The United Kingdom isn’t known for its golden sandy beaches or hot temperatures, but it does attract millions of tourists every year. If you are looking to lounge around a hotel pool soaking up the sun for two weeks, then Spain or the south of France are two European destinations you should consider. But if you are after culture, history and excitement, then England and the rest of the UK will provide you with a memorable vacation. There are dozens of cities worth a visit, and the nation’s great transport links mean tourists can tick many of them off on one trip.

There’s one thing the population of the UK loves more than anything else, and that’s sport. Soccer, horse racing, tennis, greyhound racing and boxing are part of everyday life, with the biggest fixtures attracting thousands of fans. Sports betting is also legal in the UK, with bookies, including Xbet offering customers the chance to make predictions and gamble on the outcome of the top matches. You can do this from a land-based sportsbook, at the sports stadium or using your smartphone, and it takes just a few minutes. If you are visiting from a country where gambling is prohibited, this can help add an extra edge of excitement to the occasion, ramping up your interest in a match.

If you are a lover of European sport with a desire to soak up the famous atmosphere of a fixture from the English Premier League or the Wimbledon Championships, this article is for you. Read on as our team pick out three UK cities you should visit to get a feel for the love the island has for professional sport. We have chosen one city from England, Scotland and Wales, but each is only a few hours apart, so it’s possible to cram all three into one vacation without breaking the bank. Journey from London to Cardiff by train, then take a flight to Glasgow, creating a trip you will never forget.

London, England

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. If you love sports, this is where you will be happiest. From the NFL matches played annually at Wembley or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to the many Premier League football teams, including Chelsea and Arsenal, there’s lots to see here.

Wander around the city, taking in sights like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament or get yourself along to marvel at Wembley Stadium or the Emirates. You could spend an entire vacation in London and never get bored, even for a day. Depending on when you visit, you can take in a Premier League match or cheer on the English national team. The summer months are dominated by tennis, with the Grand Slam at Wimbledon played in June and July during the soccer off-season.

Glasgow, Scotland

On a trip to Glasgow, you will be made to feel most welcome. The Scots are famous for their warm hospitality but all that is ignored for 90 minutes when the city’s two major soccer teams clash at Ibrox or Parkhead. Celtic and Rangers make up the Old Firm Derby which ranks as one of the fiercest rivalries in sport.

There’s nothing friendly about this game, but don’t let that put you off. Bag a ticket for this match (they’re like hen’s teeth), and you’ll discover exactly how important soccer is to the average Glaswegian. The battle lines are drawn as the Gers, and the Hoops play in the Scottish Premiership, League Cup or Scottish Cup.

Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and the entire city is built around the national stadium. Visit the Cardiff City Stadium to watch the Welsh soccer team play or local side Cardiff City who actually compete in the English league. But soccer isn’t the main sport in these parts; it’s rugby, and the Welsh love the sport like no other.

Get yourself along to an international rugby match, and you’ll hear the home support belt out the national anthem as one. That’s a sight to behold. Cardiff isn’t the biggest city so it’s easy to get around and you’ll find somewhere nice to stay without too much fuss.