Did you know that more than half of Brits (52%, to be exact) would happily hop on a train to explore a new place if it meant diving deeper into a sport they love? Well, it's now easier than ever with an exciting new 8-part audio series.
The rail industry has teamed up with TV and radio star Kirsty Gallacher to create an audio series that takes you on a journey through the origins of Britain’s favourite sports. You'll learn the best spots to enjoy them today and might even uncover hidden gems that might spark a new passion—all accessible by train.
You'll also get to hear exclusive chats with some top sports stars like darts prodigy Luke Littler, England cricketer Kate Cross, two-time Olympian Derek Redmond, and more.
How do you listen to the guides?
The guides are available at the bottom of this page, as well as through Spotify and on the National Rail website.
Is this free?
Yes, the guides are free to listen to.
Which sports can I learn about?
The audio guides will talk about cricket, rugby, horseracing, tennis, darts, football, athletics and snooker.
What destinations can I learn about?
Some of the most popular destinations on the TransPennine Express network are included in the audio guide series, including Liverpool, York, Manchester and Leeds.
You can listen to the audio series below.
Take a trip to watch, learn about and discover new sporting passions by train for less.
Lancashire legend and England pace bowler Kate Cross joins us to chat about her journey through the sport.
We jump into the addictive world of the green baize, investigate some of the best snooker locations in Britain and ways to get involved.
Britain is home to some of the most hallowed rugby grounds and historical locations. Let’s take a tour by train.
Sport Historian Martin Polley joins us to tell us more about the growth of racing in Britain and how rail influenced it.
We take a deep dive into the sport’s history, discover some of its most interesting and inspiring locations, and the different ways you can experience them by train.
Britain has a rich heritage in athletic competition. In this episode, 400m legend Derek Redmond joins us to share stories from his career.
We take a look at how darts became the powerhouse it is today, how rail helped it grow, and have a chat with darting sensation Luke Littler.
Hop on a train with us and discover some of our country’s most legendary football locations and different ways to watch and play the sport nationwide, no matter your budget.
You can also read or download a transcript of the Sporting Routes audio series (PDF, 256kb).
Ready to jump on a train while you learn about Britain’s sports heritage? Book your train tickets in advance on our website or on the TPExpress app.
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