10 minute read
SPORTING TOURS ON THE GREAT WEST WAY
Spectator sports are hugely popular in England and throughout the Great West Way. From the largest tennis museum in the world to small-town rugby clubs and big city football stadiums we hope you will stop for a tour at one of these favourite clubs.
Horse racing, rowing regattas and polo matches are all high-class occasions where dressing up is part of the fun. Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot are the two most famous, with traditions and etiquette that add to the sense of occasion. But if your trip doesn’t coincide with one of these major events not only are there lots more competitive races, games and matches to keep you on the edge of your seat, you are still able to visit these prestigious world-renowned venues on a behind-the-scenes tour of the players and competitors grounds, stadiums and changing rooms.
Experience the life of an Equestrian
There’s a strong horse riding heritage running through the Great West Way, and many tracks where you can watch races and put money on your favourite horses. Ascot is of course the most famous hosting Royal Ascot in June, however did you know you can enjoy a free guided tour from one of their iconic Bowler Hat Stewards? These special tours include a visit to the weighing room and jockeys' changing rooms taking place throughout the Jumps season, before racing begins.
Royal Ascot
Other racecourses in the region include those at Newbury, Windsor, Bath and a short detour off the route, Salisbury. And don’t miss Barbury International Horse Trials in July, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Marlborough Downs.
Take a visit to England's Home of Rugby Museum
The award-winning World Rugby Museum houses the world’s most prestigious collection of rugby memorabilia and offers memorable tours of the iconic Twickenham Stadium.
During a Stadium Tour you are able to visit some of the most exciting and select areas, including the Royal Box, Players' Tunnel, pitch-side, and inside the England Dressing Room where you will learn about the match-day preparations and routines of international rugby players.
Take a tour of Wimbledon, the All England Tennis Club
Wimbledon's award-winning behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds are the perfect way to see this world-famous site – the location to one of the four tennis Grand Slam tournaments, considered the most important competitions of the tennis season. One of the world’s most celebrated tennis events, the championships at Wimbledon run for two weeks in July attracting over 500,000 spectators.
Expertly led by a friendly Blue Badge Guide, you’ll learn about how Wimbledon’s distinctive grass is cared for and how the site is improved and developed each year.
You’ll see facilities provided for the press, broadcasters and the world’s best tennis players. Inside the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum you will experience the history and traditions of ‘the Fortnight’, get up close to the Championships Trophies, feel the fabrics of tennis fashions from the Victorian period, test your skills on the Batak wall and learn about how The Championships has developed since 1877.
The All England Club, Wimbledon.
With clothing and equipment donated by tennis’ top stars, you’re certain to see something from your favourite player too. The Museum also runs several special exhibitions, including one dedicated to tennis at the Olympic Games, another charting the evolution of the racket from the 1870s to present day, and a showcase of the spectacular tennis posters that have been used to advertise Wimbledon over the years. The Museum's newest temporary exhibition is Centre Court: 100 Years of Change, celebrating the centenary of Centre Court, taking place in 2022.
The exhibition explores the role that Centre Court has played as a witness to a period of considerable social and cultural progress, and the platform that the court, and The Championships, has provided for that change.
Have an unforgettable time on the water
An absolute must for Rowing enthusiasts, the Henley Rowing Association offer a special and unique opportunity to row on the regatta course with Olympian and Twice World Champion, Toby Garbett. The five hour long Gold package includes an outdoor warm up session of rowing specific exercises, a coaching and rowing experience in a quad or octuple on the Regatta course, a tour of the famous Leander
Club followed by a 'Crew lunch’ at Leander with Toby Garbett offering his stories, revelations and motivational advice.
Rowing on the River Thames
Following the experience head to the Henley on Thames River & Rowing Museum located on the banks of the picturesque river and housed in an award-winning building, designed by the acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield. With four permanent galleries dedicated to Rowing, Rivers, the work of British Artist John Piper and the history of Henley on Thames, the Museum is also home to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition which brings to life the much-loved story with 3D models, lighting and music.
Pop into the café and sit out on the terrace overlooking Mill Meadows, and visit the shop for books and games, fashion, craft and local produce, including fine wines, gins, honey and chocolates. The constantly evolving calendar of temporary art and photography exhibitions and a year-round calendar of nature trails, craft workshops and family days, ensures there is always something new to see and do.
