Ah, Boxing Day. You have gifts to toy with, the sales are in full swing for bargain experts, and don’t forget all that lovely leftover food. (You know there’s never a ‘last’ roast potato.)
But one thing that really stands out on the 26th December is the festival of sport. Millions of us watch it. Fans wake up on their very own version of Christmas Day, fresh for a feast of sporting endeavour from footy to horse racing.
This year, it’s time to be there yourself. Here are some of the best sporting events to keep you busy this Boxing Day (they also double as a great excuse to dodge the sales!).
1. Manchester United v Newcastle United, Old Trafford, Manchester
While Boxing Day is widely seen as a time to rest after the excess eating of Christmas Day, the English football season refuses to take time off. Among the list of games set for 26th December, a clash of the Uniteds – Manchester and Newcastle to be precise – is on the agenda and promises to be a corker.
The two teams have been present, aside from a season in the Championship for the Magpies, in the ‘big time’ for the bulk of the last two decades. It’s no wonder they’re among the most celebrated in the Premier League.
Last season’s instalment of this fixture saw the Tynesiders come out on top with a shock win at Old Trafford, courtesy of the now departed Yohan Cabaye. But on the whole, the hosts have enjoyed the better results through the years.
Whatever the outcome, it’s sure to be a Christmas cracker, so book our Manchester Travelodge now to avoid disappointment.
2. The William Hill Winter Festival, Kempton Park, Sunbury-on-Thames
If watching those with four legs rather than two is more your style, then look no further than the William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton Park.
Featuring three Group 1 races, one of which is the world-famous King George VI Chase, this is a fantastic day out for the whole family. Go, whether you’re a seasoned punter or lucky first-timer!
The racing continues on the 27th, so if you fancy making a post-Christmas weekend of it, why not sleep off the day’s excesses in our Sunbury Travelodge? And if the kids are restless – or you’ve caught the sporty bug – you’ll find an ice rink, swimming pool and 10-pin bowling alley just a half-hour’s drive away at the Guildford Spectrum.
3. Everton v Stoke City, Goodison Park, Liverpool
Back to the list of football fixtures, Everton against Stoke looks to be a standout game, with Roberto Martinez’s Toffees playing host to the Potters at Goodison Park.
The Merseysiders have been in decent form over the course of 2014, with European football having been the reward for a great 2013/14 campaign under their Spanish boss. Last season Everton ran out 4-0 winners in this tie, but Mark Hughes’ side will be looking to build on the 1-1 draw the last time the clubs met.
Overall the home side have won more encounters between the duo than they’ve lost, and are widely hailed as favourites to further improve that record.
So if you fancy seeing the Toffees at home this Boxing Day, book our Liverpool Travelodge now. Wrap it up as a complete family treat if you take the kids to Jack and the Beanstalk at the Epstein Theatre the next day.
