Tag: London

6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

London Aquatics Centre to host International Swimming League 2026 All-Star Match

The 2026 International Swimming League (ISL) All-Star Match will be held at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 19 December 2026. A one-night team competition featuring some of the world’s best swimmers, the All-Star Match marks the start of the ISL’s next chapter as it plans for its full return. The match will bring the sport’s biggest names back to the pool for a single unmissable evening, staged in front of a live London crowd and a global broadcast audience. Also, the total prize pool for the All-Star Match will be the largest ever offered for a single night of competitive swimming. London was chosen as the host city for its world-class venue and its standing as one of the great international swimming cities. The London Aquatics Centre, built fo...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

London tops 2026 sports-tripping index ahead of Dubai and Tokyo

London has been crowned the world’s best city for sports-tripping in 2026, according to a global study by luggage storage network Stasher. The research found that nearly 30% of people have travelled – or would consider travelling – abroad for a major sporting event, reflecting the continued rise of sports tourism as a mainstream travel driver.  According to UN Tourism, sports tourism now accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending, with projections suggesting the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. Scoring 7.6 out of 10, London’s appeal lies in the sheer density of elite teams and global events across the so-called ‘big five’ sports – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket. The city is home to 20 world-class teams, including football heavyweights Arsenal...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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7Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick

Sports travel bucket list: find your inner ‘rebel’ and rocket along London’s River Thames

Ramy James Salameh enjoys rocket speed on the inaugural sailing of the 'Rocket Rebel', the newest (and fastest) speedboat to traverse the River Thames taking in some of London's most iconic landmarks from a very unique perspective.  Immediately below the majestic London Eye lurks a waterborne mechanical beast. It is 16-metres in length, bright red and tattooed with Union Jack graphics. Its sleek and piercing design is made of revolutionary lightweight aluminium, whilst its fuel-efficient twin 725hp jet-propelled engines makes it the largest, fastest and undoubtedly coolest sightseeing boat on the historic River Thames. The English capital has just welcomed to its famous waterway, the newly launched, ‘Rocket Rebel’, a speedboat which joins an existing fleet of five 12-seat, 12.5-metre...

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

nhow London launches hotel stay package for London Marathon 2025

The nhow London hotel, located in Shoreditch, has created an exclusive two-night marathon package for runners competing in the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025. Starting from £245 per night, the package – 25-27 April or 26-28 April – is designed to fuel both performance and recovery for runners. Available at an additional cost, runners can prepare for their big day with a special pre-race dinner menu on the night before the event, featuring carbohydrate-rich foods, moderate in protein and low in fat and fibre.  Following a night's sleep, marathon-goers can enjoy a tailored runners' breakfast from 5am, with a choice of foods to optimise energy levels. Every athlete staying at the hotel will also receive an energy pack to-go, featuring essential race-day fuel such as a banana an...

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1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City

As the English capital gears up for the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025, The Westin London City hotel has unveiled a series of marathon experiences designed for both runners and their supporters.  Situated along the historic River Thames, the five-star property has 226 guest rooms, suites and residences, plus F&B options including all-day dining restaurant Mosaic and riverside wine bar Hithe + Seek. The hotel is also popular for guests seeking wellness and recreation during their stay in central London. Dedicated to promoting wellbeing, The Westin London City is home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, which has an indoor swimming pool, and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. In terms of events, the hotel hosts yoga classes and “Rise & Run” sessi...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London

Ramy James Salameh headed to The Lensbury, a premier sports resort situated beside the River Thames in south west London, to enjoy a two-day tennis retreat alongside plenty of R&R. Framed and signed squad shirts, silver glinting trophy cabinets and a champions honours board are just some of the sporting memorabilia adorning the walls of The Lensbury Hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. It all reflects more than a century of sporting excellence, ever since its formation as a sports and social club in 1920. Today, its 25-acres of manicured lawns play host to some of the world’s best teams and sportspeople, who come to prepare and train ahead of major competitions. When England's Lionesses became European women's football champions in 2022, they used The Le...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

