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Lest we forget in our heated passion that, even during the World Cup, a large proportion of the population is completely unaffected by football fever. While many who would never usually don a football shirt, are cheering along, commenting on how simply wonderful Michael Owen is, others are sick to the back teeth with the "beautiful game".
 Thankfully for those not partial, the World Cup means that with most of the nation in the grip of some sort of mass hysteria and delusion that their team can win it, the rest of us can take full advantage of the gaps they leave. Pubs will swell with crowds, but a big football match means empty streets, little traffic, uncrowded galleries and generally a bit of peace and quiet everywhere without a TV screen. Here's a game by game guide on what to do when the England team are playing (assuming they win every match that is). Savour the city in peace...  Hyde Park (10th June 2006 at 14:00, England vs Paraguay) London is blessed with a wealth of green spaces, unrivalled by any city in Western Europe, just perfect for spending a summer afternoon in. The true spirit of the season can be found here among the lush green grass as friends and families picnic, play games and bask in the sunshine. However, they do have a tendency to fill up considerably at weekends during the height of summer. On Saturday 10th June though, most of the nation will be glued to the television screen as England take on Paraguay in their opening group game. This means the parks of central London will be blissfully quiet for a couple of hours. Hyde Park, with its large open spaces and the Serpentine lake, is our choice for that afternoon. Stroll across the empty lawns then take a pedalo ride across the still water before finishing off with a doze in one of the iconic deck chairs. An ideal antidote to the football frenzy. And don't forget the shops of Oxford Street are only a short walk away... Address: Hyde Park, W2 Phone: 020 7298 2100 Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner Tube / Marble Arch Tube / Knightsbridge Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information   Beating Retreat 15th June 2006 at 19:00 (15th June 2006 at 17:00, England vs Trinidad and Tobago) The England football team is one of the nation's few modern-day demonstrations of patriotism. How often do you see such hearty renditions of 'God Save the Queen'? If it doesn't grip you, though, why not sample a far more ancient display of pageantry and commitment to Her Majesty? The Beating Retreat on the 15th June is a striking parade of precise marching by soldiers in immaculate uniform, accompanied by rousing music. The ceremony is usually only performed by the army the previous weekend. But the first time since 1999, the Royal Navy will be lining up on Horse Guard's Parade for this iconic ceremony. This is a fabulous chance to soak up English tradition, without anyone mentioning 1966. Address: Horse Guard's Parade, SW1A Phone: 0870 4000 689 Date: 14th and 15th June 2006 Time: 19:00 Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  J Sheekey(20th June at 20:00, Sweden vs England) Not much happens on a Tuesday night. Apart from the packed pubs, you won't notice a great difference as England take on Sweden in their final group match. Nevertheless, this could be a fantastic opportunity to wangle that elusive dinner reservation. There are some restaurants where it just seems impossible to get a table, but on a Tuesday night with a World Cup match in process you could be in luck. The hottest reservation in the capital is probably still the Ivy, purlieu of West End stars and Hollywood visitors. But celebs can't be that keen on the football - in spite of the big match, the Ivy is already fully booked on 20th June. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other restaurants worthy of your custom. For some fabulous seafood and some celebrity spotting, J Sheekey - the Ivy's sister restaurant - is a fine option. They still have tables available at the time of writing. While the rest of the mob is obsessing about the football, it's an ideal moment to treat yourself. You and like-minded friends can have a delightful, footie-free chat over a sumptuous meal. Address: J Sheekey, St Martin's Court, Charing Cross Road, WC2N Phone: 020 7240 2565 Price: Main courses £11 - £35 Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Constable at Tate Britain (25th June 2006 at 16:00, England vs Ecuador) If the desire to catch England's first game in the knock-out stage, isn't top of your list of priorities - fear not. This summer the galleries of London have a veritable tournament of art on show. However, on any given Sunday from May to September they are practically swarming with art lovers. It's fine to visit a bustling gallery but sometimes it's pleasant to take in these masterful creations in a calmer atmosphere. With England playing Sweden, the 25th June should be the quietest Sunday afternoon of the summer. The Tate Britain are mounting an unmissable exhibition of Romantic master John Constable's most illustrious works. The collection of 6ft exhibition canvasses, which have never been seen together before, includes 'The Hay Wain' - the classic image of the River Stour. The England team have a long way to go to achieve immortality, Constable, however, remains one of the finest artists this country has ever produced. Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P Phone: 020 7887 8000 Date: 1st June - 28th August 2006 Time: 10:00 - 17:50 Price: £10 (Adults), £8 (Concessions) Nearest Station: Pimlico Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Hampton Court Palace (1st July 2006 at 16:00, England vs Holland - likely opponents) Hampton Court is simply glorious on a summer's day. However, a visit is sometimes marred by floods of people, and if you are arriving by car, traffic chaos. Of course, with the chance of England edging into the quarter finals of the World Cup, things should be a little quieter. It's also People's Day at Wimbledon, so that will cancel tennis fans out too, diverting the crowds away from this summer hotspot. This opulent Tudor palace has a stunning interior - perfect exploring the vestiges of the English royal family. In July, though, the main draw will be the beautiful formal gardens and the celebrated maze; don't miss the sunken gardens or the Great Fountain Garden. Football will seem a world away as you try to plot your course to the centre of the maze. Address: Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 Phone: 0870 752 7777 Time: 10:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:00) Price: £12.30 (Adults), £8 (Children), Garden and Maze-only tickets available Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Holland Park Opera - Cosi Fan Tutte 5th July 2006 at 19:30 (5th July 2006 at 20:00, England vs Brazil - likely opponents) Who wants to be shut inside a hot, smoky pub on a gorgeous summer's eve? The outdoor opera season at Holland Park will offer a more sophisticated musical experience than continual off-key renditions of 'We love you England, we do' and 'Ole, ole, ole, ole'. The Holland Park Opera company has delighted audiences for many summers with the high quality of their productions, and on 5th July they will be putting on 'Cosi Fan Tutte', Mozart's most celebrated opera. This piece of popular genius will sound wonderful in the balmy July air. The ruins of Holland House are the backdrop for this magical performance in a lovely part of west London. Pick up the ingredients for a picnic and a chilled bottle of wine beforehand, and enjoy the evening's entertainment. This will be relaxing and distinctive evening out. Address: Holland Park Theatre, W8 Phone: 0845 230 9769 Date: Opera Season runs 6th June - 5th August 2006 Time: 19:30 Price: £21 - £43 Nearest Station: Holland Park Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  London Tours(Anytime between June 9th and 9th July 2006) One of the most frenetic, dynamic and busy cities in the world, exploring London on foot or on wheels can, at times, be a tad frustrating due to the sheer volume of people on the streets and on the roads. During major World Cup matches the city is bound to experience a lull in traffic so why not take advantage of the calm and join one of the many tours that investigate the city’s many different facets. Be it a river trip, a bicycle adventure, an open-top bus journey or a walk through the City of London's ancient streets, there are many ways to see the city and its sights. For details of walking tours click here. For details of bicycle tours click here. For details of bus and coach tours click here. For details of river tours click here.  World Cup Final9th July 2006 Picture the scene... England are in their first World Cup final for 40 years with the chance of lifting the trophy for a second time. The nation, all dressed in red and white of the George Cross, is on tenterhooks, praying for glory to be theirs once more, and you're still not interested? Inconceivable - even the greatest football cynics will surely have given into the tide of enthusiasm which would greet a performance of such magnitude. Who their opponents might be is uncertain, but at least we know it won't be Brazil - for England to make the final they will have already been eliminated. Who will be the heroes and villains? What will the 90 minutes bring? Will we lose on penalties? Will there be a national holiday if we win? Get in front of a TV and start cheering, this mightn't happen again in your lifetime. |
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