Sports Breaks

The currency you’ll need depends on your chosen destination. If you’re travelling to a sports event in Europe, many popular destinations, including Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy, use the euro (€).

Other destinations use their own currencies, such as the pound sterling (£) in the UK, the US dollar ($) in the United States and the Turkish lira (TRY) in Türkiye.

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and sports venues, although carrying some local cash can be useful for smaller purchases. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before travelling, and consider how much you’ll need for meals, local transport, merchandise and refreshments at the event.

Sports breaks are ideal for fans who want to experience their favourite sport in person, whether that means watching a major football match, attending a world-famous tennis tournament, enjoying a Formula 1 race or taking part in an active holiday.

For spectators, the highlight might be cheering on a favourite team, experiencing the atmosphere of a packed stadium or watching elite athletes compete. Depending on the destination, you could also enjoy stadium tours, motorsport experiences, sports museums and behind-the-scenes visits.

If you prefer to take part rather than watch, there are plenty of options too. Golf breaks, ski holidays, cycling trips, surfing escapes and tennis holidays combine sporting activities with time to explore a new destination.

You can make a weekend of it by visiting local attractions, discovering restaurants and bars, shopping for team merchandise or enjoying the nightlife. Many sporting cities also have excellent museums, historic landmarks and cultural attractions, making it easy to combine a sporting event with a city break.

The best time to book a sports break depends on the sport you’re interested in and when the event or season takes place. Some sports have year-round calendars, while others are concentrated in particular seasons.

January to March: A great period for winter sports, skiing and snowboarding, as well as football fixtures and selected international rugby events.

April to June: Ideal for spring sporting events, golf breaks, horse racing and the build-up to the summer tennis season.

July to September: Popular for tennis championships, cricket, golf tournaments, motorsport and outdoor sporting activities.

October to December: A good time for football weekends, rugby fixtures, motorsport events and festive sporting experiences.

Major events can sell out well in advance, so it’s worth checking the official event calendar before arranging flights and accommodation. Match dates and kick-off times can change, particularly for league fixtures, so consider flexible travel arrangements where possible.

If you’re planning a sports break around a particular match or tournament, make sure your travel dates cover the confirmed event date and allow enough time to reach the venue.

Manchester, England

Manchester is a fantastic choice for football fans, with a rich sporting heritage and famous football clubs. Visitors can combine a match or stadium tour with the city's museums, shopping areas, restaurants and lively nightlife. It also provides a good base for exploring other attractions across Greater Manchester.

Liverpool, England

Liverpool is a popular destination for football supporters, with a passionate sporting culture and famous football grounds. Beyond matchday, explore the city's waterfront, music heritage, museums and restaurants. The wider region also offers golf courses and other sporting experiences.

London, England

London offers an enormous variety of sports, including football, rugby, cricket and tennis. Depending on the season, visitors can plan a trip around a major match, tournament or sporting event. Stadium tours and attractions such as Wimbledon and Lord's Cricket Ground add to the experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona combines a lively city break with a strong sporting identity. Football fans can explore the city's football heritage and stadium experiences, while visitors can also enjoy beaches, architecture, shopping and Catalan cuisine. Check the official fixture calendar and venue arrangements before booking a match-focused trip.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a great option for football supporters and travellers who enjoy combining sport with sightseeing. The city has famous football venues, excellent museums, elegant boulevards and a lively restaurant scene. You could spend the day exploring the city before enjoying an evening sporting event, subject to the schedule.

Paris, France

Paris is an excellent destination for tennis, football, rugby and major international sporting events. Depending on the season, you could plan a trip around a tournament or match and enjoy the city's famous landmarks, cafés, museums and shopping. Book event tickets through official channels and check venue locations before choosing your accommodation.

Munich, Germany

Munich offers football, other sporting events and plenty of opportunities to explore Bavarian culture. Visitors can combine a match or stadium visit with traditional beer gardens, historic squares and local cuisine. It’s also a useful base for exploring the surrounding region, depending on the season and your interests.

Monza, Italy

Monza is a well-known destination for motorsport enthusiasts, particularly those planning a trip around a Formula 1 race at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The surrounding region offers Italian food, historic attractions and easy opportunities to add a city break to your motorsport weekend. Race dates and access arrangements should be checked before booking.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a great option for rugby supporters and travellers who enjoy a historic city atmosphere. Depending on the sporting calendar, you may be able to combine a match with visits to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the city's restaurants and pubs. It’s also an appealing destination for a short break outside the main sporting season.