London, the bustling capital of England, is ready to host another thrilling Guinness Men’s Six Nations at the legendary Allianz Stadium.
With its rich history, lively pubs and restaurants, and world-class attractions, London is the ideal destination for rugby enthusiasts. From matchday excitement to exploring the city, here’s your essential guide to making the most of your trip.
Where to Stay
Thanks to our Official Partner of Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, IHG® Hotels and Resorts, here are some fantastic hotels for fans arriving in the city to experience the excitement of game day:
Kimpton Fitzroy, London: Experience rich history in chic surroundings
InterContinental London - Park Lane: A luxurious stay in the heart of London.
Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock: A comfortable choice near Twickenham with easy access to the stadium.
Holiday Inn, Kensington High St: A stylish retreat nestled in a peaceful spot, just steps from Kensington's vibrant shops and convenient tube connections.
For more IHG® Hotels and Resorts options, click here to find your perfect stay!
Exploring London
Pubs & Nightlife
The Cabbage Patch: A Twickenham classic and a favourite among rugby fans.
The Sun Inn, Parkshot, Richmond: A rugby-lovers haven, full of memorabilia and photos on the wall and packed full of rugby people!
The White Swan: A historic riverside pub perfect for pre-match drinks.
Barmy Arms: Known for being loud, lively and musical, the Barmy Arms is a pub with plenty of character.
The William Webb Ellis: Named after the inventor of rugby, a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere pre-and post-game.
The Royal Oak: A local neighbourhood pub serving traditional British meals and perfect for watching sport.
For further information on the best food and drink spots, click here.
Cultural Experiences
World Rugby Museum: Located at Twickenham Stadium, this museum delves into the history of the game.
Natural History Museum: Travel through 4.6 billion years of our planet's history and help protect its future.
Kew Gardens: Relax in these stunning botanical gardens, just a short journey from Twickenham.
The British Museum: Immerse yourself in two million years of human history, art and culture.
Activities
London Eye: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Thames River Cruise: Experience London from the water.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Have a magical day out with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter films.
West End Theatre: Catch a world-famous play or musical.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: See London's iconic landmarks from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and enjoy unlimited travel around London over 24 or 48 hours.
Historical Highlights
Buckingham Palace: Visit the royal residence in London, and witness the Changing of the Guard
Westminster Abbey: Marvel at this historic site of royal coronations.
The Tower of London: Discover London’s (sometimes grim) history and see the Crown Jewels.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: Iconic symbols of London.
Imperial War Museum: IWM London gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict.
Getting to London
By Air
London boasts six major airports:
Heathrow Airport (LHR): The closest to Twickenham, about 10 km away.
Gatwick Airport (LGW): Located south of the city, with excellent rail connections.
Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), City (LCY), and Southend (SEN): All well-connected via public transport.
Transport Options
Trains: Regular services to central London and beyond, book via Trainline.
Taxis: A mixture of black cabs and Ubers are readily available.
Car Hire: Convenient for flexible travel.
By Train
London’s extensive rail network makes it accessible from all parts of the UK and Europe (via the Eurostar).
By Coach
National Express and Megabus connect London with major cities across the UK.
Local Tips
Currency: British Pound (£).
Weather: Prepare for chilly and potentially wet conditions in February and March.
Travel Cards
For ease of travel around London, consider:
Oyster Card: Prepaid travel for use on buses, trains, and the Underground.
Contactless Payment Cards: Accepted across public transport.
London Pass: Grants access to multiple attractions and includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Travel Options in London: Find out how to travel around the capital with this guide to public transport in London.
To help plan your London travel, download Citymapper which displays transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations, offering various modes of transport options.
Matchday at Twickenham Stadium
Getting to the Stadium
By Train/ Tube: Various railway services run to Twickenham Station and other stations, a short walk from the stadium.
By Bus: Local routes serve the area.
By Car: Limited parking; public transport is recommended.
What to Expect
Kick-off: Matches usually start mid-afternoon; check your ticket for details.
Pre-Match Atmosphere: Arrive early to enjoy the vibrant buzz around Twickenham.
Team Arrival: Get up close and personal with the teams as they arrive, up to 90 minutes before kick-off
Facilities: World-class amenities, food stalls, and official merchandise outlets.
Rugby Shops
For official merchandise and memorabilia, visit:
The England Rugby Store: Inside Allianz Stadium.
Allianz Stadium is more than just a rugby arena: it’s the heart of English rugby. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned fan, this guide ensures you’ll have an unforgettable Six Nations experience in London.
