Newmarket Champion Stakes: Flat racing at its best
Newmarket Racecourses, the home of flat racing, is one of the most famous racecourses in the world. It holds many Group One races, the most prestigious races in the sport. The course itself actually consists of two different tracks, the Rowley Mile, used in spring and autumn, and the July Course, used, as the name suggests, in summer. Newmarket is a special place to visit for any race, let alone the Champion Stakes, one of the leading autumn races in the UK. First run in 1877 at the Rowley Mile over 1 mile and 2 furlongs, it is open to fillies and mares over three years old. This year’s race is particularly worth seeing, as it is your last chance to see the race at its spiritual home: it is due to switch to Ascot from next year.
Where to stay
Originally a Georgian hunting lodge built for the Duke of Bedford in the 18th Century, Bedford Lodge Hotel was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1940s. It was named Suffolk Hotel of the Year 2006-07, and it is easy to see why. Set in three acres of beautiful rose gardens but just a 10-minute walk from Newmarket, it marries contemporary luxury with traditional charm. There is a gym and pool, an excellent restaurant and free wi-fi.
Just outside Newmarket, in the hamlet of Saxon Street, is The Reindeer, Cheveley, a stylishly finished, surprisingly modern hotel. The quality of its food is excellent.
Newmarket is quite an expensive place to stay, but there are a few more affordable options around. The Black Horse Motel, in the village of Swaffham four miles outside Newmarket, offers rooms in a converted stable block. They are fairly basic, but include a colour TV, central heating and tea and coffee facilities, as well as a full English breakfast. The historic university town of Cambridge, well worth visiting, is just a 10-minute drive away.
The Cadogan Hotel Newmarket is a cosy family-run hotel which was recently upgraded from 2 star to 3 star by the AA. All 12 en-suite rooms come with a TV, hospitality tray, hairdryer and ironing facilities. Free wireless internet is available throughout the hotel. There are no leisure facilities on site, but guests can use the facilities of a local hotel for an additional charge.
How to get there
The majority of racegoers travel to Newmarket by road. As such, the immediate environs of the town itself become rammed with cars in the hours before the first race. Road diversions will be in place, attempting to take you around the town, but you are best advised to ignore them and continue through the centre – it is far quicker. The Rowley mile is clearly signposted.
It is also possible to reach Newmarket by public transport. Regular rail services run from London Kings Cross and Liverpool Street to Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Ipswich, where onward connections by rail, bus or road can be made, for example by picking up a taxi or hopping on one of the Newmarket-operated return coach services from Cambridge train station (which also operate from the Robin Hood pub at Cherry Hinton).
There are, of course, a large number of taxi firms operating in Cambridge and Newmarket.
Celtic v Braga Champions League 3rd round
Following a disappointing season in 2009-10, Celtic face qualification for the group stage of this year’s Champions League, something they would not have hoped for (or perhaps even expected) in August 2009. But we at MATCHhotels.com wouldn’t want you to get down in the dumps about your team’s underachievement – an extra European tie means an extra opportunity for a city break. Come on guys, think outside the box.
The Glaswegians have drawn Liga Sagres runners-up Braga, and travel to north-west Portugal for the first leg on Tuesday, July 27, before welcoming their opponents to Celtic Park a week later on August 3. An aggregate victory would leave Celtic with just the play-off round (in which they were eliminated by Arsenal last year) to negotiate, so the rewards could be huge.
Where to stay
Celtic Park is situated just outside Glasgow city centre, so there are accommodation options to suit every budget. The urban chic of the Brunswick Hotel Glasgow, situated in trendy Merchant City, makes it one of the most attractive modern hotels in the city. Facilities are limited, but its bar is open until 4am every day and wi-fi is complimetary. Rooms start at a rather reasonable £50.
Another classy hotel is the Carlton George, a “boutique” hotel right smack in the city centre. The rooms are finished to the highest standard and come with that rarest of treats, a free mini-bar. The rooftop restaurant is excellent too.
If you’re looking for a more homely feel or fancy staying for a few nights, it might be worth considered a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Saco Hotel Glasgow. Prices start around £90, for which you get a beautifully furnished flat complete with a dining table and chairs, a dishwasher and a fully equipped kitchen.
