There’s something electric about standing where history was made. Whether it’s Centre Court at Wimbledon, the clay of Roland Garros, or the sunlit grounds of Newport where tennis first took root in America, these are more than just stadiums and halls of fame – they're shrines to human achievement. For those of us who love sport, travel becomes even more meaningful when it carries the echoes of great moments, legendary rivalries and the spirit of the games we adore.
As someone who lives at the intersection of travel and sport, these places have left a lasting impression – and they’re well worth the journey.
International Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Set in a stunning Victorian-style complex, this is where tennis in America was born. Newport isn’t just about grass courts and gilded history – it’s where the sport was first established in the U.S. and the Hall of Fame itself feels more like a cathedral to tennis than a museum. With a collection of racquets, attire and stories from Billie Jean King to Lleyton Hewitt, it’s both beautifully curated and deeply nostalgic.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – London, UK
There’s no other venue quite like Wimbledon, and the museum on site captures its understated elegance perfectly. You’ll find Federer’s whites, Serena’s trophies and even a hologram of John McEnroe giving a tour. Pair a visit with a behind-the-scenes grounds tour to see Centre Court from a player’s-eye view.
Roland Garros Museum – Paris, France
Tucked within the grounds of the French Open, this museum is often overlooked – but it’s a gem. With exhibits on the origins of clay court tennis, artefacts from Borg to Nadal and archival film footage, it’s a love letter to the sport's evolution and its enduring place in Parisian culture.
Australian Open Experience – Melbourne, Australia
While Melbourne doesn’t have a standalone museum, Melbourne Park offers guided tours that reveal the behind-the-scenes heart of the Australian Open. Rod Laver Arena, player corridors and even media rooms are open to the public – and during tournament time, the city becomes a festival of tennis energy.
The Olympic Museum – Lausanne, Switzerland
Overlooking Lake Geneva, this museum captures the Olympic spirit like no other. From original torches and medals to multimedia exhibits on athletic excellence, it’s both emotional and beautifully modern.
Camp Nou Tour – Barcelona, Spain
Whether you’re a football fanatic or not, FC Barcelona’s stadium tour is an experience. You’ll visit the players’ tunnel, the press room, and stand pitch-side in one of the world’s most iconic arenas.
Sumo Museum – Tokyo, Japan
Located within Ryogoku Kokugikan (the Sumo Hall), the museum offers insight into centuries of tradition, rules, rituals and champions. Time your visit with a tournament to see it come alive.
Madison Square Garden All Access Tour – New York City, USA
The MSG tour takes you backstage into locker rooms, VIP lounges and onto the floor of “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” A must-see for anyone interested in sport, music, or American pop culture.
Yankee Stadium & New York Yankees Museum – Bronx, New York, USA
Baseball isn’t just America’s pastime – it’s a cornerstone of its sporting soul. Nowhere is that more evident than at
Yankee Stadium, home of the most decorated franchise in Major League Baseball history. Monument Park pays tribute to icons like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter, while the on-site New York Yankees Museum offers an intimate look at the team's enduring legacy.
Inside the museum, you’ll find everything from game-used memorabilia and championship rings to player lockers and rotating exhibits that dive deep into the Yankees' storied past. Stadium tours take you through the dugout, the press box and even behind the scenes, offering a true sense of what it means to wear the pinstripes.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply love sport history, Yankee Stadium is a pilgrimage worth making – a place where the crack of a bat still echoes with greatness.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – Calgary, Canada
Located at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, this museum celebrates national athletic excellence across all sports – but its Winter Olympic displays are especially memorable. The story of the Jamaican bobsled team, immortalised in Cool Runnings, is proudly featured among tales of perseverance and triumph. Interactive exhibits and access to bobsled activities at the adjacent WinSport complex make this a thrilling stop for fans of winter sport.
Davis Cup – A Global Stage for National Pride
The Davis Cup isn’t tied to one stadium or museum – it’s a travelling legacy. First contested in 1900, it quickly became one of the most prestigious events in tennis. Australia joined the competition in 1905 and since then, the green and gold have become a formidable force.
What makes the Davis Cup so special is that it’s not about individual glory – it’s about playing for your country. One year, matches unfold in Melbourne; the next, it might be Malaga, Geneva, or Glasgow. Following the Davis Cup becomes a passport to sporting pride – combining world-class tennis with the thrill of international travel.
There’s something powerful about standing shoulder to shoulder with fans, singing national anthems and watching legends give their all – not just for themselves, but for the flag on their chest. It’s sport at its most emotional and unifying.
Personal Note
Sport has always had a way of bringing people together – on the court, across continents and through time. I’ve walked through the same tunnels legends once passed through, stood on the very turf where greatness unfolded and sat quietly in front of displays that stirred far more than just memories – they stirred inspiration and motivation to succeed on my own path.
These places are not just venues or museums – they are where teams were forged, where sports were shaped and where legacies were born to inspire the next generation of champions. They stand not only as reminders of the past, but as living proof that greatness leaves a trail for others to follow.
Let JLW Travel Curate Your Sporting Journey
Whether you're chasing a Grand Slam, attending the Olympics, or walking the halls of your favourite team’s legacy, JLW Travel can craft a personalised experience that blends your passion for sport with unforgettable travel. From exclusive access to ticketing, pre- and post-tour escapes and behind-the-scenes opportunities – we take care of it all.
Wherever the game takes you, let us help you get there.