With the RBS 6 Nations starting this week, we’ve taken a tour from Edinburgh to Cardiff, via London’s Twickenham, to hunt out the best places to watch, drink and rest your boots…
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh is abuzz with excitement on game days. The Scottish city has its fair share of great pubs and bars, where watching the rugby has become part of the local culture.
Where to eat & drink
Cheer on your team at Teuchters in the West End armed with their famous haggis stovies in a mug, a warming whisky or a pint of ale. Traditionalists will love The Queens Arms for its cosy ambiance and high definition screens or the Three Sisters with its huge outdoor ‘beer garden’ marquee screen. Other spots beloved by the local rugby crowd include The Bothy at the Murrayfield Hotel and The Cambridge, renowned for its burgers.
Getting There
BT Murrayfield Stadium is just 20 minute walk from Haymarket Station while buses including Lothian Buses lines 12, 26, 31, 22, 30 and First Buses 12, 16, 38, as well as Airlink 100 lay on extra services on match days.
Don’t miss: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile or a whisky tasting session and stay in comfort at our Travelodge Edinburgh Central.
CARDIFF
Cardiff has become synonymous with sports thanks to its state-of-the-art Millennium Stadium. Luckily it has plenty more to keep you busy while you’re on your rugby weekend.
Where to eat & drink
Serious rugby fans will love The Old Arcade, decorated with Welsh Rugby Union memorabilia where one can order their famous Black & Blue Burger. Prefer a beer with a view? Try Zero Degrees overlooking the stadium. At the Prince of Wales, a 20-foot screen awaits, while at O’Neill’s Irish pub, it’s all about the Sky TV screens and the Steak and Guinness pie. Want to carry on for a post match pint or two? Hit the Brewery Quarter, a quick stroll away, or head to the Urban Tap House for Welsh-made craft brews.
Getting there
Cardiff Central Station is just over a mile away, and provides quick access to Cardiff City Stadium, 5 minutes on the train from Cardiff Central. To stay with in easy reach of the action, stay at the Cardiff Central Travelodge hotel.
Don’t Miss: A pint at The City Arms where the Welsh Rugby Union’s official ales are on tap!
TWICKENHAM
Twickenham in West London is home to the stadium but also just a hop away from chic Richmond and Kew Gardens, not to mention Hampton Court Palace.
Where to eat & drink
Enjoy a real ale before a game at The George, known for its large beer garden or the very popular The Albany, a ten minute walk from the stadium. Prefer a picturesque setting by the river? The White Swan sits pretty on the Thames and is just the spot for a pub lunch accompanied by a Twickenham Tusk ale. For more about the local brews, take a tour of Twickenham Fine Ales near the green. Hungry? Why not try one of the excellent curry houses like The Green Spice on The Green, the Rawalpindi Grill on King Street or the Atithi on York Street.
Getting There
Drivers should pre-book parking with the RFU or use the Kempton Park ‘Park and Ride’. Extra trains from Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Reading, Ascot and Windsor are laid on for match days. On the Underground alight at Hounslow East (Piccadilly) or Richmond (District) and hop on a free RFU shuttle or take the 281, 267, 481, 681 or H20 bus. To keep it simple, book into a London Twickenham Hotel and stay walking distance from the Stadium.
Don’t Miss: Hard-core fans should visit the multimedia Twickenham Rugby Museum for a behind the scenes look at the England dressing rooms, player’s tunnel and Royal Box.