How to get there
Celtic Park is in the east of the city, about a mile and a half from the centre. Many fans make the half-hour walk and take in s0me of the pubs along the way, but you can also catch a bus (number 43 from Renfield St or numbers 61 and 62/262 from Union St) or a train, from Central Station to Dalmarnock, a five-minute walk away. Bridgeton station is also close, but should be avoided: the area is a Rangers stronghold and Celtic fans are not particuarly welcome. Trains from the other main station, Queen Street, run to Bellgrove and Carntyne, but both are still a 20-minute walk to the ground.
If you arrive early enough (at least an hour before kick-off), you will be able to park on any of the streets within a few miles of the stadium. Any number of entrepreneurial young locals will offer to “watch your motor” in exchange for a small sum of money, which is undoubtedly a good deal. It is also possible to park for free in the stadium’s own car park, but this is not advised: it is almost impossible to get out. Other unofficial car parks charging competitive rates are dotted around the area on match days.
Two airports serve Glasgow: Glasgow International, 15 minutes from the town centre, and Glasgow Preswick, about 50 minutes south-west of Glasgow.
World Cup 2010 – Cape Town Guide
Boasting a natural landscape that captivates all who visit, Cape Town is one of the world’s most iconic cities. There are few places in the world able to match its stunning setting that combines colossal mountains, lush green vegetation, golden sandy beaches and a vast ocean.
On street level, visitors are greeted by a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, Dutch, British, French and German influence – reflected in the city’s cuisine which is fusion at its finest. Temporarily added to the ethnic mix right now are the fanatical masses from around the globe for the World Cup. Indeed, the world’s greatest sporting carnival taking place in such a vibrant country represents World Cup travel at its finest.
Travelling to Cape Town
International flights arrive daily from across Europe, Asia, North America and the rest of Africa, with many cities offering direct flights to Cape Town, including London, Frankfurt and Atlanta. Some airlines offer a connection through Johannesburg, which is two hours by air from Cape Town.
Visitors arriving at Cape Town Airport can make use of private charters, bus shuttle services and metered taxis to take you onto your final destination.
Weather in Cape Town
Whilst Cape Town enjoys a mild and temperate climate virtually all year round, the World Cup will take place in South Africa’s winter season, meaning the average daytime temperatures of 20C may be interspersed by chilly spells as well as rain. Visitors are advised to pack some warm clothing for your trip, and an umbrella.
Cape Town Fan Fest
During the tournament, there will be two fan zones set up across the city. One will be located in front of the City Hall, while the other can be found at the Bellville Velodrome, an indoor sports arena located in the northern suburbs, a 25-minute drive from Cape Town Stadium.
At both venues, visitors can watch matches on big screens, enjoy food and drink concessions, art and craft stalls, and other entertainment offerings.
World Cup 2010 – Travelling Safely In South Africa
South Africa’s undisputed beauty makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the country is currently preparing for an influx of visitors from across the globe for this summer’s FIFA World Cup .
Unfortunately, however, South Africa has been hampered by a reputation for crime that instills fear amongst travellers that is both disproportionate and unnecessary. The reality is that whilst many of the country’s urban centres – notably Cape Town and Johannesburg – do have relatively high crime rates, there is no reason to be unduly concerned as long as you take the appropriate precautions.
Most of these are the same precautions you should take when visiting any unfamiliar territory. Namely, taking taxis rather than walking home late at night, avoiding ostentatious displays of material wealth, and trying to move around in groups rather than alone.
Another important tip for South Africa World Cup visitors is to always ensure your 2010 accommodation is sorted before you arrive in a city. Due to the vast numbers visiting the country for the tournament, hotels, hostels, B&Bs and camp sites will fill up quickly, and the last thing you want is to be left without a bed for the night and the prospect of sleeping on a park bench or in a shop doorway.
The safest way to travel across South Africa is by using one of the myriad of established and reputable tour operators who will provide you with a vehicle and a driver. However, if you are on a budget and intend to travel between cities by bus, be sure to place all valuables in your luggage, rather than anywhere that can be reached while you sleep.
