2025 promises to be another exciting year for sports fans in the UK, with an action-packed calendar of events.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the key sporting events in the UK for 2025, detailing the dates, locations, and reasons to attend.
Football
English League Cup final
- Dates: 16th March 2025
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Why Attend: The EFL Cup might not be the most prestigious, but one of Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham will claim the honour of the first major silverware in English football of 2025.
Football League Playoffs
- Dates: 24-26th May 2025
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Why Attend: The Football League Playoffs are a showcase of high-stakes drama, as teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two vie for promotion to the next level and the lucrative rewards that come with success. The atmosphere at Wembley is electric, and it’s an unmissable event for football fans of the teams involved as well as neutrals.
Men’s FA Cup Final
- Dates: 17th May 2025
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Why Attend: The FA Cup Final is one of the most iconic football events in the UK. Watch the best teams in England compete for the prestigious cup in front of thousands of passionate fans at the home of English football.
Women’s FA Cup Final
- Dates: 18th May 2025
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Why Attend: Women’s football has been growing in popularity, and the Women’s FA Cup Final is a prime example of top-tier female football. Witness the finest players showcase their skill in one of the UK’s most historic football tournaments.
Women’s Euro 2025
- Dates: 2-27th July
- Location: Switzerland
- Why Attend: While not on UK soil, the holders Lionesses will be one of the favourites after winning Euro 22 on home soil and finishing runners up in the World Cup in 2023. No doubt the country will be getting behind them again this summer.
Premier League Football Season Kick-off
- Dates: 16th August 2025
- Location: Various Premier League stadiums
- Why Attend: The start of the Premier League season is always a highly anticipated event. Top clubs from across England battle it out for the coveted title, and the first matches of the season are filled with excitement and energy.
Rugby
Men’s Six Nations Rugby
- Dates: 31th January to 15yj March 2025
- Location: Various locations across the UK and Ireland
- Why Attend: The Six Nations is one of the most prestigious rugby tournaments, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Experience the thrill of live rugby action as teams battle it out for the prestigious Grand Slam. Expect intense rivalries and a fierce competition for the trophy, especially from those Boys in Green aiming for a unprecedented 3 title in a row.
Women’s Six Nations Rugby
- Dates: 22nd March to 26th April
- Location: Various locations across the UK and Ireland
Women’s Rugby World Cup, England
- Dates: 22nd August to 27th September: Women’s Rugby World Cup, England
- Location: London, Sunderland, Bristol, Brighton, Exeter, Northampton, Manchester and York
- Why Attend: In 2021, 2017, 2010, 2006, 2002, and 1998 the Red Roses were beaten in the final by New Zealand. Will they finally get another trophy and winners medal to match 2014 and 1994? We’ll know when the final whistle blows at Twickenham who will wear the crown.
British & Irish Lions tour to Australia
- Dates: 28th June to 2nd August
- Location: Australia
- Why Attend: Again, while not on English soil this is a must-watch for any self-respecting Rugby fan as the Lions battle their antipodean cousins in the southern hemisphere for bragging rights against the Wallabies.
Cricket
The Ashes
- Dates: Men’s – 21st November 2025 to 8 January 2026 (in Australia), women’s – 12th January to 2nd February
- Location: Australia
- Why Attend: The Ashes is one of cricket’s most famous rivalries, and the 2025 series promises to be no different. Watch England and Australia go head-to-head in this historic contest for the ultimate bragging rights.
The Hundred
- Dates: TBC August 2025
- Location: Various locations across the UK
- Why Attend: The Hundred offers an exciting, fast-paced version of cricket that’s perfect for fans new to the sport or those who want a fresh take on the traditional game. Expect thrilling action with top players.
Cricket T20 Blast
- Dates: Starts 29th May until 13th September 2025 (men’s final)
- Location: The Oval, London
- Why Attend: The T20 Blast Finals Day is a high-energy event that sees the best of the UK’s T20 teams compete for the title. With fast-paced cricket, great atmosphere, and top-tier players, it’s a must-attend event for cricket fans.
Tennis
Wimbledon
- Dates: 30 June to 13 July 2025
- Location: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London
- Why Attend: Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament and one of the most prestigious Grand Slam events. With its iconic grass courts and timeless tradition, attending Wimbledon is a dream for tennis fans.
Cycling
Tour of Britain
- Dates: 2-7th September 2025
- Location: Various locations across the UK
- Why Attend: The Tour of Britain is the UK’s premier professional cycling event, attracting some of the world’s top riders. Experience the excitement of a world-class cycling competition as it weaves its way across stunning British landscapes.
Golf
The British Open
- Dates: 17-20th July 2025
- Location: Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland
- Why Attend: The Open is one of golf’s four major championships. It’s steeped in tradition, and with its picturesque courses and world-class competitors, it’s an unmissable event for golfing enthusiasts.
The Ryder Cup
- Dates: 26-28th September 2025
- Location: Held in the US Bethpage Black, New York
- Why Attend: The Ryder Cup is such a major sports event it needs mentioning. Drawing fierce competition between the best American and European golfers, with an equally passionate crowd and thrilling team play, it’s one of golf’s most exciting events.
Motorsport
British Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Dates: 4-6th July 2025
- Location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
- Why Attend: Silverstone is one of the most iconic tracks in the Formula 1 calendar. Experience the high-speed thrills of the British Grand Prix as the world’s best drivers race for the win.
Rowing
The Boat Race
- Dates: 13th April 2025
- Location: River Thames, London
- Why Attend: The Boat Race is a historic rivalry between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. The race along the River Thames has captivated audiences for over 180 years, making it one of the UK’s most popular sporting events.
