Wimblendon / Source: Pixabay.com
Here are some great destinations for a jam-packed sports holiday with a little sprinkling of culture.
When deciding to take a holiday, most people take into account the beaches they might visit or the historic monuments to see. Other people pick places based on food or galleries. For some, sports are at the top of the agenda, and sports holidays are becoming increasingly popular amongst those who like to travel to their favourite game, but what if you're travelling with a partner who has yet to be convinced? Here are some great destinations for a jam-packed sports holiday with a little sprinkling of culture:
Wimbledon, UK: The Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Wimbledon is conveniently located on the outskirts of London, close enough for a fifteen-minute train but also well catered for with plenty of pubs and restaurants, not that you'll need to head anywhere else if you're planning to visit the Tennis Championships for the day. If you've missed the ballot but still want to bag a ticket, you can purchase tickets on the day by joining The Queue the night before. People tend to turn up in the early hours and even the night before when there are big stars playing on centre court, and often make a night of it by pitching up with tents and bringing drinks and snacks to see them through the long queuing process. At The Lawn Tennis Association, you can pick up a grounds pass, which allows you to sit on the informally dubbed 'Murray Mound', where you can watch some of the biggest games on the big screen.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Ultimate Fighting Championship
Abu Dhabi isn't the first place you think of when you hear 'sporting holiday', but aside from a busy horse racing programme, they also have a fledgling MMA scene, with UFC, Bellator, Rizin and K-1 becoming increasingly popular amongst locals. In April, UFC organisers announced that they will be setting up a five-year partnership with the Department for Tourism and Culture in Abu Dhabi to host major UFC matches. Betting is unavailable in Abu Dhabi, so you'll want to make decisions online at sites such as bonus.ca, where betting on UFC, Bellator, Rizin and K-1 can be done from your phone with a few clicks. When looking for places to stay, you'll be spoiled for choice, as Abu Dhabi is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels.
Saint Etienne, France: Tour De France
With a pretty French charm and rustic architecture, Saint Etienne makes for a beautiful holiday at any time of the year, but head there during the Tour De France and you'll be greeted with a festival-like atmosphere and the chance to see the greatest cyclists in the world finishing the 10th stage of the Tour. The small town is bookended by old mining pits, around which you might want to take a walk, or even cycle if you're that way inclined. If you fancy seeing other special French gems, head to the nearby city of Lyon, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to some fancy French cooking and exquisite local wine.
Convincing a partner to take a sports holiday can feel like a bit of a headache, but by picking a destination with great local culture and hotels, you're far more likely to bring them around – you might even find yourself dabbling in a bit of the local culture. Allez!
