No-one denies that Sheffield has a notable sporting presence, history, and pedigree, but it’s also true that if Sheffielders want to see the very best that a sport has to offer, they usually have to travel. The World Snooker Championship is held in Sheffield, of course, and Sheffield United and Wednesday do come up with some famous victories from time to time (sadly, just not this year), but by and large, the best of the best is found in other parts of the country.
Is this a negative point? We don’t think so. It means that we’ve got the perfect excuse to plan a domestic trip elsewhere in the country and enjoy some world-class sporting action. If you’re looking for inspiration, then check out the ideas we’ve put together below.
The Cheltenham Festival
Sheffield does have a race track, Owlerton, but alas, it only hosts greyhound and stock car racing, so Sheffield locals that wish to experience the thrill of horse racing will have to look a little further afield. The good news is that there are plenty of world-class horse racing events in the UK! If you’re looking for quality, fun, and history in equal measure, then you can’t go wrong with the Cheltenham Festival.
The four-day festival takes place each March and provides the perfect environment to enjoy world-class racing in a vibrant and social atmosphere. To get the most from your trip, book your tickets and accommodation early, and read up on some Cheltenham Festival tips before you travel so you know which horses to follow. And don’t forget that this is an opportunity for you and your friends to get dressed to the nines, so be sure to pack your best glad-rags.
Wembley Stadium Events
Wembley Stadium may have come in over budget and with a delayed opening date, but all that’s a memory now. The result of that £789 million and four years of construction is a world-class stadium that is arguably the best in the world. It’s worth visiting even if no sporting event is taking place, but of course, you’ll want to see some action on the field for the true experience. While it’s most famous for hosting football matches, the stadium also hosts rugby matches (including the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final) and NFL matches. However, if you’re a die-hard Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday fan, then you might just want to wait until they appear in a play-off final (or go on an unlikely run to the FA Cup semi-finals).
British Formula One Grand Prix
One of the hottest social events of the year, the British Grand Prix provides an exhilarating and stylish day out, even if you’re not a hardcore F1 fan. It holds the record for the longest continuously held Formula One event in the world and always seems to feature one standout moment or another! Go soon while Lewis Hamilton is dominating the sport because there’s nothing like a homegrown winner at Silverstone.
The Open Championship
There’s much to love about the British Open Golf Championship. Whereas courses around the world boast sun-kissed fairways and perfect playing conditions, the British Open typically offers wildly wet and windy conditions that provide a real test of endurance for the world’s best golfers. There’s something to admire about watching Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods try to compete with playing conditions that are about as far removed from the climate of California and Florida as possible.
The competition’s venue changes each year, of course, and actually, Sheffielders don’t actually need to travel too far. Wait until the competition returns to Royal Latham, Royal Birkdale, or Hoylake, and you’ll be an easy two-hour drive away from watching the world’s best golfers compete in what is arguably the most difficult golf competition in the world.
Conclusion
And there we have it: three UK sporting events that provide the perfect weekend trip for Sheffielders. If these don’t inspire you, then take a look at Wimbledon or the Henley Regatta. There’s a UK sporting event for everyone!
