UK Sporting Events
Football (Soccer)
The English Premier League is watched by millions worldwide and many consider it to be the best league in the world, with the best players in the world plying their trade here in England. With Great British Trips you could get to a game yourself and witness the electric atmosphere of a Premier League game. Last season Chelsea won the title ahead of Manchester United with Arsenal and Tottenham close behind. This season promises to be even more exciting. Want to include this on your itinerary? click hereThe Scottish Premier League may not have the worldwide acclaim of its English counterpart, but the Scots are no less passionate about their brand of the game. The big ‘two’ – Rangers and Celtic each play in front of over 50,000 fans at the famous Glasgow stadiums of Ibrox Park and Celtic Park respectively. This season, Edinburgh’s two clubs Hibernian and Hearts will be aiming to challenge them along with Dundee United.
There are a few international matches in 2011 as England, Scotland and Wales attempt to qualify for the European Championships taking place in Poland and the Ukraine in 2012.
Rugby
As well as domestic league games, with teams playing in many of our destination cities, the highlight of the Rugby Union season in the UK is the Six Nations Championship, which takes place in February and March featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy as they compete for the title. Some of the games will be played in Great British Trips destinations – London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, where England, Wales and Scotland respectively will play their home games during the tournament.
Tennis and Wimbledon
Wimbledon is famous the world over for its grass court tennis championships and its history and character make it probably the best tennis tournament in the world. In 2011 the tournament takes place from 25th June to 8th July 2012.. Wimbledon is in south-west London easily accessible from Central London.
Although most tickets are only available through a ballet, it is possible to queue for tickets overnight. However, we are also able to offer a VIP Wimbledon Package. Click Here for Wimbledon Package
Golf
The 140th British open championship will take place in Sandwich, Kent from 14th to 17th July. The wonderful course provides some great natural vantage points for the spectator to view the action. Nearby to Great British Trips destination Canterbury, there is certainly plenty to see and do in this south-east corner of England. The historic towns of Hastings and Rye lie further down the coast, with London and Brighton within easy reach.
Of course one of the most famous golf courses in the world is in Scotland at St Andrews. You can visit the course and even play on the historic fairways and greens. Then enjoy the old town of St Andrews itself, the dynamic city of Dundee and historic Perth and Stirling nearby as well as Scotland’s famous 
capital Edinburgh. If you’re interested in playing golf, Britain has a wealth of golf courses, so there shouldn’t be one too far away from any of our Great British Trips destinations.
The 2010 Ryder Cup is taking place in South Wales this year. Although tickets are no longer available, for those who have tickets or wish to come along and soak up the atmosphere, we can easily arrange a pre or post tournament package to ensure you get the most out of visiting Great Britain. Find out more
Formula 1
The Formula 1 British Grand Prix is one of the main events of the British sporting calendar. In 2011 the Grand Prix takes place on Sunday 10th July, with practice and qualifying on the proceeding 2 days. Why not combine the Grand Prix with a visit to the nearby historic city of Oxford or to Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon just a little bit further away?
Ice Hockey
The Elite League is the UK’s top Ice hockey league featuring teams in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The season runs from September to the end of March, featuring 9 teams, 7 of which play their home games in or near to Great British Trips destinations.
Cricket
The quintessentially English sport of Cricket has captivated many while confusing others due to the eccentricities of the game. However, if you want to understand some of Britain’s culture and heritage, then a visit to one of England’s beautiful cricket grounds is a must as you sit back with a pint of beer or glass of wine and take in the action on a fine summer’s day. Games take place every day of the week and a day’s cricket normally lasts from 11am until around 6pm weather permitting. The professional game is played by counties rather than towns or cities between the months of April and September and all 18 counties play in or near one of our Great British Trips destinations. International cricket is also played and England will host India and Sri Lanka over a series of games played throughout the summer of 2011.To add a game of cricket to your itinerary, click here
Horse Racing and Equestrian
Horse racing has long been an integral part of British life, with races run up and down the country and countless racecourses.In addition there are many equestrian events and Horse Trials around the country. The main events however are:
09-Apr |
The Grand National |
Aintree Racecourse |
|
04-Jun |
The Derby |
Epsom Racecourse |
near LONDON |
14th-18th Jun |
Royal Ascot |
Ascot Racecourse |
near WINDSOR |
15th - 18th Mar |
The Cheltenham Festival |
Cheltenham Racecourse |
|
July (5 days) |
Glorious Goodwood Festival |
Goodwood Racecourse |
near CHICHESTER |
05-07 Aug |
Gatcombe Park Horse Trials |
Gatcombe Park |
|
21-25 Apr |
Badminton Horse Trials |
Badminton |
near Bristol |
To add a race or equestrian event to your itinerary, click here
Snooker
There are a number of professional snooker tournaments taking place in the UK throughout the year, but none are as legendary as the World Championships which take place in Sheffield. In 2011 the championships take place between 16th April and 2nd May. You could combine a visit to the snooker with a stay in the beautiful Peak District or the exciting cities of Leeds and Nottingham as well as Sheffield itself of course.
