Upping Your Game: Celebrating 500 Years of Sport and Fitness in Westminster

One of a series of free walks from the Westminster Guides supported by Inside Out to celebrate open-air arts and culture in Westminster!
About this Event

How did the lavish lifestyle of one king, and the fitness drive of another, transform the landscape and lay the foundations for sport in Westminster?

Please meet on the Clive Steps next to the Churchill War Rooms on Horse Guards Road. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. The walk will finish on Haymarket.

Our iconic route through St James’s Park and Leicester Square showcases the secret haunts and public spaces that have hosted sports for both private and global enjoyment over 500 years. We encounter tennis, cockfighting, swimming, skating, falconry, riding, wrestling, bowling, running, Olympic and ceremonial sports, cycling and croquet. Skirting through a forgotten pleasure gardens into a landmark location reveals bowls, rugby, football, boxing, snooker and archery and, unexpectedly, football hooliganism.

Which sporting heroes did Conan Doyle immortalize? Which sporting hero did Byron hobnob with, and George IV command to perform special duties at his coronation? What sport proved Boswell to be a true-born Englishman? What happened to the old tennis courts and cockpits? What connects the Titanic with two sports? Come and find out.

This is one of 25 "A Wander through Westminster" Walks offered by the City of Westminster Guides in conjunction with the Inside Out Programme that celebrates open-air art and culture in Westminster. Why not join in other Inside Out activities on offer: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/experience-inside-out-westminsters-free-outdoor-arts-festival?

Some Practical Details:

Please dress for the weather, with light, breathable attire, a hat, sunglasses, fan, uv umbrella, and sunscreen in the case of hot weather and an umbrella and rainwear should the weather be inclement. Wear sensible shoes or sandals and carry a bottle of water with you.

All walks are led by trained City of Westminster Guides who love to share their knowledge of the borough with residents and visitors. Please respect their time and efforts by cancelling your place should you not be able to attend to allow someone else to join.