Those planning to hire a car are likely to hear and read horror stories of car-jacking. This is actually a rare occurrence, and only really happens in busy cities like Johannesburg. However, vigilance is still required, and drivers are advised to always keep car doors locked. It is also recommended that – so long as it is safe to do so – you avoid stopping at traffic lights late at night. South African police will not treat this as a driving offence.
For visitors intending to spend their entire trip in one city, the standard advice applies. Avoid walking anywhere late at night, particularly if you’ve been drinking, and always plan your journey home before you head out for the evening. If possible, pre-book a registered taxi to take you back to your accommodation at the end of the night.
To reach the World Cup stadiums, visitors should make use of the shuttle buses that will be put on by tournament organisers and will operate from several points across each city. Alternatively, for those hiring a car, there will be park-and-ride schemes to help you on your way.
A safe spot to congregate before and after matches will be the official FIFA Fan Zones that will be set up in every host city across the country. These well-policed venues will allow fans to watch games live on big screens, and enjoy an array of entertainment options.
Above all else, enjoy yourself. This is a country with so much to offer, and you don’t want to spend your entire trip looking over your shoulder. Keep your wits about you, lap up the stunning scenery, and you’ll depart with nothing but incredible memories. Have a great World Cup!
Ireland Vs. South Africa, Croke Park, 28th November
Ireland and South Africa have a rugby rivalry dating back to 1906, and until recently South Africa has dominated the meetings with the Irish only winning three times in 100 years. Luckily for Ireland, they have won the two most recent matches and they were both at home. Hopes are high in Ireland that victory will be theirs again as they face-off with South Africa at Croke Park Stadium November 28, 2009.
Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland, holding 82,300 fans. It is located in the heart of Dublin, just a 15-minute walk from the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street. Croker, as it’s called, is also the fourth largest Stadium in Europe making it a favorite stop for big touring rock bands like U2, Tina Turner, and Bon Jovi. In May 2008, an environmentally friendly program was launched that aimed at making the stadium carbon-neutral that focuses on electricity, waste and water management.
Where To Stay
There are several hotels within walking distance to meet all travel budgets. Located opposite the stadium is the four-star Jurys Corke Park Hotel, a contemporary 232-room hotel with complimentary parking. Rooms are air-conditioned with satellite TV and high-speed internet connections. Jurys Croke is also close to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Hugh Lane Gallery, and the airport. Less than a mile away is Ireland’s oldest hotel, the Gresham Hotel. Since 1817 visitors to Dublin have enjoyed the luxurious rooms, afternoon tea, and hearty meals. The Gresham offers old world charm with modern amenities like WiFi, interactive TV, and room service.
Half a mile from the stadium is Glen Guesthouse, a luxurious family-run hotel that is very affordable. Start your day in the sunny dining room with a complimentary Irish breakfast. The friendly staff at the Glen Guesthouse will be happy to tell you how to enjoy the sites by foot, car, or double-decker bus. The Lynams Hotel is another 3 star within walking distance of Croker. Located on O’Connell Street, this boutique hotel is housed in two Georgian Townhouses facing the Dublin Spire. It maintains its warm Georgian ambiance while offering travelers modern amenities, with breakfast served until noon.
How To Get There
Croker is located in central Dublin, in the middle of a residential area so parking is limited and priority given to residents. Fans are encouraged to use public transportation- bus, rail, DART, and LUAS all bring you less than a 15 minutes walk from the stadium. DART, LUAS, and buses provide service from around Dublin, LUAS runs additional services to facilitate Croke events. If you are driving to Dublin, it is best to park and take one of these public transportation options to get closer to the stadium. There is also rail service from all over Ireland to get to Dublin, with extra local service on game days.
Calling football fans: what makes a great stadium guide?
At MATCHhotels.com we are writing guides for travelling sports fans and want to know what kind of information would help you plan your trip.
Our guides will eventually cover all sports, but we are beginning with football. We currently have:
- Stadium information
- Directions to the ground
- Hotel recommendations
- Places of interest in the area.
Supporters’ clubs listings have also been discussed, and we’d like to know if you think they should be included in our guides.
So, what else would benefit you as a travelling football fan and ensure you get the most out of your trip?
We’d love to hear from you, the people we are ultimately writing for, to make sure we deliver the most useful advice possible. Please add a comment to this blog post, or talk to us on Twitter.
Thanks in advance!
