Keen follower of the Olympics? With the delayed 2020 games set to take place in Tokyo from 23rd July to 8th August, you might be looking forward to catching some of the competitions live on TV.
To get you in the spirit for the world’s biggest and best sporting event, we’ve rounded up some of the top venues across the North of England and Scotland where you can work on your fitness. From climbing walls and golf courses to tennis clubs and even the ocean, here’s where to get sporty this summer.Whether you’ve been climbing many times before or you’re a complete novice, The Depot in Leeds welcomes people of every ability. You’ll find two branches in Leeds – one just outside the city centre and one in Pudsey. Both have a huge range of indoor climbing walls to choose from, plus areas for bouldering.
As well as enjoying climbing sessions at your own pace, complete beginners can opt for private classes with an expert or join a group session where you’ll learn how to operate the ropes. You’ll also be taught the best techniques, so you can reach the top of your chosen climbing wall without delay. The Depot also have coaching sessions for more experienced climbers who want to get some expert tips or a little motivation to help them tackle more difficult routes.
Looking for something fun yet active for the kids to do this summer? The Big Depot in Leeds (the city’s main branch) run kids’ clubs, coaching sessions and even party packages designed for children and teens.
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, so why not get out on the green next time you’re in Edinburgh? The Scottish capital is surrounded by brilliant courses where you can practice your putting and – hopefully – get a hole in one!
Just beyond the city limits is where you’ll find Braid Hills Golf Course, Duddingston Golf Club (which also benefits from impressive views of Arthur’s Seat) and Carricke Knowe Golf Course. You could also head towards the coast to enjoy a round at Portobello Golf Course or Craigentinny Golf Course. Many have 18 hole courses, meaning you’ll be able to get lots of practice in and have the chance to play a full game.
Escape the summer heat by jumping into the water at Manchester’s historic Dock 9. Located in the modern Salford Quays area, this outdoor swimming venue run by Uswim is open all year round and gives you the chance to work out in the great outdoors!
Book a slot for an open water swim on a day of your choosing or join as a member to enjoy unlimited access. Uswim also offer wetsuit hire and sell a range of swimming accessories, from goggles to swimming caps and nose plugs. You’ll be able to front crawl, breaststroke or butterfly your way along the dockside, passing some of the city’s most contemporary buildings along the way!
If you’re keen to improve your technique or you’re a complete newbie to open water swimming, why not book onto one of Uswim’s intro sessions? There’s also 1-2-1 coaching available, plus the venue welcomes kids with its Squids membership specifically for under 15s. Once you’ve built up your confidence in the dock area, you could even join the club on one of its open water ‘Sea Specials’ at Colwyn Bay in Wales this summer.
Tennis is a fantastic way to stay active, plus it’s a sport that can easily be played with friends and family. And Liverpool is teeming with tennis courts, including those found at the Liverpool Tennis Centre.
The centre forms part of the Wavertree Sports Park and it’s a brilliant destination to practice your backhand or have a lesson with a pro. There are a range of tennis courts available for hire, including six indoors. Most of them have been designed with the same surfaces as the courts used in the Australian Open, meaning you’re getting the very best quality venue for your tennis practice. Why not hire out a court to play with friends next time you visit the city?
Surfing has to be one of the coolest Olympic sports to watch. If you’re inspired to have a go yourself, there’s no better place to try it than Scarborough. The coastal resort is the home of surfing in Yorkshire and there are various spots both in the town and just on the outskirts where you can ride the waves.
Several surf schools and equipment hire shops can be found on both North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach. Alternatively, why not venture a few miles down the coast to beautiful Cayton Bay? As well as being a scenic destination for a beach day, it’s also the location of Scarborough Surf School – the longest running surf school on the East Coast.
Ready to get active this summer at one of the cities or towns on our network? Remember to follow current COVID-19 government guidelines on travel. If you can, try to travel during off peak times and buy tickets in advance to book a seat.
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