Got a group of sporting lovers? Here are some of the best, coach-friendliest sports venues and tours
Newmarket’s newest attraction is one of many excellent sport destinations to take a group to. In no particular order, here are the other nine of GT&T’s top 10 sporting venues and stadium experiences for groups.
London Stadium
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opened in April 2014, following an 18-month transformation from its use in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Home to West Ham FC, it now offers a new tour for the group travel market, taking in the park’s iconic venues – including the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the London Stadium Tour, the London Aquatics Centre, and the Lee Valley VeloPark. The shortest tour takes two hours; the full park and venues package is a five-hour day out. Tours can be tailored to your requirements. Book through the Coach-Friendly ArcelorMittal Orbit, on 0208 221 9111 or at trade@arcelormittalorbit.com.
Ascot
Ascot is London’s premier racing venue, and with 26 race days a year, there’s much more to it than just Royal Ascot. Other race days have food, wine and beer festivals, and live entertainment, so there’s plenty to do for members of the group who aren’t big gamblers. Discounts are available for groups of 10+, and several catering options and packages are available, Viewing, betting and refreshments can all be arranged in advance.
Visit ascot.co.uk/groups, call 01344 878536, or email groups@ascot.co.uk.
Wembley
The Wembley Stadium Tour is a fully-guided experience that gives groups an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the England Dressing Room, Players’ Tunnel, Press Room and Royal Box. There’s also access to Wembley's historical treasures, such as the 1966 World Cup crossbar, the Jules Rimet Trophy commemorating England's World Cup glory, and the original flag from London's 1948 Olympic Games. Groups of 25+ get a 15% discount. Call 0800 169 7711.
Lord’s
Lord’s Cricket Ground, the home of cricket in Britain, offers group tours with a 10% discount for 20+. The tour typically lasts for up to 100 minutes, and the highlights include the Ashes Urn, the Pavilion Long Room, the Players' Dressing Rooms and the Honours Boards. Afternoon tea and meals at the famous Lord’s Tavern are available as part of a groups package. Call 020 7616 8595 or email tours@mcc.org.uk.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon has options for museum entry and private tours for groups of 15+, with group rates applicable. The 90-minute tour, available in 18 languages, takes groups around the Grounds with a qualified Blue Badge guide, then onto the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which includes a Virtual Reality experience. The current exhibition is On Air: Wimbledon and the BBC, 1927-2017, which explores the world-famous event’s relationship with the BBC. Visit goo.gl/Hz9pNA to enquire.
Madejski Stadium
A bit more off the beaten track, Madejski Stadium is home to ‘the Royals’, Reading FC, and also plays host to many rugby matches. It offers discounts to groups of 10+, and matchday experience packages from £450, with priority pitchside seating and other special touches. Hospitality packages and stadium tours are also available. Call 0118 968 1103 or email OWaterhouse@readingfc.co.uk.
Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is one of the country's premier rugby venues. A tour takes in the Press Conference Suite, the 'Dragons' Lair' dressing room, the Players' Tunnel, semi-artificial pitch and the fully retractable roof, which converts the entire playing surface into one of the world's largest indoor arenas, the VIP hospitality suite, and the President's Box. To make a group booking, call 0292 082 2432 or email customercare@wru.wales.
Anfield Stadium
Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium has just launched its new Stadium Tour, which it says has been carefully designed with groups in mind. Free-flow tours with multimedia headsets, plus museum access, are now available. At the same time, work to expand the famous Main Stand is continuing, with the Stand re-opening later this year. Anfield has a dedicated Groups Manager and can tailor-make a package for each group. Email alfie.white@liverpoolfc.com.
Stamford Bridge Stadium
Home of Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge offers private tours for groups of 20+, with discounts of 15% for 30+ and 20% for 50+. The stadium tour is a “fun, informative and unforgettable experience” that takes in the press room, home and away dressing rooms, the tunnel and dug-out areas, with access to the museum included. Meal and hospitality packages are available. To book, visit goo.gl/w6XY8b
