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Sport & Activities
Walking: Although England has a high population density, it contains some beautiful and unspoilt countryside which is ideal for walkers. As a rule, the highest ground is in the north and west of the country, while the east and south tend to be flatter. Just south of the Scottish border is Northumberland National Park, featuring moorland and beaches. The Pennines (‘the backbone of England’) stretch for 429km (268 miles) from Kirk Yetholm just over the Scottish border to Edale in Derbyshire, separating Yorkshire in the east from its ancient rival, Lancashire, and from Cumbria in the west. The long-distance footpath the Pennine Way runs along this range. Relatively demanding, owing to the continual ascents and descents, it is nevertheless very popular. In the northwest, just below Carlisle, lies the spectacular Lake District, with England’s highest peak Scafell Pike (978m/3207ft), while Yorkshire contains two national parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District National Park lies to the south of the Pennines. Gentler hills and farmland are to be found in the ‘home counties’, the area in the south of England to the west of London. The ‘west country’ (Somerset, Cornwall and Devon) by contrast, features higher land, moorland, cliffs and a rocky shoreline. The South West Coast Path (978km/613 miles) runs around the coast from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point near Poole in Dorset. Further information about these areas can be found in the Resorts & Excursions section.
Boating: England is threaded with canals and rivers, and there are many lakes and other waterways. Because canals connect urban centres, hiring a canal boat is a good way of visiting towns while still enjoying the countryside. A number of tour operators specialise in hiring out boats; for a list of these, contact the English Tourism Council (see Contact Addresses section). Yachts and cabin cruisers can also be hired, and facilities abound in popular sailing areas such as the Norfolk Broads.
Cycling: Cyclists are very well catered for in England, and there are many designated cycling routes. Some of these pass through towns and villages and some go through wilder regions. All are signposted and well maintained, and bicycles can be hired all over the country. A list of cycling routes is available from the Tourism Council. East Anglia, its flat terrain sprinkled with picturesque villages, is a good cycling destination.
Spectator sports: English sporting events are often characterised by their traditional atmosphere and valued as much for the social opportunities which accompany them as for the sporting action. Many of the most famous events are patronised by the Royal family, and a certain style of dress is de rigeur. The main horseraces attract a huge following and include the Grand National (the nation’s premier event, prompting bets worth millions of pounds), Ascot (famous for the extravagant hats worn by women on Ladies’ Day) and Aintree. Many English people are passionate about racing, and there are race courses all over the country. The world-famous tennis tournament known as Wimbledon takes place in London SW19 in late June and early July. Tickets must be purchased well in advance if good seats are required, while a ballot is held for tickets for the days of the finals. Rowing is another traditional sport which provides fans of English culture with a chance to observe some age-old rituals. The year’s most prestigious event is the Henley Regatta, held at Henley-on-Thames in late June. Boaters and blazers are worn by the men, while women often wear dresses and hats. Rowing eights from all over the world come to compete. The Oxford versus Cambridge Boat Race takes place in February. Eights from England’s two oldest universities race along the Thames in London from Putney to Mortlake. Nowadays, there are races for women as well as for men. Cricket, incomprehensible though it may seem to those unfamiliar with the rules, is popular in England. The most famous ground is Lords in north London. Football is enthusiastically followed by all classes of society and, increasingly, by both men and women. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are known for their skill all over the world. Rugby, which is divided between union and league (amateur and professional), is also popular.
Other: Other sports available include surfing, particularly popular in Cornwall; fishing (a permit is needed and is available from post offices); horseriding, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.
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