Athletics
London Marathon
- Dates: 27th April 2025
- Location: London
- Why Attend: The London Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. The course runs through the heart of London, offering a fantastic atmosphere for both runners and fans who line the streets on the whole 24.2 mile course.
UK Athletics Championship
- Dates: 2-3rd August 2025
- Location: Alexander Stadium, Birmingham
- Why Attend: This is a key event for UK athletes, where top competitors vie for national titles in various disciplines. It’s an excellent opportunity to see some of the best in British athletics up close.
Great North Run
- Dates: 7th September 2025
- Location: Newcastle
- Why Attend: The Great North Run is the world’s largest half marathon, and it’s an event that brings together runners and spectators for a thrilling race through Newcastle.
Snooker
World Snooker Championship
- Dates: 19th April to 5th May 2025
- Location: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
- Why Attend: The World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre is the pinnacle of snooker. The intense atmosphere and the chance to witness some of the best players in the world make this an unmissable event.
Major Horse Racing Events in the UK
Cheltenham Festival
- Dates: 11-14th March 2025
- Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire
- Why Attend: The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse racing events in the UK. With top-class racing, thrilling competition, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a must-attend for any racing enthusiast.
The Grand National
- Dates: 12th April 2025
- Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
- Why Attend: The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world. With its challenging course and the excitement of the race, it’s a thrilling event for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
The Oaks
- Dates: 6th June 2025
- Location: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey
- Why Attend: Held at the same venue as The Derby, The Oaks is another key event in the British racing calendar, showcasing the finest fillies in the sport.
The Derby
- Dates: 7th June 2025
- Location: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey
- Why Attend: The Derby is the jewel of British flat racing. It’s a prestigious event with a rich history and a beautiful setting at Epsom Downs, making it an event to remember.
Royal Ascot
- Dates: 17-21th June 2025
- Location: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
- Why Attend: Known for its pageantry, fashion, and top-tier horse racing, Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous events on the sporting calendar.
The St Leger Stakes
- Dates: 13th September 2025
- Location: Doncaster Racecourse, South Yorkshire
- Why Attend: The St Leger is the oldest classic race in the world and a fitting finale to the British flat racing season.
British Champions Day
- Dates: 18th October 2025
- Location: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
- Why Attend: The culmination of the British horse racing season, British Champions Day is a spectacular event, with the country’s best horses competing for the top titles.
The King George VI Chase
- Dates: 26th December 2025
- Location: Kempton Park, Surrey
- Why Attend: A key event in National Hunt racing, the King George VI Chase is held on Boxing Day, offering thrilling racing action.
With so many exciting events on the horizon in 2025, the UK’s sporting calendar is filled with opportunities to experience world-class action, from football and cricket to tennis, athletics, and horse racing. Be sure to mark these key dates and prepare for an unforgettable year of sports!
Key Sports Events in the UK
| Date | Event | Location | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan - 15 Mar 2025 | Men’s Six Nations Rugby | Various locations across the UK & Ireland | Rugby Union |
| 22 Mar - 26 Apr 2025 | Women’s Six Nations Rugby | Various locations across the UK & Ireland | Rugby Union |
| 24-26 May 2025 | Football League Playoffs | Wembley Stadium, London | Football |
| 17 May 2025 | Men’s FA Cup Final | Wembley Stadium, London | Football |
| 18 May 2025 | Women’s FA Cup Final | Wembley Stadium, London | Football |
| 2-27 July 2025 | Women’s Euro 2025 | Switzerland | Football |
| 16 Aug 2025 | Premier League Football Season Kick-off | Various Premier League stadiums | Football |
| 28 Jun - 2 Aug 2025 | British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia | Australia | Rugby Union |
| 21 Nov 2025 - 8 Jan 2026 | The Ashes (Men’s) | Australia | Cricket |
| 12 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 | The Ashes (Women’s) | Australia | Cricket |
| TBC Aug 2025 | The Hundred | Various locations across the UK | Cricket |
| 29 May - 13 Sep 2025 | Cricket T20 Blast Finals Day | The Oval, London | Cricket |
| 30 Jun - 13 Jul 2025 | Wimbledon | All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London | Tennis |
| 2-7 Sep 2025 | Tour of Britain | Various locations across the UK | Cycling |
| 10-13 Apr 2025 | The Masters Golf Tournament | Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA | Golf |
| 17-20 Jul 2025 | The Open | Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland | Golf |
| 26-28 Sep 2025 | Ryder Cup | Bethpage Black, New York, USA | Golf |
| 4-6 Jul 2025 | British Formula 1 Grand Prix | Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire | Motorsport (Formula 1) |
| 13 Apr 2025 | The Boat Race | River Thames, London | Rowing |
| 27 Apr 2025 | London Marathon | London | Athletics |
| 2-3 Aug 2025 | UK Athletics Championship | Alexander Stadium, Birmingham | Athletics |
| 7 Sep 2025 | Great North Run | Newcastle | Athletics |
| 19 Apr - 5 May 2025 | World Snooker Championship | Crucible Theatre, Sheffield | Snooker |
| 11-14 Mar 2025 | Cheltenham Festival | Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire | Horse Racing |
| 12 Apr 2025 | The Grand National | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool | Horse Racing |
| 6 Jun 2025 | The Oaks | Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey | Horse Racing |
| 7 Jun 2025 | The Derby | Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey | Horse Racing |
| 17-21 Jun 2025 | Royal Ascot | Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire | Horse Racing |
| 13 Sep 2025 | The St Leger Stakes | Doncaster Racecourse, South Yorkshire | Horse Racing |
| 18 Oct 2025 | British Champions Day | Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire | Horse Racing |
| 26 Dec 2025 | The King George VI Chase | Kempton Park, Surrey | Horse Racing |
