Wembley: Sports History, Art and Parks

Wembley brings together sports history, outdoor art, green spaces and leisure activities. You can therefore discover the area from more than one perspective: alongside major events, there is an art trail, parkland and a range of activities. When planning, it helps to distinguish between these different highlights.

Sports History and Architecture

Wembley Park opened to visitors in 1894. The British Empire Exhibition was held there in 1924 and 1925; in 1948, Wembley hosted the XIV Olympic Games. These milestones connect the park’s opening, an exhibition and the Olympic Games. Sports history is therefore part of Wembley’s broader historical picture.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Wembley is a distinct architectural highlight. The post-war church is designed in a loose Neo-Georgian style with Romanesque influences. These two stylistic references make its architecture easy to identify. For travellers interested in architectural history, it complements the major historical events with a specific building.

Outdoor Art and Green Spaces

The Wembley Park Art Trail is a free outdoor gallery featuring 26 works by local and international artists. The trail is fully accessible. Its outdoor works create a distinct art focus alongside St Joseph’s architecture and the area’s sports history.

Union Park offers a different focus: its seven-acre natural area includes wildflower meadows, lawns, ponds, trees, fountains and sports facilities. It also has outdoor fitness equipment and a multi-purpose area for tennis and netball. Natural features and specific opportunities for exercise come together here. If you’re travelling with children, you can choose between art, green space and active pursuits without planning your visit solely around a stadium event.

Events and Leisure

Wembley Stadium hosts a range of sporting events throughout the year, including home matches for the England national team; live music concerts are also part of the programme. If a particular match or concert is important to your trip, check the event dates in advance.

London Designer Outlet is right next to Wembley Stadium and within walking distance of three railway stations. The outlet includes a nine-screen Cineworld cinema. The details about its location and nearby stations provide a practical sense of the area, while the cinema offers a separate leisure option.

Another choice of activities is available in the PLAY leisure area at BOXPARK Wembley: mini golf, a virtual reality experience, shuffleboard, table tennis, pool and table football. BOXPARK Wembley also offers a varied selection of street food vendors. Games and food are different reasons to visit BOXPARK Wembley.

When comparing hotels for your London trip, you can assess whether Wembley’s cultural, park and leisure attractions suit your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Uxbridge, Bexleyheath, Mayfair, Croydon, Chessington, Surbiton, Highgate, Hounslow