Top Five UK Breaks for Sports Fanatics

by Shabana Adam | 7 September 2012

1. Hilton at St George’s Park

This brand new hotel, which opened in August this year, is situated at St George's Park at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The 330-acre park is the FA's National Football Centre. St George’s Park is a world-class training facility and a national centre for sports medicine and science. It has a full-sized indoor third generation football pitch equipped with a viewing gallery for up to 200 people, a multipurpose indoor sports hall, 11 full-size outdoor pitches and an elite training pitch which is an exact replica of Wembley.

The hotels’ interior designs draw inspiration from St. George’s Park’s footballing identity with limited edition prints, paying homage to greats of the English game, displayed both in guest bedrooms and around the hotel. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an England player then book the England Experience. You’ll get a training session with a licensed coach, use of the England elite changing room and a tour of St George’s Park.

2. Old Trafford Lodge

Old Trafford Lodge is located at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club. Executive Rooms overlook the pitch, allowing you to watch a cricket match from the comfort of your own room.

The hotel offers special cricket rate packages which include an overnight stay, two tickets for the match, car parking and continental breakfast. There’s just one game left next month, but with the football season well underway and Old Trafford Football Club only five minutes down the road, why not visit this iconic stadium in the same weekend?

3. London Marriott Hotel Twickenham

This hotel is the ultimate destination for sports fans, sitting in the South Stand at Twickenham Rugby Stadium. If it’s a special occasion, book one of the luxurious suites which feature a separate living room, private dining area and double bedroom offering spectacular views of the Twickenham pitch.

Each suite provides exclusive access to a private outdoor balcony seating area, enabling guests to partake in the pre-match in-suite hospitality and then soak up the big game atmosphere inside the stadium itself. The season kicks off next month.

The hotel is also a short distance from other famous sporting venues such as Kempton Park, Sandown, Ascot and Windsor race tracks.

4. The West Ham United Quality Hotel

If you’re passionate about football, this hotel offers a radical departure from conventional accommodation. Known for being more of a VIP box than hotel room, it’s uniquely set within Upton Park meaning you can wake up to views of the pitch. Whether you’re a Hammers fan or not, you won’t want to close the curtains.

The hotel is also situated close to Canary Wharf, London Docklands and the Excel Exhibition Centre.

5. Holiday Inn Stratford City

This brand new hotel, at the heart of the Olympic Park, opened in May 2012. Guests at Holiday Inn Stratford City can enjoy a drink on the terrace which offers panoramic views over the Olympic Park. Guests can also treat themselves to a meal in the hotel’s ‘Twenty Twelve’ restaurant and a cocktail in ‘The Stadium’ lounge bar.