Sports Things to Do in London: 7 Unmissable Annual Sporting Events

London's sporting calendar runs throughout the year, attracting everyone from die-hard supporters to first-time spectators. These are seven of the biggest annual sports things to do in London. 

1. The London Marathon

Every April, more than 50,000 runners take on one of the world's most famous marathons. The route passes many of London's biggest landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, while hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer them on.

Whether you're running or simply watching, the atmosphere is unlike anything else in the city. Many visitors choose a spot along the Thames or near Westminster to watch the race unfold.

Usually held: April

Closest landmark: Tower Bridge, Westminster and Buckingham Palace

2. Wimbledon

Held each summer since 1877, Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of Britain's most iconic sporting traditions.

From Centre Court to Henman Hill, the tournament is known for its grass courts, all-white dress code and strawberries and cream. Tickets are highly sought after, but many visitors experience the atmosphere through the famous Wimbledon Queue or public screenings across London.

Usually held: Late June to July

Closest landmark: Wimbledon

3. The FA Cup Final

Few football competitions carry as much history as the FA Cup. First played in 1872, the final is held at Wembley Stadium each May and remains one of English football's biggest occasions.

Whether Premier League giants or lower-league underdogs make the final, the atmosphere inside Wembley is unforgettable.

Usually held: May

Closest landmark: Wembley Stadium

4. The Hundred

The Hundred has quickly become one of the UK's most popular cricket competitions, bringing fast-paced matches, music and family-friendly entertainment to venues across the country.

In London, matches are played at both Lord's Cricket Ground and The Kia Oval, making it one of the easiest sporting events for visitors to experience during the summer.

Usually held: July–August

Closest landmark: Lord's or The Oval

5. NFL London Games

American football has found a second home in London.

Each autumn, the NFL brings regular-season games to Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, attracting fans from across Europe. Tailgate-style events, fan zones and packed stadiums make these weekends feel like a slice of the United States in the heart of London.

Usually held: October

Closest landmark: Wembley Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

6. Six Nations & Autumn Rugby Internationals

Twickenham Stadium hosts England's biggest rugby fixtures each year, including Six Nations matches and Autumn Nations Series internationals.

Known as the Home of England Rugby, the stadium regularly welcomes more than 80,000 supporters, creating one of the loudest sporting atmospheres in London.

Usually held: February–March and November

Closest landmark: Twickenham Stadium

7. The Boat Race

One of London's oldest sporting traditions sees Oxford and Cambridge compete along the River Thames in a rowing race dating back to 1829.

Thousands of spectators line the river between Putney and Mortlake each spring, making it one of London's most unique free sporting events.

Usually held: Spring

Closest landmark: Putney Bridge

Getting around London's biggest sporting events is simple. Our Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour links up with many of the sporting things to do around London: 

• Near Wembley Stadium (FA Cup Final & NFL London Games)

• Near Wimbledon (The Championships)

• Near Lord's Cricket Ground (The Hundred)

• Near Twickenham Stadium (Six Nations & Autumn Internationals)

• Near Putney Bridge (The Boat Race)

Explore by Open Top London Bus Tours