International Horseshow Olympia and other London, United Kingdom Sports Travel Tips

This wonderful display of horsemanship and skill has this year, 2007, celebrated its cententary in Olympia, S Kensington. For 100 years this has been the location for international show jumping competitions with world class competitors, dressage, displays of extreme skill and showmanship by talented equestrians from all over the world, including the Ukrainian Cossacks ... as well as traditional performances from the Royal Household Cavalry and The Royal Mounted Police.

Other more informal events are the Shetland Pony Sweepstakes and the dog agility show - both of which are great fun and children just love them!

Apart from all this, there are masses of stalls on the upper level selling everything you could possibly want for your horse or pony, from a curry comb to a numnah.

Equipment: If you are missing any pony/horse equipment, this is the place to get it so bring plenty of money. Apart from that, you don't really need to bring anything with you. There are plenty of places for meals and refreshments. Food can be taken into the central arena but glass bottles are not permitted.

Tickets for this fabulous annual event aren't cheap, but it really is a most memorable experience and if you have horsey inclinations, or pony mad kids, then it really is a must see if you are in London in Dec. Check the website for ticket prices etc.

Oh, and for those who are interested in this sort of thing... there is always a member of the Royal Family present at this event. Last night it was Camilla Parker Bowles, (whoever she is.)

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Address: Olympia
Directions: Take the District Line to Earls Court and change for the (restricted) service to Olympia (S Kensington). The entrance to the exhibition hall is just a few meters from the station entrance.
Website: http://www.olympiahorseshow.com/

Theme: Sports Watching

Around this time (22nd April) every year, on a Sunday in April, thousands and thousands of runners of all shapes, sizes and ability, take to the streets of London between Greenwich and The Mall, for the Flora London Marathon. There is some disruption to transport with roads closed and some tube and train delays and cancellations but the atmosphere on the streets is amazing and far outweighs any minor transportation inconveniences!

The volunteers and emergency services do a brilliant job here and there is a real carnival feel to the whole day! Well done London! :))

The official website has all the details you could possibly need about this fantastic event.


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Directions: The route seems to change each year - so check the website! :)
Website: http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/

Theme: Other

Between November and the end of January there are several places to ice skate in London - but make sure you book first as this is a very popular activity! There are temporary rinks at Somerset House, The Natural History Museum, Cardinal Place Victoria Street, Greenwich, Kew Gardens amongst others. Tickets are timed and cost around £10 per hour. At Somerset House there are NO reductions for bringing your own skates.

Equipment: Boots are provided but bring your own if you have them.

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Address: Several locations throughout London
Website: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/ice_skating_london_index.html

Theme: Biking

London's Regent's Canal runs from the Limehouse Basin to Paddington Basin. Once the city's major transportation artery, it fell into disuse like so many of the UK's inland waterways.

Nowadays it is now possible to cycle and walk along sections of of the canal towpaths (for cycling, a permit must be obtained first from most post offices. The permits are free of charge and cyclists must have them on display whilst cycling along the canal.) They are also downloadable from the Waterscape website (Britains official waterways guide).

Lots of really helpful info about cycling on the canal towpaths can be found on the Wesminster Cyclists website.

There seems to be some conflicting advice regarding cycling permits between the Westminster website and the Waterscape website who say that a permit is not required for cycling in London. Check first!

Free guided walks can be taken from the London Canal Museum - full details are given on the London Canal Museum website:

Equipment: A bike and (possibly!) a permit

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Address: From Limehouse to Little Venice
Website: http://www.mike-stevens.co.uk/metrocuts/regents/regmap.htm

Theme: Other

No!!! It's the Ice Wall at Somerset House!! For £40 you get two ice picks, a pair of crampons and expert tuition to guide you all the way to the top! With two inclines, one almost vertical the other not quite so, this is an activity suitable for all levels of climbing abilities! Who could resist the challenge?? Well..... me actually ;-)

Equipment: For 40 quid they provide you with all the ropes you need!

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Address: Somerset House
Directions: The Strand, London
Website: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/ice_skating_london_index.html

Theme: Other

Ice skating on the Tower of London's Old Moat - this is a new venue this year and is becoming an incredibly popular winter activity in London with so many famous landmarks installing a temporary ice rink for the Nov-Jan period. Check the website to see if there's one near you!

Equipment: Boots are included in the price of the ticket but make sure you wear warm clothing!

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Address: Various locations throughout London
Website: http://www.londonnet.co.uk/ln/guide/about/attractions_iceskating.html

Theme: Other

Nothing like a warm sunny Spring day to bring out the in-line skaters into London's parks. ALL ages indulge in this activity and some get quite carried away with it when they are plugged into their Ipods or Mp3 players and it can be quite entertaining to watch them as they turn and twirl, lost in their own world of music and movement.

Equipment: Bring your own skates and knee and elbow pads (I saw one blokey with a really horrible gashed leg!)

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Address: Hyde Park
Directions: Central London

Theme: Extreme Sports

Looking up into the dark cloudy rainy London skies, hoping to catch a glimmer of sunshine, I spotted an abseiler coming down the side of Guys Hospital (34 storeys tall!!).

Surely the hospital food wasn't that bad?? :)

Equipment: Ropes I guess....and comfy shoes??

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Address: Guys Hospital
Directions: London SE1
Website: http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=100

Theme: Other

Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club. I haven't been to game here and as I am not a Chelsea fan I probably won't ever be seeing the inside of the stadium but for anyone who wants to go, the nearest tube is Fulham Broadway or West Brompton.

Check the Official Chelsea website below for everything else you could possibly want to know about this famous London club.

Equipment: For £15, its possible to take a two hour tour of the stadium which includes, the dressing rooms, press room, players tunnel, manager's dug out and also the Cententary Museum covering the 100 year history of the club. Tours are Mon-Fri at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and Sat & Sun at 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm.

The number to call for information about the tour is 0871 9841955 and you will need to book as the tours are popular and fill up very quickly.

(C'mon you Spurs!!!! ;-)

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Phone: 020 7385 5545
Address: Fulham Road
Directions: Fulham Road or West Brompton Tube
Website: http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LandingPage/0,,10268~1031634,00.html