The United Kingdom has a wealth of sports and activities to offer visitors – from classic sporting events for spectators, to opportunities for numerous outdoor pursuits. It is well known that many popular sports originated in the UK. Football, cricket, rugby, golf and tennis, to name but a few, were invented here. These sports are still avidly followed and played by many enthusiasts. For more specific information on sport in the different areas of the UK, see the individual country sections.
Spectator sportsFootball is the UK’s most popular spectator sport. The season
lasts from August to May, and matches are played mainly at weekends. Most football clubs sell tickets in advance, though for some clubs (eg Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United), games will be sold out months in advance. The main cricket (played strictly between April and September) and tennis tournaments are held in England, while rugby is particularly popular in Wales. Horse racing and motor racing are very popular throughout the UK, with the chance of making a fortune through the bookmakers being a major attraction. The best-known rowing and sailing regattas take place in England, and are regarded as important social events.
GolfThere are courses in every corner of the UK, from famous courses to more modest ones. A round at one of the more popular courses, such as the Old Course at St Andrews, needs to be booked well in advance.
Outdoor pursuitsWalking, mountaineering, caving, climbing and cycling are all easy to arrange. With the UK’s countryside ranging from rolling fields and pleasant farmland to austere mountains, all kinds of walks are possible. There are 14 national parks and numerous other protected natural areas in England and Wales. Further information on national parks and specific paths can be found in the individual country sections. Although nearly all land (including land in national parks) in the UK is privately owned, walkers have access to it along rights of way that are marked on maps and usually signposted. There are also areas where it is permissible to go beyond the rights of way, and these are known as ‘open country’. An excellent series of maps is published by the Ordnance Survey, a government agency. Widely available and covering the whole of the UK except Northern Ireland (maps of which are published by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland), these come in different scales (1:50,000 and 1:25,000). There are many outdoor pursuits centers which offer tuition in mountaincraft and watersports and organize trips. Moreover, walking is a very popular activity in the UK, and there are several influential organizations that exist to promote the interests of walkers. The Youth Hostels Association provides a network of cheap hostels, and runs courses; The Ramblers’ Association, Camelford House, 2nd Floor, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW (tel: (020) 7339 8500; website:
www.ramblers.org.uk) produces leaflets and a very useful
walk Britain annual directory (£5.99 plus postage) and organizes trips and group walks.
English coursesThere are many language schools where foreign students can learn English. More than 370 of these schools are inspected and approved (accredited) by the British Council under their accreditation scheme. A wide variety of courses are available, from business English to courses designed especially for young people and those studying for specific examinations. Many schools organize social programs and accommodation with local families. Further information and advice about choosing a language course can be obtained from the British Council, Education Information Scheme, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN (tel: (0161) 957 7755; website:
www.britishcouncil.org). The British Council’s overseas offices can also provide information and advice.
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