There’s no doubt that audiences around the world enjoy sports. Whether watching remotely or packing into stadiums, fans are all about gathering to watch competitive events—from snooker to football to horse racing. Still, there’s something unique about English sports fans. Compared to other countries, England hosts a dizzying array of high-level sporting competitions. Most people automatically think about Six Nations, the Premier League, and the Grand National at Aintree. After all, these are hugely popular events that occur annually. Toss in other legendary competitions, from Wimbledon to the F1 Grand Prix, and there’s fodder for the argument that England might be the world-class sporting location. On top of hosting a bevy of top sports competitions, locals in England are also passionate about backing their favorites. Betting has been part of horse racing culture for a long time, especially. In reality, when looking at www.oddschecker.com bets for a variety of brands, punters can use free bets and similar offers for just about any sport—whether it’s located in England or beyond national borders. Like spectators, bettors tend to focus on the heavy-hitting events, from Cheltenham to the Ryder Cup. But which events are hands-down worth leaving The Island for? The answer to that question depends on each fan’s interests and budget. However, if you’re interested in taking an adventure off the beaten path, we have a few suggestions for you. Keep reading for the most unique and niche annual sporting events hosted in England.
MotoGP Grand Prix
The British Grand Prix is a highly sought-after event for F1 fans… but let’s not forget that Silverstone Circuit is also home to the MotoGP Grand Prix. MotoGP is enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity in the UK, which has made the British Moto GP a massive and exciting event. (Valentino Rossi, anyone?) Though most people target the Isle of Man TT, the MotoGP is far safer. And when it comes to attending the race, MotoGP offers fewer fan events than the F1 British Grand Prix—which means the fans in attendance are all there for the same reason: to enjoy the race, not see a Bon Jovi concert.
Highland Games
Each August in Dunoon, thousands gather to compete in the Highland Games at the gathering grounds. While the US’s Highland Games (founded and organized by Scottish immigrants) has the largest number of spectators, it doesn’t hold a candle to the home of the Highland Games. Plus, there’s the added fanfare of festivities. Since 1894, the Cowal Gathering has included activities like dancing contests and pipe band performances. If large crowds (sometimes up to 20,000 total) aren’t your thing, then you’ll be happy to hear there are smaller highland games events hosted around Scotland throughout the year. 
World Darts Championships
Above, we mentioned that MotoGP is seeing a resurgence in popularity—but the recent uptick in interest doesn’t compare to the rise of darts. From its heyday in the 1970s, added attention from publications like SkySports has helped keep this game on the radar for many—along with dominant performances by English pro Phil Taylor. Since 2008, the World Darts Championships has also enjoyed its new home at Alexandria Palace in London. Just like with the Highland Games, organizers must curate an unforgettable visitor experience. Along with hosting parties for spectators and other types of engagement, the event is formal, meaning visitors will dress to the Ts when heading to the championship events.
The Boat Race
Let’s be clear: the annual rowing races between the University of Cambridge and Oxford University aren’t easy to attend with official tickets. The races for men’s and women’s rowers are closed, meaning tickets aren’t sold directly to the public. However, should you have the opportunity to attend, it’s well worth making time in your schedule. And keep in mind that, as the race is hosted on the Thames, even non-ticketed spectators are welcome to watch the race. The race has been held annually since 1856, with most races being held on The Championship Course in West London. Some estimates place the total number of ticketed and non-ticketed spectators at around 250,000.
Gloucester Cheese Rolling (& Black Pudding Throwing)
It wouldn’t be a list of niche English sports without a mention of the annual Gloucester Cheese Rolling competition. Each year, hundreds gather in the small town to watch the downhill race unfold. After a shout-out in Netflix’s short-lived Home Game series, even more flocked to watch daredevils race a wheel of cheese down Cooper’s Hill. Just in case cheese wheel chasing isn’t your preferred culinary sport, you can also check out the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships. Each September, Ramsbottom in Manchester hosts a pudding tossing competition that requires participants to knock down Yorkshire puddings by hurling black puddings at them. Some sources date this tradition all the way back to the War of the Roses in 1455 when two rival families started a pudding-based food fight.
