A historic summer for women’s sport
This summer marks a milestone in visibility and support for women’s sport in Britain, including landmark events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Football fans won’t want to miss the 55th year of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final too, taking place at London’s Wembley Stadium in May. With the Women’s Super League continuing to gain popularity, the cup final has become an essential fixture on the sporting calendar – buzzing with the electrifying tension of a potential penalty shootout.
In tennis, a new chapter unfolds at Queen’s Club in London, where women’s matches will return to the prestigious tournament for the first time in more than half a century. The WTA 500 event (7 to 22 June 2025) will see top global talent – including Britain’s own Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu – grace the pristine grass courts, adding a new layer of prestige to a venue long associated with men’s tennis.
Cricket also promises plenty of excitement, with the England Women’s team facing India in a summer-long IT20 series that spans major cities like London, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester, and Birmingham. These matches deliver not only thrilling action, but also a roaring crowd and festival-like atmosphere. On 27 July 2025, The Kia Oval will host the first-Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day since 2022, bringing together the top domestic county teams for an action-packed day of competition that promises to be as energetic off the pitch as on it.
Later in the summer, all eyes will be on rugby as the Women’s Rugby World Cup comes to England for the first time. From 22 August, eight cities will welcome fans from around the globe, culminating in what’s expected to be a thrilling final in London on 27 September. Over the course of the competition, the top teams from around the world will compete for the coveted trophy, showcasing the best female athletes of the sport. Cities including Manchester, Bristol and York will host matches, alongside stadiums in Brighton and Hove, Exeter, Northampton and Sunderland. This tournament is not just about the rugby – it’s a celebration of women’s strength, skill, and the growing popularity of women’s sport. For visitors, expect a lively atmosphere in each city, with fan zones, live screenings, and festivities creating an unforgettable sporting experience.
More show-stopping sporting action across Britain
While women’s sport features prominently across this year’s sporting calendar, the broader summer schedule is brimming with high-profile events to get pulses racing. Equestrian fans can head to Oxfordshire in September for the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) European Eventing Championship, set against the opulent backdrop of Blenheim Palace. The event is a visual spectacle, blending the elegance of dressage, the technical skill of showjumping, and the thrill of cross-country competition.
The London Stadium – famed for its role in the 2012 Olympic Games – will once again echo with cheers as it hosts the London Athletics Meet. The world’s top track and field athletes will descend on the capital on 19 July, chasing records in everything from sprint races to javelin as part of what is now regarded as one of the biggest one-day athletics events globally.
Meanwhile in Liverpool, the boxing ring takes centre stage with the inaugural World Boxing Championships this September. Held at the M&S Bank Arena, the competition is making history by featuring male and female Olympic-style boxers together for the first time ever. The atmosphere promises to be electric as fighters from around the world face off for the title of world champion.
Adding a transatlantic twist to the summer, the NFL returns to Britain with the London Games. This year’s fixtures will feature the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing American football drama to Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – both now firmly established as international sporting venues.
Kicking off in August, the Premier League returns to stadiums across England, drawing global fans and world-class talent into another season of thrilling football. From the roar of Old Trafford to the electric energy at Anfield, the beautiful game doesn’t get much bigger – or more passionate – than this. And for fans following the rise of Wrexham AFC – now newly promoted to the Championship – the fairytale continues. The Hollywood-backed club, made globally famous by Welcome to Wrexham, has become one of Britain’s most talked-about football stories.
Where fans become players: sporting experiences
Britain doesn’t just invite visitors to watch sport – we encourage them to join in. Across the country, there are countless ways to try a new activity or take inspiration from the pros. In London, the Harlequins Women rugby team offers taster sessions at their home ground, Twickenham Stoop. Whether total beginner or curious onlooker, it’s a chance to get a feel for the game in a welcoming, energetic environment.
If it is adrenaline visitors are after, Tandem White Water Rafting in Sunderland delivers thrills and laughs in equal measure. With expert guides to lead the way, even first-timers can take on the Grade 3 rapids that twist and churn through this adventure hotspot in the North East of England.
For beachy vibes, Brighton’s Yellowave offers an introduction to beach volleyball. As Britain’s only permanent beach sports venue, it’s got a mix of casual classes, competitive tournaments, and social games, all with the sea breeze and a sandy court beneath one’s feet. Along the coast at Hove Lagoon, watersports enthusiasts can get their fix of windsurfing, wakeboarding and paddleboarding. It’s a great place to learn, with sheltered waters for beginners and open sea access for those ready to ride the waves.
Cyclists can take a more relaxed approach in York, where guided bike tours combine sightseeing with storytelling. As visitors cruise through cobbled streets and past historic landmarks, they will hear tales of Viking invasions, royal drama, and ghostly goings-on in one of England’s most atmospheric cities.
Back in the capital, thrill-seekers can scale the heights of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the Dare Skywalk. At nearly 47 metres high, it’s a heart-racing climb with panoramic views of London. For an extra kick, the Skywalk Edge lets visitors abseil back down the stadium’s side – an action-hero descent with a serious dose of bragging rights. And finally, for a more tranquil adventure, consider kayaking the Thames with the London Kayak Company. Their guided twilight tours offer a completely different perspective on the city, gliding past landmarks under the glow of the evening lights. It’s a peaceful yet memorable way to experience London – especially for those wanting to finish their sporting day with a splash of serenity.
Whether visitors are in the stands, on two wheels or tackling white water, Britain’s summer of sport is full of opportunity, and fans of all ages can join in the fun.
