Unique for 2026
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, various locations, England
12 June to 12 July 2026
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup comes to British shores from mid-June, with 12 international teams set to battle it out in T20 matches in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Southampton. The action kicks off at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium between England and Sri Lanka. Expect nail-biting moments and a buzzing atmosphere as the world’s best players fight for the trophy.
154th Open at Royal Birkdale, Southport, England
12 to 19 July 2026
The world’s oldest major golf tournament returns to Royal Birkdale in 2026, set among towering sand dunes on England’s northwest coast. Hosting The Open for the 11th time, this famous links course is renowned for its demanding layout and unpredictable coastal winds. Top international players will battle for the trophy, continuing a tradition dating back to the 19th century.
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland
23 July to 2 August 2026
Scotland’s biggest city will come alive as more than 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations and territories compete across a packed 11-day schedule. From artistic gymnastics and swimming to para powerlifting and athletics, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will showcase elite sport and inclusive competition. Four major venues across Glasgow will stage the action, making it a summer sporting highlight for the Commonwealth.
AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham and St Annes, England
29 July to 2 August 2026
For the sixth time, Royal Lytham and St Annes welcomes the world’s top women golfers to its challenging Lancashire links during the AIG Women’s Open 2026. With 174 pot bunkers and a windswept coastal setting, fans can witness elite competition in the 50th staging of one of women’s golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
European Athletics Championships, Birmingham, England
10 to 16 August 2026
For seven days in August, Birmingham welcomes the European Athletics Championships, marking the first time Britain has ever hosted this prestigious event. More than 1,500 of Europe’s elite athletes will compete across 50 track and field disciplines at the newly upgraded Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, in the northwest of the city.
Annual highlights
Premier League, various locations, England
Until 24 May 2026
The final months of the 2025/2026 Premier League season offers the chance to experience the excitement of English football at some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, including Old Trafford, Anfield, and Stamford Bridge. For those not visiting on match days, a variety of stadium tours and football experiences are also available, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the history, players and inner workings of their favorite clubs. Many tours include access to players’ tunnels, dressing rooms, and pitch-side views.
Six Nations Rugby Championship, London, Cardiff and Edinburgh
5 February to 14 March 2026
The 2026 Six Nations Rugby Championship is set to be another enthralling series inone of the world’s oldest and most prestigious rugby tournaments. Taking place across six European nations – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales – the competition runs from 5 February to 14 March, attracting fans from around the globe. In Britain, matches will take place at three venues, with England hosting the first match on British soil at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in London on 7 February. Scotland play their first home match at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh a week later, before Wales kick-off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 15 February.
Boat Race, London, England
4 April 2026
Visitors can witness one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events, held annually on the River Thames between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. This 4.2-mile rowing race, taking place on 4 April in 2026, attracts thousands of spectators who line the riverbanks between Putney in West London and Mortlake to watch the competing teams. With viewing spots at parks and pubs along the route, the event offers visitors the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of a quintessentially British sporting event.
The Grand National, Liverpool, England
9 to 11 April 2026
Held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, the Grand National is one of the most famous horse racing events in the world. The three-day festival culminates with Grand National Day, including the iconic steeplechase featuring 30 jumps over two laps. Beyond the races, visitors can expect an energetic atmosphere with live music, entertainment and top hospitality. A highlight of the event is Ladies Day on 10 April, where much of the attention focuses on the style and elegance of the attendees, with many dressing in bold and glamorous outfits.
TCS London Marathon, London, England
26 April 2026
The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic running events in the world happening on the streets of England’s capital each spring. This 26.2-mile race takes participants on a scenic journey past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. With a festive atmosphere, live music and entertainment, visitors can join thousands of spectators lining the route to cheer on the runners.
Women’s FA Cup Final, London, England
31 May 2026
England’s national stadium provides the stage for one of the biggest fixtures in the domestic women’s football calendar, the Women’s FA Cup Final. Tens of thousands of fans will fill Wembley Arena as top teams battle for the FA Cup trophy. Expect star players and an electric atmosphere.
Women’s WTA 500, London, England
8 to 14 June 2026
The WTA 500 Championships return to Queen’s Club in West Kensington, marking the second consecutive year of women’s professional tennis at this historic venue. After a 52-year hiatus, the tournament made its return in 2025, with German qualifier Tatjana Maria winning the title in the final.
Royal Ascot, Berkshire, England
16 to 20 June 2026
Royal Ascot is one of the most anticipated events in the British social calendar, blending top-class horse racing with a showcase of tradition and elegance. Held over five days at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, this iconic event sees some of the finest racehorses competing in thrilling races, culminating in the renowned Gold Cup. Often attended by members of the royal family, each day starts with the Royal Procession, a display of pomp and pageantry as horse-drawn carriages make their way along the straight mile part of the course.
The Championships, Wimbledon, Greater London, England
29 June 2026 to 12 July 2026
The Championships remain the crown jewel of the tennis calendar, held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London. Steeped in tradition, Wimbledon is famed for its grass courts, white dress code, and the ritual of strawberries and cream. Taking place each summer, the event draws global fans to witness two weeks of nail-biting action.
Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames, England
30 June to 5 July 2026
The Henley Royal Regatta is a quintessentially British sporting event held annually along the picturesque banks of the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames. Established in 1839, this prestigious rowing competition attracts teams from around the world, competing in a series of compelling races over the iconic 1,640-metre course. The regatta is renowned for its elegant social scene, with spectators enjoying picnics along the riverside. Visitors can also indulge in fine dining and live music as the boats glide past.
British Grand Prix, Northamptonshire, England
2 to 5 July 2026
Get swept away by the roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd at The British Grand Prix, a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar held annually at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. This thrilling event attracts motorsport fans from around the world, as the fastest cars and most talented drivers compete on the iconic track. The event offers an electrifying atmosphere, complete with entertainment, fan zones, and the opportunity to experience the latest F1 technology. Outside of the Grand Prix weekend, Drive Silverstone allows racing fans to experience the circuit from behind the wheel of supercars including an Aston Martin Vantage, McLaren 620R and a Ferrari F430 Coupe.
London Athletics Meet, London, England
18 July 2026
The London Athletics Meet, a highlight of the 2026 athletics season, is set to take place at the London Stadium on 18 July. Featuring world-class athletes competing in a full programme of track and field events, the event attracts global stars just weeks ahead of major international championships.
Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex, England
9 to 12 July 2026
Taking place at the historic Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, this annual motor sporting festival features historic and modern motor racing vehicles taking part in thrilling hill climbs, with additional air displays, live demonstrations and an incredible display of classic cars. Known for attracting top drivers and iconic vehicles from Formula 1 to rally racing, the event offers a unique blend of speed and heritage with a lively festival atmosphere.
The Hundred, various locations, England
Summer 2026
The Hundred cricket tournament will return to stadiums across England and Wales in the summer. Launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board, the tournament sees eight city-based teams compete in 100-ball matches. Featuring international men’s and women’s players, The Hundred is designed to appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport, with lively atmospheres, music, and family-friendly entertainment. Matches will take place across various cities and cricket grounds, from Lord’s in London to Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Great North Run, Newcastle, England
13 September 2026
Taking place on 13 September in Newcastle, the Great North Run is the world’s largest half marathon, drawing more than 60,000 runners from across the globe. The 13.1-mile route starts in the heart of Newcastle and finishes along the coastline in South Shields, offering spectators and participants stunning views.
