How to celebrate England’s Cricket World Cup win

The nail-biting final of the Cricket World Cup 2019 ended on the biggest high possible for the England team, as they were crowned tournament champions for the first time ever and on home ground too. Now we’ve just about recovered from the super-over drama, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best cricket-themed things to do in Bristol this summer, to help you celebrate. 

Stay in the Cricket Room at Mercure Holland House Hotel

Mercure Holland House Hotel on Redcliffe Hill gives guests the option of booking into fun themed rooms, including the Cricket Room. This pays tribute not just to England’s cricketing heritage but love of the international game, with nods to the sport’s history throughout the design and décor. It’s the ultimate place to check-in for cricket fans visiting Bristol. Reservations need to be made over the phone - find contact details here. 

Image credit: Mercure Holland House Hotel 

Discover Brunel’s SS Great Britain’s cricket connections

In 1861, Brunel’s SS Great Britain made its mark on international cricket history by carrying the All England Cricket Team to play in Australia for the first ever time. An exhibition detailing the team’s journey and those early tours is currently on show, featuring the diary of local player EM Grace (brother of WG Grace) who travelled on the ship in 1863, photographs, objects and more. The exhibition ends on 8 September, so get on board quickly if you want to see it!

Image credit: Brunel's SS Great Britain

Go to one of the summer fixtures at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

The World Cup might be finished, but there’s still plenty of cricket to keep you on the edge of your seat at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club this season. There are five Vitality Blast fixtures, including a family day when the home team take on the Sussex Sharks on Sunday 4 August and a Friday night derby match between Gloucestershire and Somerset on 23 August.

On 31 July, you can also see what’s expected to be an action-packed WIT20 match between England and Australia – the final in the Ashes series.

Image credit: Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground

Check out the WG Grace plaque in Clifton

Born in Downend, legendary cricket player William ‘WG’ Grace is one of Bristol’s sporting heroes, captaining Gloucestershire and England in his illustrious career, which was stacked with pioneering achievements. Today, you can find a blue plaque in his honour at 15 Victoria Square, Clifton, one of his former homes.

The 'Father of Cricket' also inspired the name of The Grace, a traditional pub with a great beer garden on Gloucester Road, just a ten-minute walk from the county ground. Where better to raise a glass to England’s victory this summer?

Rent Lagaan from 20th Century Flicks

If you’re as mad about film as you are cricket, watching Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a must for keeping your World Cup fever going – although you might not be cheering for England this time round.

It’s the epic tale of an Indian community standing up to the grossly unfair tax imposed on them by the ruling British forces. Tensions are fought out on the cricket pitch and the whole film is laced with drama, music and romance for added entertainment. It’s available to rent from 20th Century Flicks, the film library on Christmas Steps.

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• Howzat: Bristol and Cricket
• Things to do in Bristol: Cricket