For a chance to relive those great sporting moments, nothing beats a visit to the places where they actually took place.
From stadiums to grand prix circuits and even a behind-the-scenes look at the training centres that make it all possible, there are plenty of incredible places to inspire sports-loving travellers across the UK.
If you’re looking to combine your holiday with a splash of sport, you can even find a Hilton hotel located right in the action, where you can “stay and play” for the ultimate sporting experience …
If you’re a grand prix fan
Where to stay: within the inner perimeter of the Silverstone circuit, right on the Hamilton Straight, is the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone – the world’s first starting grid hotel. You can catch all the action from the hotel’s fantastic Rooftop bar, where sweeping views of the track mean you won’t miss a minute of the action.
The hotel is as sleek and seamless as a Red Bull pitstop, with the Box Bar & Kitchen restaurant alongside the Rooftop bar, and you’ll find the Silverstone Interactive Museum just a five-minute stroll away.
What to do: at the most recent British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July, Lewis Hamilton took a record-breaking ninth win at a single circuit, in a rain-hit race – his 104th victory overall.
You can relive this and the many other memorable moments of British racing history at the former second world war airbase, which hosted the first British Grand Prix in 1950.
The Silverstone Museum takes you on a journey through the past, present and future of British motor racing, with immersive shows, technical exhibitions and a showcase of replica vintage race cars.
Walk on parts of the original grand prix track by booking on to the Heritage Track Trail. Take the wheel yourself with the Sim Suite at Silverstone, an immersive 30-minute racing simulator. Or race the Silverstone track, as recreated by the team at Scalextric, with its brand new On Track exhibit.
If you’re a football fan
Where to stay: Hilton London Wembley, adjacent to Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, is handy if you want to get behind the scenes of the beautiful game.
The stadium is just steps away, as are the Ovo Arena Wembley, a concert and events venue, and the London Designer Outlet, and it’s all just a short train ride to London’s best attractions.
You can savour British cuisine, fine champagne and classic cocktails at the hotel’s Sky Bar 9, or relax at the indoor pool with its whirlpool, sauna and steam room.
What to do: the home stadium of the England national teams, Wembley truly roared when the Lionesses finally brought football home in 2022 with their European Championship win.
It was a crowning moment in more than 100 years of sporting history. Take it all in with a stadium tour, visiting dressing rooms and the players’ tunnel. Gain access to exclusive areas with a VIP Wembley Tour, led by your own private tour host. Or you can even enjoy a VIP Matchday Tour for pitchside access to watch the players warm up, as well as tickets to the game.
If you’re a cricket fan
Where to stay: in Southampton, right next to the Utilita Bowl, the home of Hampshire cricket, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl overlooks rolling green landscapes and a tranquil lake, with sweeping views of the cricket ground.
Head to Beefy’s, the hotel’s main restaurant – inspired by cricket legend Ian Botham’s nickname – where you can savour British classics with a modern twist.
What to do: earlier this year, fast bowler Kyle Abbott became Utilita Bowl’s leading wicket taker as Hampshire took on Surrey in the County Championship.
You can soak up the electric atmosphere at this 25,000-capacity cricket ground, set in 73 hectares (181 acres) on the outskirts of Southampton.
Or, for a whole different ball game, don your spikes and head out on to the sprawling 18-hole Boundary Lakes Golf Course. You can enjoy a range of play-and-stay experiences, combining accommodation with rounds of golf and culinary experiences, from a play and stay with two rounds and breakfast, to the two-night play and stay with breakfast and three rounds of golf.
If you’re an England football fan
Where to stay: a visit to the home of the England national football teams, the incredible St George’s Park, in Staffordshire, invites you to immerse yourself in the beautiful game.
The on-site hotel, Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, is perfect for football fans. Set on the edge of the National Forest, it serves up sensational British cuisine at the Restaurant, together with signature cocktails at the aptly named Crossbar.
Pampering sessions await at the health club and spa, which features a gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and four treatment rooms, all set across 134 hectares (330 acres) of scenic parkland.
What to do: St George’s Park is one of the world’s best international training centres. Opening its doors in 2012, following a £105m investment, it was designed to become “the Oxford and Cambridge of football”, according to former FA technical director Howard Wilkinson.
It has certainly helped hone the skills of arguably the most talented generation of English football players in living memory.
Take to the park’s walking and running routes to explore the 14 elite outdoor pitches, including one that is an exact replica of the surface at Wembley.
You can even lace up your boots and head to the ContiWarmUp pitch, set among the centre’s elite training pitches. Simply speak to the Hilton reception team about organising a kickaround.
Make your own piece of sporting history at one of these or Hilton’s other sport hotels
