Britain invites Aussies to experience football in its natural habitat

Following the historic 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, VisitBritain is celebrating the beautiful game and turning the spotlight on the place where it all began. As a nation awash with football fever and home to some of the world’s most historic and lauded clubs, Britain invites those feeling inspired after this year’s tournament to come and experience football in its natural habitat.

Whether exploring vibrant football cities and soaking up the match-day atmosphere during the English Premier League (from 12 August) and Women’s Super League (from 29 September) to scaling the heights of a stadium, before walking in the footsteps of sporting greats on a behind-the-scenes tour, Britain offers endless opportunities to celebrate its footballing heritage and immerse yourself in the game year-round.

Here are some of Britain’s unmissable football highlights, both on and off the pitch:

10 top football experiences in Britain:

Stadium Tours

For the inside game plan, join a guided tour at one of the many Premier League and Scottish Premiership club stadiums, or check out one of the many stadium museums (and the trophy rooms) and VIP experiences. Walk in the footsteps of Matildas captain and Chelsea F.C. Women star, Sam Kerr on a behind-the-scenes tour at Stamford Bridge to learn about the club’s illustrious history, or see Kerr in action on the pitch at Kingsmeadow Stadium during the Women’s Super League (WSL). Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and home to England’s monumental win in the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022, a tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium is a must for any football fan.

The National Football Museum, Manchester

With more than 2,500 football paraphernalia and items on permanent display, the National Football Museum in Manchester also hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions linking football with topics as diverse as fashion, art and the First World War. Coinciding with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and celebrating the Lionesses victory in the Women’s Euros 2022, a special photographic exhibition ‘Our Time is Now’ is on now through to September 30 shining a spotlight on the huge impact of the Lionesses success and rise of women’s football.

Dare Skywalk & Electric Karting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Looking to take your football experience to new heights? Go beyond the pitch and get the adrenaline pumping 46 metres above the ground on the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Stadium. Offering unparalleled views of London and the pitch below, the Dare Skywalk is a hair-raising 90-minute urban adventure. This autumn, Tottenham Stadium will also become home to the world’s first in-stadium electric karting facility and London’s longest indoor track, in partnership with Formula 1. And for those keen to stay on for a match, witness Aussie Ange Postecoglou make history as the first Australian manager in the Premier League following his historic appointment as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach.

Anfield Abseil, Liverpool

Launched in spring 2023, Liverpool’s historic Anfield Stadium invites visitors to challenge themselves with a new adventure by climbing to the top of the Main Stand roof, before descending 100ft down the side of the stadium with the Anfield Abseil. Just don’t back down until you’ve enjoyed the impressive views of the city and its iconic landmarks, the River Mersey and beyond from one of the highest viewpoints in Liverpool.

TOCA Social, London

Located at the O2 arena in east London, TOCA Social is the world's first interactive football and dining experience, combining immersive gaming and food and drink. TOCA Social offers a selection of five games, with a range of levels available to cater to all - even those who have never kicked a ball before. Outside of the football box, there are plenty more games on offer to keep you entertained throughout the night.

Ted Lasso Tour of Richmond

Walk in the footsteps of popular fictional American football coach, Ted Lasso on a guided walking tour of Richmond-Upon-Thames in South West London with Brit Movie Tours. Learn about the places that inspired some of the most memorable scenes of the Emmy award-winning hit series as you visit more than 12 filming locations that featured in all three series, including Ted’s favourite local pub, the Crown & Anchor. And for a top tip on a hot summer’s day, grab an ice cream at Gelateria Danieli, just like Ted. Group and private tours are available.

Stay in a football-themed hotel, Manchester

Manchester is a must for any football fan, as home to two of world’s most popular football teams. And for those looking to be a step closer to the action, look no further than Hotel Football. Offering unmatched views over Old Trafford, Hotel Football is the ultimate destination to get your round-the-clock football fix. From football-themed rooms to a football themed-restaurant, and even a rooftop football pitch, there’s plenty to keep you busy before and after a match. And to fully immerse yourself in the city and its footballing heritage, don’t leave town without embarking on a Manchester United-themed taxi tour.

See firsthand what ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is all about, Wales

When it comes to the history of football in Wales, there’s no better place to start than Wrexham, home to the third oldest professional football club in the world, Wrexham A.F.C. Whilst football has been ingrained in the city’s psyche for over a century, over the past year Wrexham’s passion for all things football has been turning heads on a global stage, thanks to a little help from Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s purchase of Wrexham A.F.C. Visitors can tour the hallowed grounds of the city’s historic stadium, The Racecourse (one of the world’s oldest international football stadiums) and afterwards, grab a pint at Wynnstay Arms Hotel - where the Football Association of Wales was founded in 1876. 150-years on, Wrexham will also become home to the new Football Museum of Wales in 2026.

For a full guide to visiting Wrexham, check out Visit Wales’ guide here.

Scottish Football Museum

After catching a Queen’s Park F.C. or Celtic F.C. game, head on over to Europe’s first national football museum, the Scottish Football Museum based within Hampden Park in Glasgow. The museum traces the history of football from the 19th century up to the present day, and also offers a close up look at the history of women’s football in Scotland with a special ongoing exhibit, Striking Herstories. With thousands of objects on display, including the original Scottish Cup - the world’s oldest national football trophy, to film footage highlighting some of the most memorable games as well as the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, visitors will be taken on a one-of-a-kind football journey unlike anything before.

Visit the pub where the national sport began, London

Serving pints and great food since the reign of Queen Victoria, The Freemasons Arms in London’s Covent Garden holds an important place in the history of football in Britain. It was here that the English Football Association met in 1863 and laid out the rules of the sport that would grow to become a worldwide favourite. The Freemasons Arms now pays tribute to its role in the development of the beautiful game in its downstairs bar which is packed with football memorabilia and regularly hosts live match screenings.

For more information on football experiences in Britain, please visit: www.visitbritain.com/en/things-to-do/britains-best-footballing-cities.