Formula 1 to put on a show at The O2 for 2025 season launch

For the first time in Formula 1 history, all 10 teams – Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Kick Sauber, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams – their drivers and team principals will come together with fans for a special night to launch the new season, reveal their 2025 liveries, and mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year. This unprecedented world premiere event will take place on 18 February 2025 between 8pm and 10pm at The O2 in London, England, and is being brought to life by creative visionary Brian Burke of BrianBurkeCreative, Stufish Entertainment Architects, DX7 Design, and production company 1826. BrianBurkeCreative and this world-renowned team delivered the groundbreaking opening and closing ceremonies for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Bur...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane

Each month padel players from around the world come together at Rocks Lane Padel Academy in Chiswick, west London, for a week of padel training and cultural exploration.  Whether you’re just starting your padel journey or looking to improve your competitive edge, the week-long intensive training programme at Rocks Lane is designed for players of all levels. At its venue in Chiswick, you will find the biggest padel tennis facility in London – with 12 padel courts, including four covered courts, a clubhouse with cafe, changing rooms, soft play and social areas. Under the expert guidance of Álex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player and one of the UK’s most respected coaches, you’ll receive personalised coaching to help elevate your game. The sessions focus on technique, strateg...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

London Marathon Events has announced that Marathon Tours & Travel will be the official participant hotel provider of the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which next takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. The one-year partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel offer a variety of hotel accommodation options for UK or international runners who have already secured their entry into next year’s TCS London Marathon – the 45th edition.  Marathon Tours & Travel’s expert support teams, based in England, will help participants, along with their friends, family and supporters, find the right place to stay ahead of marathon day, with accommodation that allows for easy access to the start and finish of the TCS London Marathon.  Stays of one, two or more nights can be booked in carefully...

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30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

The Formula 1 Exhibition to open at Excel London in August 2024

London has been announced as the next city to host The Formula 1 Exhibition, following ground-breaking runs in Madrid, Vienna and Toronto. Opening on 23 August 2024 at ExCeL London, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with pieces of motorsport history and delve into the world of F1.  Having launched to widespread critical acclaim in Madrid, the London show is set to be the biggest F1 exhibition show to date, with a number of new additions, including soon-to-be-announced iconic F1 cars, and historic memorabilia.  New for London, a partnership with Silverstone Museum will bring to life unique stories from the British Grand Prix. State-of-the art racing simulators using official F1 gaming equipment will also feature, giving visitors the chance to experience what i...

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22May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

NFL confirms 2024 International Games in São Paulo, London and Munich

The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule of the 2024 International Games that will be played in São Paulo, Brazil; London, England; and Munich, Germany.  This season’s International Games will begin in São Paulo in Week 1 of the regular season – with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday 6 September at Corinthians Arena.  Minnesota Vikings will kick off the league's return to Europe on Sunday 6 October as they play the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London – the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the United States. The following Sunday, 13 October, the Chicago Bears will play the Jacksonville Jaguars, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The London focus then shifts to Wembley Stadium as the Jaguars tak...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Lord’s Cricket Ground: plans approved for Tavern and Allen stands redevelopment

Redevelopment plans for Lord’s Cricket Ground's Tavern and Allen stands have been approved by members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Westminster City Council's Planning Committee.  The £61.8m project, which was put to the MCC’s 18,000-strong membership at its AGM, will provide improved catering, hospitality and accessibility, as well as increasing the overall ground capacity by an additional 1,100 seats. MCC Members’ approval comes after Westminster City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning consent to the Tavern and Allen project at a meeting on 16 April.  MCC is now ready to enter the construction phase of the redevelopment, due to begin in late September, at the end of the cricket season. The Tavern and Allen stand project follows ...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Norrie and Zverev confirmed for the 2024 Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic

British No.1 men’s tennis player Cameron Norrie has been confirmed on the line-up for the 2024 Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, taking place from 25-29 June at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, west London. Norrie will be joined in the grass-court tournament by a number of ATP stars, including world No.5 Alexander Zverev, world No.12 Holger Rune, world No.17 Karen Khachanov, and world No.21 Frances Tiafoe.  Held ahead of the Wimbledon grand slam, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic is returning to The Hurlingham Club for its 30th edition this year, with Italian luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani as its title partner for the third year in a row. The Tennis Classic offers exclusive and intimate access to one of the country's most renowned members’ clubs, combining timeless elegance with qu...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Venues & Stadiums

