Synonymous with sport, music and comedy, Wembley is one of the entertainment landmarks of London. For those
attending events, there are plenty of Wembley hotels to cater for your requirements. The area is famous primarily,
arguably solely, for the two great venues that stand at its centre.
Wembley Stadium - Football
Most widely known as the home of English football,
Wembley Stadium has played host to a number of iconic events across all sports over the years, as well as providing a setting for some truly memorable music concerts.
Its footballing highlight is without doubt the World Cup Final in 1966, where England defeated West Germany 4-2 with
a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst. It also hosts the FA and Carling Cup finals each year, as well as the Football League
playoff finals. It has hosted the European Cup final in 1968, European Championship matches in 1996 and the
Champions League final in 2011, which will return in 2013.
Wembley Stadium - Other sports and music
Wembley hosted many events at the 1948 Olympics, and was the scene of legendary boxer Henry Cooper's famous fight
with Cassius Clay in 1963, when 'Enry's 'Ammer floored the greatest boxer of all time in the fourth round before the
future Muhammad Ali got up to obtain a controversial victory. Famous daredevil Evil Knievel performed here in 1975.
1985's Live Aid concert remains one of the most famous music events ever, while in subsequent years Queen (1986),
Michael Jackson (1988) and The Rolling Stones (1990) all took to the stage. The stadium's current capacity is
90,000, making it the country's largest sports arena. Take That performed here as part of their record-breaking
Circus tour in 2009.
Wembley Arena - Music
Wembley Arena can hold up to 12,500 people, and is now one of the country's premier live entertainment venues. It's first significant role was as a swimming pool at the 1948 Olympics, while other events were also held there. However, it is music concerts which cemented its place as an important venue. Famous acts to have played there (often multiple times) include The Beatles, Rod Stewart, The Who, ABBA, Meatloaf, George Michael, Bob Dylan and Beyonce. Sir Cliff Richard has sold out Wembley Arena a record 63 times since 1984.
Wembley Arena - Comedy
The venue's comedy history begins in 1993, when duo David Baddiel and Rob Newman became the first comedians to play, and indeed sell out, the arena. There is some debate as to whether or not Sean Lock was the first comedian to actually perform at the arena, as he was Baddiel and Newman's warm-up act. Since then, many more comedians have gone on to sell-out Wembley Arena, and indeed some have had to upgrade to the larger O2 Arena following successful shows here. Famous faces to have graced the stage include Eddie Izzard, Michael McIntyre and Lee Evans.
Getting to Wembley
Either rail or tube are the best way to get to Wembley, although do bear in mind that if you are travelling on the
day or evening of the event you are attendning then public transport will be very busy indeed. Three
trains per hour run from Marylebone to Wembley Stadium, a journey that lasts just eight minutes and takes you right next to your destination.
Tube travellers should get off at Wembley Park, which is found on the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines. Baker Street
is the nearest city centre station, and it is recommended that you choose the Metropolitan Line, as there are less
stops and you will arrive quicker. Once you get out of the station, the famous walk down Wembley Way awaits.
Wembley Pubs and Bars
Given the main attractions in the area, many places are aimed at those looking for somewhere for a quick drink
before they head of to a show or match. One of the best options is
The Swan, a welcoming establishment just one train stop away from the stadium. Further choices in close proximity to Wembley's main attractions include
The Speakeasy and
The Fusilier.
Wembley Restaurants
Wembley is not short of restaurants, however two of the most popular in the area specialise in Indian cuisine, ideal
for a pre-match curry.
Bombay Dreams and
Kangana both offer reasonably priced, tasty fare within easy reach of both the stadium and the arena.