If you’re not watching the world’s best cricket teams in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, then you need to make it worth your while and enjoy all that England has to offer.
This World Cup is being held in England and Wales, so here are some activities and sights worth seeing to get you out of your hotel room.
Here are a few things you do around these sport venues:
The Oval and Lord’s, London
The capital has two World Cup venues, spread far enough apart, and separated by the River Thames, to accommodate plenty of sightseeing. The Oval, however, will be one of the venues kicking off the proceedings tomorrow at 11.30am (SAST) with a match between England and South Africa. The New Covent Garden Market is just over 10 minutes away by car. Under 10 minutes, you might still find the Cinema Museum, where you can go watch an old, classic flick.
Lord’s, London
Lord’s, also the venue for the World Cup final, is near enough to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds and Harry Potter Shop Platform 9 3/4. London also has a number of public parks and gardens to pass the time in, or have a picnic in the English summer sun.
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Near Nottingham Castle and the statue of Robin Hood, you can take in the Robin Hood Experience – an interactive holographic exhibition in honour of the fabled robber. Hood’s enemy was the Sheriff of Nottingham, and the Sherwood Forest in the stories is a royal forest inside Nottingham Forest, but Yorkshire likely has a greater claim to this hero.
Cardiff Wales Stadium, Cardiff
The only Welsh city to host in this World Cup will have a total of four fixtures. The vibey city’s Roath Park may be a great spot to steal away to if you want to be far from the madding crowd. Situated on a lake, Roath Park is a great spot for viewing the local wildlife, or setting out on the water in a rowing or paddle boat.
Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Bristol is city with creative energies and is home to the iconic ‘Bristol sound’ thanks to bands Portishead and Massive Attack back in the 1990s. Check out the Clifton Suspension Bridge vista of the Avon river and gorge with green forest on either side. Or, take a hot air balloon ride to get the best view – Bristol is also home to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta held in August every year. There are many eateries scattered about town, and Bristol is ideal for a pub crawl.
Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
The Hampshire or Ageas Bowl will host the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time ever this year, with a whopping five fixtures at the venue to help break it in. Nearby is the Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, as well as Go Ape, an outdoor adventure park which is great if you have children. Southampton is notable in maritime history for launching both the Mayflower and Titanic. Exhibitions and histories are on offer at the SeaCity Museum, where you can find out more about the latter’s tragic impact on Southampton.
County Ground Taunton, Taunton
The Taunton grounds lie somewhat in the bend of the River Tone. The Somerset Cricket Museum is the perfect way to get your head into the game, or else you can rent an e-bike nearby and find your own adventure.
Old Trafford, Manchester
Not to be confused with ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ – the football home ground with the same name. If you’ll be heading to Old Trafford, do check out the Victoria Baths, The Shambles Square with its timber-framed buildings and the Manchester Opera House for a bit of history and culture combined.
Edgbaston, Birmingham
This venue boasts proximity to a number of activities on the water, such as boating and canoeing. Do check out Whistle Punks Axe Throwing, where you can throw axes – and all that pent up frustration if your team is not performing.
Headingley, Leeds
The suburb of Headingley is home to the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, a 12th-century monastery, perfect for wandering around on a sunny day. The community-run Brudenell Social Club is a must for those seeking a bit of live music and a fun atmosphere.
The Riverside Durham, Durham
This cricket venue is the most northerly ground to host matches in this World Cup. The Beamish Museum is considered a living museum, and thus creates quite an immersive experience of the 1900s. Visitors can have real-life interactions with staff who dress up in the timeous garb. Order fish and chips or sit down for a cuppa while you’re there.
The national teams are:
England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, Australia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies.
For more information, check out the ICC website.
Image: Pixabay
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