Once you’ve made yourself at home in your London Marble Arch digs, it’s time to plan some activities to keep you entertained in the city! Besides the museums, the galleries, the shopping and the West End extravaganzas, London has great appeal for sport lovers. Six Premier League football teams are based in the capital. The city hosted the 2012 Olympics. The city is also the home of cricket, tennis and rugby venues.
Do something different during your trip to London and take a tour of a stadium. Perfect for sports fans, these stadiums are also appealing to anyone with an interest in history or contemporary culture. They’re reasonably priced too, so you can still treat yourself to luxury hotel rooms in London!
On your marks, get set, GO!
London Stadium
The London Stadium was purpose built for the 2012 Olympic Games, and this shiny new structure has left its modern-day legacy on the city. The stadium, found in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is now the home turf of West Ham United. A multimedia tour makes full use of modern technology. Some parts are guided, others use interactive devices and audio tour, for a thoroughly sensory experience recounting legendary goals and Olympic races. You have the chance to walk down the players’ tunnel, have a race on the indoor running track and visit the changing room. There are a range of photo opportunities along the route to create your own memories.
The guided tour takes 75 minutes and costs from £17 per person.
Closest Underground: Stratford & Hackney Wick
Wembley Stadium
Wembley is the king of stadiums, and has hosted some of the greatest sporting moments in history as well storming the showbiz world with top celebrity acts. Guided tours of Wembley Stadium give you behind-the-scenes access to the England dressing room, the players’ tunnel and the royal box. Get a sneak peak at the 1966 World Cup crossbar and see historic tablets commemorating London’s 1948 Olympic Games. To cap it all off, take in the empty stadium, which holds 90,000 spectates! You’ll be in need of a decent meal at one of the appealing restaurants near the Marble Arch after you’ve finished exploring this colossal venue.
The guided tour takes 75 minutes and costs from £19 per person.
Closest Underground: Wembley
Emirates Stadium
Walk in the footsteps of some of the Premier League’s finest football players at the stomping ground of Arsenal Football Club. The tour grants access to the directors box, Diamond Club, dressing rooms, head coach’s office, players’ tunnel, pitch side and home dugout and the media lounge. You get to take home your own pair of Arsenal branded earphones and upon completion of the tour you can explore the on-site Arsenal Museum at leisure.
The guided tour takes 90 minutes and costs from £25 per person.
Closest Underground: Arsenal
Stamford Bridge Stadium
If you’re fanatic about ‘The Blues’ then don’t miss a chance to tour the iconic Stamford Bridge stadium, home to Chelsea Football Club. Get a sense of what it would be like to meet the press as you sit behind the desk in the press room. Have a wander around the home dressing room and then walk along the player’s tunnel to step onto the huge pitch! Following the tour, guests are admitted to the Chelsea Football Club Museum. Tour guides at the stadium are commended for their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm!
The guided tour takes 60 minutes and costs from £24 per person.
Closest Underground: Fulham Broadway
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The swanky new stadium of Premier League team Spurs is so state-of-the-art, it’ll make you thankful for your luxury hotel rooms in London! The tour gives exclusive access to First Team areas and an insight into how the players prepare on match days. Walk out of the changing rooms, down the tunnel, sit on the Spurs bench and even take Jose Mourinho’s seat in the Press Auditorium.
The guided tour takes 90 minutes and costs from £24 per person.
Closest Underground: Seven Sisters (or White Hart Lane Overground station)
All England Lawn Tennis Club
Anyone for tennis? The Championships at Wimbledon grip viewers from all around the world every summer, and spectators flock to the grounds to watch the matches live on the big screen over Henman Hill. The tour gives you chance to get up close to The Championships Trophies and learn about the history, traditions and legends of the game. Using the latest VR technology you’ll be transported back in time, before being given full 360° access to The Championships.
The guided tour takes 90 minutes and costs from £25 per person.
Closest Underground: Wimbledon Park
Twickenham Stadium
The 5th largest sports stadium in Europe also happens to be the largest stadium in the world devoted exclusively to rugby. Twickenham Stadium is the home of England’s rugby team. Highlights of the tour include the royal box, the players’ tunnel, dressing room, and getting a breathtaking view of the arena from the top of the stand. And naturally, you’ll get to visit the pitch side. Build up your appetite by exploring the World Rugby Museum before sitting down to a meal in one of the Marble Arch restaurants.
The guided tour takes 2 hours and costs from £25 per person.
Closest Underground: Twickenham
Kia Oval Cricket Ground
South London’s Oval is the home of Surrey Cricket Club and birthplace of The Ashes, but it also has an astonishing history in football. The Oval also hosted England’s first international football match (against Scotland) as well as the first Football Association Cup Final (also, against Scotland!). The tour lets you try your hand at being a commentator and explore the whole outfield. You also get to experience the Peter May Stand for an outstanding view of the pitch and the iconic Gasholder. Wrap up your tour with a mug of tea over the outfield.
The guided tour takes 90 minutes and costs from £15 per person.
Closest Underground: Oval
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