A guide to Wembley Stadium and Wembley Park in London

London's Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. As well as being the home of English football, the stadium also hosts NFL London Games, major finals and big music concerts.  In 2023 Wembley celebrated 100 years since the original stadium opened and in 2024 the venue will host the Uefa Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The district around the stadium, Wembley Park, has seen huge redevelopment in the past few years. There’s now plenty of places to eat and drink, popular attractions and many new residential buildings.  Here we take a look at Wembley Stadium and the Wembley Park neighbourhood. Key details  Official name: Wembley Stadium connected by EE Website: wembleystadium.com ...

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21Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

‘NFL Experience London’ fan event to be held at Battersea Power Station

American football returns to London in October with three regular-season NFL fixtures being held in the English capital. And to mark the 2023 NFL London Games, a one-day fan event will take place at Battersea Power Station on Saturday 7 October, from 10am to 6pm.  The free-to-attend “NFL Experience London” event will feature a Quarterback Challenge, Broad Jump and Vertical Jump, Wide Receiver, and Field Goal Kick activities. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will also have fan activations and photo opportunities at the venue. Merchandise and vintage memorabilia from all 32 NFL teams will be available to buy, plus a New Era cap personalisation station and vending machine, with a Fanatics container shop that will dispense NFL products. Giant N...

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10Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Premier League football club stadium tours, museums and experiences

The 2023-2024 English Premier League season is nearing its conclusion, with teams battling for the title and European spots or trying to avoid relegation. Once again, Manchester City came into a campaign as the reigning champions, while Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town were promoted up from the Championship.   In this guide we highlight the fan experiences, stadium tours, museums and days out that football supporters can enjoy at Premier League clubs across England. At the end of the article we also look at stadium helicopter tours across the UK, plus what to see and do at the "home of English football", Wembley Stadium in London.  Editor’s note: Sports Tourism News works with a number of affiliate partners, including Red Letter Days, Buy A Gift, and Headout. Products ar...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

F1 Drive – London karting to launch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in late 2023

Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur have announced the official name of their new immersive karting experience: F1 Drive - London. Part of a long-term partnership between F1 and the English Premier League football club, F1 Drive will be the world’s first in-stadium electric karting facility and London’s longest indoor karting track. The experience will open to the public in late 2023, while the track layout and e-karts will be revealed later this summer. A fully-electric karting experience, it will support Formula 1’s drive for greater access and opportunity to the lower levels of motorsport, and through the partnership both F1 and Tottenham will explore ways to promote diversity and inclusion within the motorsport industry.  The track  Thanks to the space afforded by the retract...

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18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sports venue in focus: new £30m Lee Valley Ice Centre opens in London 

Lee Valley Ice Centre – a new world-class sports venue in Leyton, east London – has opened its doors to the public. Costing £30m to build, it features two Olympic-sized ice rinks plus a gym, dance studios, community spaces and café.  With two ice rinks, it means the centre can remain open while providing professional athletes, synchronised skating teams and ice hockey clubs a place to train. One of the rinks has a spectator viewing area, disco lighting and sound system, while the other will be used for ice events and includes a spectator seating area, digital scoreboards and screens. A welcome addition to sport and leisure facilities in the southeast region of the UK, the new Lee Valley Ice Centre is expected to boost the local economy by as much as £1.5m annually and attract half a ...

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25May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Football attractions: Tottenham Experience Dare Skywalk

The award-winning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London offers one of the finest spectator experiences in the world of sport and entertainment. Home to English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, it incorporates a fully-retractable football pitch, becoming the first purpose-built ground for the NFL in Europe. With a capacity of 62,850, the stadium has created a major landmark for both Tottenham and London featuring visitor attractions including the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour, Dare Skywalk and Dare Skywalk Edge. A star-studded line-up of summer acts – including Beyoncé, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Wizkid – are set to perform at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in summer 2023. This year there will be two NFL London Games held at Tottenham. Buffalo Bills face the Jacksonvill...

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