Paul Joseph
MATCHhotels.com
England Vs. New Zealand, Twickenham, 21st November
When last they met, New Zealand’s All Blacks solidly beat England at Twickenham Stadium. The All Blacks are no strangers to winning, as they are often a dominant force in world rugby. They play the game with power, pace, and precision. Under the stewardship of Martin Johnson, England hopes to repeat their 2003 victory against New Zealand on November 21, 2009.
Twickenham Stadium, or Twickers for short, is known as the home of English Rugby. Located in the London Borough or Richmond Upon Thames, it is the largest rugby stadium in the UK and seats 82,000 fans. Twickenham is home to the English Rugby union team who plays all of their home games at the stadium, and also hosts several other international and domestic rugby matches, as well as big touring rock bands like U2, The Police, and The Rolling Stones.
Where To Stay
Several hotels are within walking distance of the stadium and public transportation. The Bremic Guest House overlooks Twickers and is a great value for the money. This is a small 26-room bed and breakfast, most rooms en-suite. Just over a mile away from Twickers is the Lampton Guest House. 20 en-suite room are housed in this 5 story Victorian where you are assured a warm and friendly stay.
If you like a little more luxury when you travel, stay at the 4-star Continental Hotel. This contemporary 67-room hotel offers modern rooms with flat screen satellite TV and complimentary tea and coffee. There is a state-of-the-art Gold’s Gym on premises, free for all guests, including swimming pool, sauna, and massage. Their restaurant, Twentynine features delicious cuisine and full bar in stylish surroundings. The Riverside Hotel is located on the River Thames and it’s lounge and breakfast room offer gorgeous views of Richmond and the river. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, located near other points of interest like the Hampton Court Palace and Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
How To Get There
To get to the stadium from London, take the train from Waterloo or Reading straight to Twickenham Station. The District Line and London Overground will take you to Richmond Station, which is also nearby. Buses are also a viable option, with a free shuttle bus to the stadium on game days. Driving to the stadium is not recommended due to the limited parking surrounding the stadium, congestion, and frequent road closure.
The All Blacks At Millennium Stadium, 7th November
Having been beaten 9 to 29 by the All Blacks last year, the Welsh will have something to prove coming into this game. Kicking off at 5:15pm local time on Saturday, November 7th, in the Millennium Stadium (which was constructed for the 1999 World Cup), this game promises to be a real competition. And to make it a more festive occasion, the Millennium Stadium will also be celebrating its 10 year anniversary. This match will be the first of the match of the Autumn International series for Wales. Negotiations are still in progress for a Bledisloe Cup between New Zealand and Australia that will be held in Tokyo at the end of October.
Where to Stay
Cardiff’s grand old Angel Hotel was built in 1833 and still retains its Victorian air. The hotel underwent a refurbishment a few years ago, which has helped to restore it to its former glory. Situated between Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. The recently renovated Holiday Inn is one of the closest hotels to the Millennium Stadium. The hotel is located adjacent to the riverside walkway into Gate 1. From The Sandringham Hotel it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Millennium Stadium and less than a 10 minute walk to the Cardiff CIA. The Legacy Royal Hotel is situated on St Mary Street in the heart of Cardiff city centre. From here it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Millennium Stadium. The Marriott is located towards the back of Cardiff city centre within the Cafe Quarter on Mill Lane.
How To Get There
Automobile access to Millennium Stadium is through Gate 4 on Westgate Street in City Centre, Cardiff. Approaching from the east leave the M4 at J28, take the A48 and follow the signs. From the North, leave the M4 at J32, take the A470 South and follow the signs. From the West, leave the M4 at J33 and take the A4232 East and follow the signs. Parking is difficult as there is no parking within Millennium Stadium so parking will be extremely difficult.
Millennium Stadium is within five minutes walk of the Cardiff Central Railway Station and passengers can access the stadium leaving the station’s main entrance on the North side and exiting through gates 5,6 and 7 or by exiting through gates 2,3 or 4 and continuing around to gate 1 on Castle Street. Right next door it the Cardiff Central Bus Station. Passengers can access the stadium by exiting the bus station and exiting the same gates as shown for the railway station. The Cardiff Wales Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car and the Bristol Airport is 40 minutes. You may want to take a taxi or public transport from the airport as there is no parking at the stadium.
