Spectator Sport

England’s Northwest is steeped in sporting heritage – the professional football game was born here, and as well as being home to two of the biggest and most glamorous football clubs in the world, the region can lay claim to five additional premiership football teams.

In the Northwest you can also follow in the footsteps of the golf masters, by visiting some of the world’s most challenging and naturally beautiful golf courses. Many of them nestling between the pace of urban life and the rugged splendour of the coastline, the region has a wide variety of links courses, including three that regularly host the renowned Open Championship. In 2008 it is the turn of Royal Birkdale near Southport.

If it’s sporting sensation, glamour, and exhilaration you’re after, look no further than a day out at one of the region’s five stunning race courses and the most celebrated, most magical steeplechase in the world. Run annually at Aintree, the Grand National is one of UK’s biggest sporting events.

Whether you’re an avid sports fan or simply enjoy the atmosphere around some of the world's greatest sporting events, England's Northwest offers some of the highlights of the sporting calendar. In 2008 it boasts the Fina World Swimming Championships and the World Open Squash Championships, as well as the Salford Triathlon World Cup, one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the Northwest leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race, which inspires athletes the world over.

Things To Do

Liverpool International Tennis

Natwest International Cricket

World Firefighter Games

Tour of Britain

Open Golf Championships

Discover More

Visit the Manchester World Sport 08 website for more ideas

Visit the Northwest Sport website for chances to win tickets to major events (including accomodation) in the Northwest including:

• Twenty20 Cricket

• Royal Birkdale Golf

• Super League Rugby Final