s Cross, Canary Wharf, Granary Square: Free public viewing with lively crowds (search for “Wimbledon Screenings” for annual details).
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Cycling, walking, interactive exhibits, basketball, climbing walls, kayaking.
• Thames Path & River Activities: Walking, jogging, rowing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing.

Sports Museums and Interactive Experiences in London

• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, Centre Court tours.
• Chelsea & Arsenal Museums – Premier League history, interactive exhibits, stadium tours.
  • Arsenal Museum
  • Chelsea Museum
• World Rugby Museum – Twickenham – Historic uniforms, trophies, and interactive rugby experiences.
• Olympic Museum – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Try cycling, rowing, and running simulations. (Note: There is no single official “Olympic Museum” at the park, but attractions like the Lee Valley VeloPark and London Aquatics Centre offer interactive experiences.)
• Modern Experiences – Topgolf Watford, virtual reality cricket, trampoline dodgeball, and axe throwing.

Top 10 Visitor-Accessible Golf Courses in and around London

1. Richmond Park Golf Course – Central London: Nestled within Richmond Park, this 18-hole course offers scenic fairways and views of deer herds.
2. Addington Palace Golf Club – Croydon: Historic estate course with 27 holes, open to visitors.
3. Coombe Hill Golf Club – Kingston upon Thames: Semi-private course with public tee times, offering rolling fairways and excellent practice facilities.
4. Northwood Golf Club (Visitor Access) – North West London (Search for Northwood Golf Club visitor bookings): Modern parkland course welcoming visitors on select days.
5. Surrey National Golf Club (Visitor Packages) – Guildford (Search for Surrey National Golf Club visitor bookings): Championship-standard parkland course.
6. Foxhills Club & Resort – Ottershaw, Surrey: 18-hole public-friendly course with luxury resort amenities, perfect for a day trip.
7. Addington Golf Range & Academy – Croydon (Search for Addington Court Golf Club): Accessible driving range and short course for casual practice or beginners.
8. Osterley Park Golf Club – West London (Search for Osterley Park Golf Club visitor bookings): Historic parkland course with visitor tee times.
9. Bush Hill Park Golf Club – Enfield (Search for Bush Hill Park Golf Club visitor bookings): Public 18-hole course with welcoming facilities.
10. Harrow Golf Club – North West London (Search for Harrow Golf Club visitor bookings): Semi-public, accessible via booking.

Exploring London’s Pub Culture

• Historic and Iconic Pubs
  • The George Inn (Southwark) – London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn.
  • Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Fleet Street) – Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666.
  • The Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden) (Search for Lamb & Flag Covent Garden) – Famous for its connection to 18th-century boxing.
• Sports-Friendly Pubs (Links provided above in the “Best Places to Watch Live Sports” section.)
• Gastropubs and Modern Twists
  • The Harwood Arms (Fulham) – Michelin-starred gastropub.
  • The Gun (Docklands) – Riverside dining with historic décor.
  • The Princess of Shoreditch – Trendy, casual gastropub.

These pubs show that London’s culinary culture extends beyond fine dining, offering sports things to do in London combined with excellent food and a lively social scene.

Pub Culture Tips for Visitors

1. Try a local ale or cider – Ask the bartender for seasonal or regional brews for a true British experience.
2. Mind the etiquette – Pubs often have table service rules; it’s customary to order at the bar in casual settings.
3. Plan around events – During major football matches or Wimbledon, arrive early to secure a good spot.
4. Explore historic neighborhoods – Pubs in areas like Covent Garden, Southwark, or Shoreditch each have unique character and history.
5. Pair with sightseeing – Many historic pubs are near landmarks, making them perfect stops between attractions.

London’s pub culture is an experience in itself. Whether you’re watching a Wimbledon match, cheering for a Premier League team, enjoying a Sunday roast, or simply soaking in history, the city’s pubs are vibrant social centers that offer a genuine taste of London life.

London’s sporting scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From Wimbledon to Wembley, from historic cricket grounds to modern marvels like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the city delivers unforgettable experiences for every sports fan. Whether attending a major final, cheering in a pub, or rowing on the Thames, London’s love of sport is infectious.

FAQ

What are the most popular sports in London?

Football, tennis, cricket, rugby union, and rowing top the list.

What the heck is a “Derby” or a “Cup Tie?”

For the uninitiated, perhaps a football match just appears to be a football match. But if you want to see higher-intensity brands of football that mean more to the supporters, you should keep an eye out for a “Derby” (pronounced “darby”) where two rival teams from the same area play each other. In a Cup Tie, two football clubs in the Football Association challenge each other in a bracket-format tournament to win one of two cups on offer each year. These matches have a reputation for being a little more chippy and wild! And David often finds a way to take down Goliath during a cup tie.

What are the biggest sporting events in London each year?

Wimbledon, the FA Cup Final, London Marathon, NFL London Games, and rugby internationals at Twickenham.

Wimbledon

• Attracts over 500,000 spectators across two weeks.
• More than 54,000 tennis balls are used during the tournament.
• Broadcast to an estimated billion-plus global audience each year.

FA Cup Final (Wembley Stadium)

• Wembley seats 90,000 fans, the largest stadium in the UK.
• The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world (since 1871).
• The Final typically draws 9–10 million TV viewers in the UK alone.

London Marathon

• Features 50,000+ runners annually.
• Raises over £60 million for charity each year, making it one of the largest fundraising events on the planet.
• Over 750,000 spectators line the streets.

NFL London Games

• The games draw around 85,000 fans per match (Wembley) or around 62,000 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
• Since 2007, London has hosted 40+ NFL games.
• UK NFL fandom has grown to over 14 million followers.

Rugby Internationals at Twickenham

• Twickenham holds 82,000 spectators, making it the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world.
• England home matches often hit 98–100% attendance.
• The Six Nations broadcasts reach tens of millions globally.

Where can I play football in London?

Powerleague, Goals Soccer Centres, and many local parks host casual matches. Wanna play a casual game? Check out footyaddicts.com!

What sports can you do on the River Thames?

Kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, sailing, and wakeboarding.

What’s the best time to visit London for sports fans?

Summer offers the most variety—with Wimbledon, cricket, MLB, and open-air screenings all in full swing.

Ready to start planning your ultimate, custom-designed London sports travel experience? Contact our team to begin the anticipation today! 

Jeff Eyamie

Jeff Eyamie has been a Roadtrips On-Site Host since 2022's World Cup in Qatar. A former journalist, Jeff is a published novelist and screenwriter, mainly in the factual television space. He lists golf and soccer as two of his sporting passions and really enjoys providing once-in-a-lifetime sports travel experiences ... even if it's more than once in a lifetime!