Guest post by Dakota Murphey
For lovers of sport in 2024, the start of a new year means an exciting calendar of major sporting events to look forward to. Whether you’re passionate about football, rugby, athletics or golf, there are tournaments taking place across Europe that will have you racing to book tickets.
Therefore, if live sport ranks high on your plans for this year, it makes sense to time a staycation at home or a family holiday abroad with the unmissable sporting events taking place in the next few months.
For the winning combination of travel and sport in the UK and Ireland or overseas, there are unbeatable places to stay whatever event is on your radar from cheering on the Six Nations in London or going to Paris for this year’s Olympics or French Open. If you’re a golfer practising your swing, head to the Royal Troon to watch the pros in action at the Scottish Open. Alternatively, if you prefer cricket on a sunny afternoon, support the women’s game at England’s trio of attractive venues at Edgbaston, Northampton and Headingley.
This year’s Six Nations takes place on various dates across February and March. Some games will be in the beautiful south of France in the pretty French city of Marseille, where rugby fans can see Grand Slam winners Ireland in a highly-anticipated opening game. England’s team will travel to Rome for their match while Wales and Scotland battle it out in Cardiff. For the ladies’ match, head to the historic and world-famous Twickenham Stadium in April to enjoy their next big game.
The women’s cricket game has grown massively in recent years with their 2024 Twenty20 series promising to be a spectacular event from the 11th-29th May. For anyone visiting England, head to one of three beautiful and quintessential venues – The Oval and Lord’s (both in London) and Old Trafford (in Manchester) – to support the growth of English women’s cricket. Their fixtures take place across England and there are unique places to stay along the way.
For anyone who fancies travelling to Ireland on the 22nd May, don’t miss the Europa League Final at their impressive Dublin Arena. Or, if you’re already planning a trip to Spain, fans of ladies’ football can make their way to Bilbao’s impressive San Mamés Stadium on the 25th of May. At this venue, visitors can enjoy this year’s major female European club football event.
For the men’s game, the question everyone is asking is can Manchester City reach Wembley and retain their crown in their Championship Final? With the draw changing each day, a trip to Wembley and a few days in London is a perfect time to explore England’s vibrant capital. Premier League football matches like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are a must-see for football enthusiasts touring London and it’s possible to stay close to your favourite stadium.
Euro 2024 takes place in Germany from the 14th of June with England, Scotland and potentially Wales in the month-long tournament which will be held in Germany’s exciting capital, Berlin.
The England team are currently one of the favourites to lift the trophy under the reliable captainship of Harry Kane and is up against Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia. In addition, Scotland will face hosts Germany in the opening match in Munich as well as Hungary and Switzerland.
This summer, from 26th July to 11th August, Paris will come alive as the proud host of the 2024 Olympics for an incredible athletics and Paralympic Games. For anyone planning a trip to the famous City of Lights, this is the 33rd Olympic Games with the grand Opening Ceremony taking place along the River Seine. With 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events across 32 sports, the French capital will be buzzing so take advantage of the numerous places to visit in and beyond the capital in France.
To make the most of your visit, consider staying in one of the many charming villas and chateaux near Paris and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this iconic city. Explore options like the Marais district for a blend of historical charm and modern convenience or the upscale Champs-Élysées area for a luxury stay. While here, you can’t miss being active or visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral to name a few city highlights.
The jewel in the crown of tennis is England’s Wimbledon Grand Slam Tournament – the oldest one in the world. Located in a scenic suburb of London. From the 1st-14th of July, thousands of tennis enthusiasts from around the world will descend on this pretty enclave in the capital to see tennis greats battle it out on their pristine grass courts.
For anyone wanting to immerse themselves in this special sporting fortnight, there are plenty of luxury places and comfortable apartments near the tournament grounds. With fantastic train, bus and underground routes into central London, allow some time off to explore some other neighbourhoods and must-see sights, from Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the Tower of London.
France is an amazing country to explore on a bike at any month of the year. If you love cycling, the 111th edition of the sport’s most prestigious event runs from June to August. The Tour de France Grand Départ kicks off in Florence this year and ends in Nice. On top of this, the third Tour de France Femmes starts in Rotterdam. If you are cycling mad and want to plan your trip around bike rides and pro racing, the Cycling World Championships, at Denmark’s Ballerup Super Arena, takes place from the 16th to the 20th of October.
Before embarking on your European travel adventures surrounding sport in 2024, it’s essential to plan and prepare. Get to know the specific venues, the best places and holiday homes to stay during your visit and any transport options to ensure a smooth journey. Take advantage of your trip by exploring nearby tourist attractions. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or simply looking for an unforgettable trip, allow plenty of time and energy to explore the sights that each country and location has to offer.
Getting geared up for a year of fabulous sport in 2024? Where will you head? Check out our 2024 holidays page to inspire your getaway this year or find the full portfolio of homes on Oliver’s Travels. Once you’ve booked, get in contact with our superb concierge team who will be happy to assist and advise booking any special experiences to make your 2024 holiday pop!
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