Guided walk exploring Alnwick's sporting heritage

Nationally from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century, popular sports were in decline, mainly due to a lack of space to play. Modern sport as we know it was rationalised during the nineteenth century and Alnwick kept up with this sporting evolution, in some cases leading the way in Northumberland. From possibly the nation's first Sporting Superstar - Harry Hotspur - to the very modern sport of Quidditch, the town has a rich sporting heritage. Led by a local sports historian, the sites of early pastimes - bull baiting, archery, cock fighting, curling and horse racing will be visited as well as those of the early rationalised - athletics, bowling, cricket, football, golf, rugby, swimming and tennis. Included is the venue of Alnwick Shrovetide Football, one of only five festival games still played in England on Shrove Tuesday.