Enjoy a real tradition at Marylebone Cricket Club Museum with a Lord’s Tour
Lord’s is the most famous cricket Ground in the world, steeped in over 200 years of history and tradition. Lord's is not only a must for all cricket lovers, but for anyone looking for the quintessentially English experience. Private Tours can be booked any day of the week, giving you an opportunity to go behind the scenes at the ‘home of cricket’.
Marylebone Cricket Club Museum and Lord’s Tour
An expert guide will lead you through the most iconic parts of the ground including the Grade II listed Victorian Pavilion, the world-famous Long Room, the Players’ Dressing Rooms, the dramatic J.P. Morgan Media Centre, and the MCC Museum, home of the Ashes Urn – cricket’s bestknown artefact. Lord’s has an extraordinary history, dramatic architecture, and an unrivalled collection of cricket-related art and memorabilia.
Tour the stadiums of England's ‘beautiful game’
Football in England is not just a game but a national obsession. Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s hard not to get swept away by the atmosphere at a good match. See what all the fuss is about with a stadium tour. Bristol City, whose home stadium is Ashton Gate, and Bristol Rovers, at Memorial Stadium, have a historic rivalry. You can visit Ashton Gate during one of their hosted events throughout the year. There's a huge variety from music concerts to include award-winning Elton John and his Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour, to The Killers and comedian Russell Brand.
Bristol Rovers offer behind the scenes tours of the Memorial Stadium with professional coaches, including visits to the players dressing room and the chance to wave the flags of the Guard of Honour for under six to under 16 years football teams. While top performing Bristol City Women’s F.C. can be found at Stoke Gifford Stadium, there’s also the Easton Cowboys & Cowgirls where graffiti artist Banksy was once a member (apparently he played in goal).
In London you can go behind the scenes at the London Stadium with a West Ham football legend, take a stadium tour at Chelsea and see their iconic soccer club’s trophies, shirts and memorabilia, and for the most iconic ground of them all, take a tour of Wembley Stadium. New, worldleading technology allows you to get closer to the history of the stadium, with augmented reality as well as exceptional opportunities to visit the dressing rooms, pitch and tunnel, as well as a chance to hold a replica FA cup!
Visit the opulent Farleigh House Estate for a historic tour with Bath Rugby
If there is a capital city of Rugby in England then it is here. Bath Rugby is one of the oldest Rugby teams in the world - they have been going strong for more than 150 years. You can see Bath Rugby play at The Rec by the River Avon with views of Pulteney Bridge and Georgian Terraces – one of English Rugby’s most iconic sights.
World Rugby Museum
Did you know? In 1971, Mollie Gerrard became the first woman president of Bath Rugby, and any rugby club.
Away from matchdays on The Rec, Bath Rugby hang their hat at the opulent Farleigh House Estate. This majestic Georgian mansion is the most spectacular rugby facility we have seen in Europe. The original walled garden is now a half-size 3G set-piece training pitch, the outbuildings house a powerlifter's paradise and the old towers of the mansion now hosts the state-of-the-art nerve centre of English Rugby’s most successful club. You can visit the manor for a coaching experience, tour, lectures on training and many more possibilities besides. With Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire all in easy distance of Bath, your touring opposition will be clubs from the core of English Rugby’s most traditional and historic heartland.
Take your travels up a gear
If you like high octane sport, have you ever raced a rally car? Incongruously located in ‘the prettiest village in England’, Castle Combe Circuit offers petrol heads the possibility to tackle high speed laps and time trials themselves, as well as experience a white knuckle passenger ride with a pro driver at the wheel. Or you might like to have a go at sailing at Cotswold Water Park or on the River Thames. Channel your inner Chris Hoy and whizz round the tracks on the velodrome at Palmer Park, Reading (adaptable bikes available) or take a tandem ride around Bristol with Bristol Tandem Hire.
Plan your visit and watch a spectator sport as part of your own Great West Way sporting tour
Depending on where you’re visiting along the touring route and when, you might also catch some cycling, hockey, motor racing, marathons, boxing, tennis… even a game of rounders in a local park. This cricket-like game has been popular since Tudor times - not the height of UK sport, perhaps, but entertaining nonetheless. And you don’t have to be a spectator: opportunities abound to jump into that gym kit and get active yourself. And if you want to watch something a little offbeat, you could always visit Chippenham for the Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday. Or the Woolsack Races, which take place in Tetbury each May to celebrate the town’s wool trade heritage. There are even lawnmower races - held throughout the south of England each summer.
However you choose to engross yourself in sport along the Great West Way we hope you have a memorable experience.
