CWC 2019: 5 cities worth exploring in England & Wales
With just 1 day to go, all eyes are now on England and Wales who will be hosting the 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup. One of the most scenic places in the world, England is not only the home of cricket but also a popular tourist destination. Plenty of tourists flock different parts of the United Kingdom to soak in its cultural landscape, gastronomic diversity and recreational variety.
For sports fans visiting England to watch World Cup matches, this is a golden opportunity to explore the country. Fans from all parts of the world will be turning up in huge numbers for the mega event, and a majority of them will be from one of the most cricket-crazy nations, India. While the English weather is certainly not best suited for cricket at this time of the year, it’s still a pretty good time to put on the tourist cap and set off.
Apart from cheering for Team India in their World Cup campaign, here are some of the best cities in England & Wales that are definitely worth exploring:
London
The capital and one of the busiest cities of England, London is every tourist’s dream destination in England. The World Cup will kick off at The Oval and end with the final at Lord’s – both venues that form a historic part of the city and England’s cricketing culture. As an Indian cricket fan, you can catch the important fixture against Australia and if you’re staying longer, the final isn’t too far away.
Match Date: June 9 – India vs Australia, July 14 – Final
Where to go: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London
What to do: Witness the ‘Changing of the guard’ at Buckingham Palace, go boating at the Thames river, hop on to the London Eye to enjoy a panoramic view of the city
Where to stay: The Tower Hotel, Travelodge London Central, London Marriot Hotel, Regents
Where to eat: The Petersham (Covent Garden), Kricket (Soho), Indian Accent (Mayfair), Burners Tavern (Fitzrovia)
Bristol
Situated on the banks of River Avon, this exciting gem of a town is prepared to host all teams in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. In the 19th century, Bristol was full of warehouses but the quaint city has now fully transformed into a picturesque hub of restaurants and pubs. Cricket fans would love to explore this little town alongside enjoying World Cup matches.
Where to go: Bristol Cathedral, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain Museum Ship, We the Curious 3D Planetarium
What to do: Catch a comedy show at the Bristol Hippodrome, take a ride from the Bristol Harbour, Cheddar Gorge trip, visit film locations of BBC’s ‘Sherlock’.
Where to stay: Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, Premier Inn Bristol City Centre, The Bristol
Where to eat: Pony & Trap (Chew Magna), Bell’s Diner & Bar Rooms (York Rd.), The Bristol Bar
Birmingham
The second most inhabited city after London, Birmingham is home to a number of Indians who have settled in England. It is also one of the most historically significant cities, with the era of the industrial revolution in the 18th century forming an important part of its legacy. From famous canals to art galleries, the city has plenty to offer to tourists. The Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham will be hosting quite a few World Cup matches this year.
Where to go: Cadbury World, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Shakespeare’s birthplace, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
What to do: Watch an event at the New Alexandra Theatre, Tolkien Trail, The Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum
Where to stay: Clayton Hotel Birmingham, Park Regis Birmingham, The Old Crown
Where to eat: Original Patty Men, The Distillery, Zindiya Streatery & bar, Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is known for its rich art, history, opera and cultural extravaganza. A city full of ports, it is the only Welsh city that will be hosting the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. With nature at its best on one hand and cricketing fervour on the other, this city offers more than what meets the eye to the tourist in everyone.
Where to go: The Medieval Pembroke Castle, Dyffryn Gardens, Penarth Pier
What to do: Visit the Brecon Beacons National Park, Gwili Steam Railway Station, Flat Holm Island ride
Where to stay: Hilton Cardiff, Clayton Hotel Cardiff, The River House
Where to eat: The Clink, The Grazing Shade, Zero Degrees, Chapel 1877
Southampton
Located in Hampshire on the South Coast of England, Southampton will also be hosting some of the World Cup matches this year. Soaked in its rich historical legacy, this port city is bound to attract the explorer in you with its hidden gems. Southampton is also known for the famous Titanic ship, which departed from here in 1912. The popular SeaCity Museum is home to an interactive model of the ship that sunk.
Where to go: Tudor House & Garden, Princess Alexandra Dock, Solent Sky Aviation Museum
What to do: Ambush Paint & Laser Tag, Titanic Trail, Southampton Maritime Festival
Where to stay: Novotel Southampton, Holiday Inn Southampton, Elizabeth House Hostel
Where to eat: The Oxford Brasserie, Olive Tree, Dancing Man Brewery