There are many hotels within close proximity to Millenium stadium. Find yours at sports travel website MATCHhotels.com.
Credits: Thanks to BigCardiff.co.uk for the info on hotels near Millennium Stadium.
England Vs. Australia ODI’s, The Riverside
If you didn’t get your Ashes tickets, watch England and Australia compete in ODI, One Day International matches this September. The final ODI match will be played at the Riverside in Durham September 20, 2009. The Riverside is a relatively new stadium, established in 1995, and holds 17,000 fans especially for international matches like ODI. It is located along the River Wear and has a view of Lumley Castle.
Where to Stay
Staying within walking distance of the Riverside is also a convenient treat, especially since the Lumley Castle is the nearest hotel. This magnificent 4-star hotel overlooks the stadium, and the castle has been part of this countryside for over 600 years. Each of the 74 luxurious rooms are en suite and have complimentary WiFi. The Black Knight restaurant is so popular that you will need reservations.
Within 5 miles of the stands you will find several other quality hotels to accommodate different budgets and tastes. The Ramside Hall Classic Hotel and Golf Club has buildings dating back to 1820 on their 220-acre estate. The Ramside Golf Course boasts a 27-hole course, three loops of 9 holes, 14 lakes, and is known as one of the best courses in the area. The hotel offers babysitting, currency exchange, laundry and medical services, and has ample free parking. Close to Durham’s city center is the Hotel Bannatyne Durham. Guests enjoy complimentary use of the health club, with gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna.
Larger parties might enjoy a stay at the Radisson SAS Durham. All of the 207 guestrooms are air-conditioned and offer modern amenities like wireless internet and satellite TV. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby, where the multi-lingual staff will be happy to get you a taxi to the Riverside. No matter where you stay to watch the ODI at Riverside, you will enjoy the tradition and comfort of the English countryside.
How To Get there
Drivers to the Riverside are advised to get there early and carpool as parking is limited. You can also ride your bike as there are secured cycle racks. Several forms of public transportation are also available if you prefer to skip all those parking hassles. The local bus service is extensive, and easy to find your way to the stop only a few minutes walk from the stadium, at the Black Horse. Rail is also a convenient way to get to the match, especially if you are coming from farther away. The Chester-le-Street station is a 15-20 minute walk, sometimes there is a shuttle that takes fans to the stadium.
Monza F1
In a small town outside of Milan lays one of the oldest Grand Prix circuit tracks in Formula 1, it is called the Autodromo di Monza. It is one of the last old fashioned, historic European tracks. For the 58th year, this historic track will host the 2009 Italian Grand Prix. 2009 will also mark the 85th anniversary of the track itself. The layout of this track is definitely geared towards top speeds. Electrified Ferrari fans are sure to be in abundance, supporting their dominating Ferrari team.
Where to stay?
For a comparatively small town, you would not expect such an array of accommodations, however Monza isn’t just any small town and it is well supplied with many comfortable abodes for your stay. Only 15 minutes from Milan and facing the former summer residence of the Royal House of Savoy, the four star Hotel De La Villa Monza would be an excellent option. Not to be out-shone, the AS Hotel Monza’s 66 double rooms were designed to better satisfy distinct, business clients who demand a high-quality standard. And also boasting a four star rating, those 66 rooms are sure to be reserved quickly. The Royal Falcone – Monza is another “Impressive” four star accommodation smack dab in the center of Monza. With Wi-Fi and 20″ flat screen TV’s, the Royal Falcone seems to be the most technologically hip option.
For the more expense-wary traveler, the three star Standard Hotel Milano is still close to the action and offers all the basic amenities: Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning, free breakfast, and “sound proofed rooms.”
Getting to the event
The formula one track is located in a public park in Monza, this town is located approximately ten miles from downtown Milan. Being located on the outskirts of Milan, Monza is interlaced with transportation modes. By car coming from the East or West, you would simply take A4 Highway (Turin-Milan-Venice) and exit ‘Monza’. From the North, you would take Milan-Lecco expressway(ss36) and from the south ‘Tangenziale Nord’ and take the Monza exit. By train you can leave from either the Garibaldi or Centrale stations, you can also travel by ATM bus line.