London’s six greatest sporting venues

There are few more quintessentially British experiences than attending a sporting match in these famous stadiums.

Wimbledon

There are few more quintessentially British summer experiences than watching the tennis with strawberries and cream - and perhaps a glass or two of Pimm’s. Also known as SW19 after its London postcode, the annual Wimbledon Championships is regarded as the sport’s pinnacle, playing out on grass over a fortnight from late June or early July. Tickets are available via selected providers and a public ballot (usually open October-November), but it’s also possible to explore the grounds, get a peek of Centre Court and recall the great victories of Roger, Novak, Martina and Serena at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour, open-year round. wimbledon.com

Lord’s

The diminutive Ashes urn is among the precious exhibits at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum at Lord’s, “The Home of Cricket”. This hallowed north London ground stages an Ashes Test every four years (the next men’s one will be in 2027), but you can hear all about the enduring England-Australia rivalry on Lord’s guided tours, which run almost every day, throughout the year. They take you behind the scenes and let you walk through the pavilion’s famous Long Room (where some of the Baggy Greens were recently heckled by MCC members during the controversial second Ashes Test). Tours are also offered at south London’s The Oval, which is similarly steeped in Ashes legend and traditionally hosts the final Test of the men’s series (July 27-31, 2023). lords.org and kiaoval.com

Twickenham Stadium

Feisty battles between England and Australia (the Wallabies) have also thrilled Twickenham over the decades. But this 82,000-capacity arena - the world’s largest dedicated rugby union venue - is at its roaring best during the Six Nations, an annual scrum-fest that sees England face off against Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. Men’s and women’s matches kick off on weekends between early February and late April. Twickenham’s heritage is explored on stadium tours, which finish at the World Rugby Museum, where topical temporary exhibitions complement the sport’s most extensive collection of memorabilia. twickenhamstadium.com