Really Ready for Summer with Halfords: Where can I watch the tennis?
iStock It's already shaping up to be an amazing summer
We're only just into July, but it's already looking like a classic summer. Not only are we in the middle of a heatwave, but some massive tournaments in the worlds of football and tennis are getting us all in the mood to kick a ball or pick up a tennis racket. As well as playing sport there are also places to watch both Wimbledon and the football outside – the perfect excuse to picnic.
Big screen action Watching the football or tennis doesn't have to mean staying in the living room with the curtains closed or sweating it out in a local pub. If you and your family are sports fans then there are big screens showing both tournaments up and down the country – meaning you can enjoy the sunshine as well as the sport. Companies like Luna Cinema are showing both footie and tennis on big screens at locations including Brighton beach. Day tickets start at £5 for adults. Take a picnic – but as seats aren't provided, a Halfords XL Waterproof Picnic Blanket, £10 (now half price), would be a good idea for added comfort. First Street in Manchester is showing Wimbledon too – it's free to go along. In Birmingham you can watch the football drama unfold on a big screen at The Archway – entrance is free. The Wimbledon final will be shown live at Brindleyplace on July 8 and 9, all free of charge.
Halfords Halfords XL Waterproof Picnic Blanket, £10 (now half price)
Leeds' Millennium Square is also showing World Cup and Wimbledon on big screens free of charge. You can't take glass or cans to this venue though, so check the rules before you pack a picnic. You can, of course, take soft drinks, along with some Halfords Rainbow Plastic Tumblers, £3 (now half price). In London there are dozens of large screens showing either football, tennis or both. The Scoop, just outside City Hall, is showing Wimbledon matches. Its location by the River Thames and Tower Bridge make this a beautiful location to enjoy South London's tennis tournament. You'll be sitting on a hard surface though, so perhaps take along a Summerhouse Coast Shower Proof Cushion or two for £24.99 (sold as a pair). You can find more big screens by searching online. Many are free and loads offer great picnic opportunities.
Halfords Summerhouse Coast Shower Proof Cushions, £24.99 for two
Get involved Of course, watching the tennis or football may inspire you to get active and actually play. If your kids are captivated by the action in Russia or Wimbledon then there's never been a better time to get them involved. T he Lawn Tennis Association has a searchable database of tennis courts across the country. Have a look to see what's near you but many will also have recreation grounds close by, ideal for a family game. You don't need any special equipment to have a casual kickaround with a football. Many local parks also have goalposts in place for casual games. If your kids are a bit older then you could take them for some lightly-competitive footie. If they're young there's loads of fun to be had teaching them how to play.
Camp or queue for Wimbledon If your little ones are really taken with the tennis then perhaps a trip to Wimbledon itself might be in order. On finals weekend the ground tickets are only £15 for Saturday and £8 on Sunday. These allow you to sit on Henman Hill within SW19's famous grounds and even enjoy a tasty picnic. Take along a Halfords Stripe Family Cool Bag, £7.50 (now half price), and perhaps a pack of your own strawberries to enjoy while soaking up the ambience of the event. You can either get along to SW19 before the gates open and hope to get a grounds ticket or you can camp overnight and be far more certain that you'll get in. If you're camping, the rules say you can only take a two-person tent. Consider the Halfords 2 Person XL Dome Tent With Porch for just £18 (save £32) – which is the perfect size.
Halfords Halfords 2 Person XL Dome Tent With Porch, £18 (save £32)
Escape outdoors Of course, football and tennis aren't the only games in town. Even if your kids are loving every minute of Wimbledon they might prefer to go for a bike ride. Sustrans has some great cycling routes for families, so you could fill in the time until the next match with a trip out to explore. If you're all heading off on a family bike ride then make sure everyone is equipped with helmets and you take at least one puncture repair kit with you. At just £12 this kit is great value and comes with everything you need to remove your bike wheel and repair the inner tube. Just remember, it's also worth taking a spare inner tube on any trip in case of larger tyre punctures. If you don't yet have bikes for all the family then Halfords also has 20 per cent off a range of adult bikes and children's bikes.
Halfords Halfords Essentials Puncture Repair Kit & Tools, £12
This article was written in partnership with Halfords for express.co.uk. Make sure you are Really Ready For Summer with Halfords. Visit www.halfords.com or go in-store for full details on all offers and services. Prices correct at time of publication. Offers end August 5, 2018