In the midst of sports-packed summer, new research has revealed there are gaps in British sporting knowledge.

In fact, over two fifths (44%) are unaware Britain last hosted the Olympic Games in 2012 and only 37% know that the England men’s football team has NEVER won the Euros - with 14% of 18-24 year olds being optimistic enough to believe they’ve won it twice! 

Encouraging more to discover Britain’s exciting sporting locations by train, a new 8-part audio series from the rail industry provides a deep-dive into football, rugby, tennis, cricket, snooker, darts, horse racing and athletics - as over half (52%) of Brits agree they would travel to a new location to learn more about a sport they’re really passionate about. 

(Image: National Rail)

Within each episode, host Kirsty Gallacher interviews sporting heroes - from Luke Littler to Kate Cross and Derek Redmond - to bring to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports, the places where they can be enjoyed today - with options for every budget - and hidden gems that will inspire new sporting passions by train.

It comes as 64% of Brits incorrectly believe Wimbledon is the birthplace of modern Tennis (lawn tennis), when in fact, Edgbaston in Birmingham is the home of the world's first tennis club.

There’s even a blue plaque to commemorate the club that you can easily visit today from Five Ways train station.

Similarly, 66% didn’t know that rugby comes from Rugby, despite the sport widely believed to have first been played at the Rugby School in the Warwickshire town, when back in 1823 during a game of football, William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and run with it!

The episodes include stories such as when snooker player John Pulman was travelling from his home in Dorset to compete at the British Boys Championship in London, left his cue on the train.

He ended up borrowing another player’s cue at the tournament, which he went on to win. Pulman then used that same cue for the rest of his successful career, which included winning the world championship a whopping eight times.

And locations, such as the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, just a 10 minute walk from Newmarket station, which features a collection of birthday cards that were sent to the nation's most beloved thoroughbred, Red Rum.

(Image: National Rail)

Sports broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher said: “This summer presents an unprecedented source of sporting inspiration. I’ve teamed up with National Rail to host a new audio series interviewing the great and the good of the sporting world, talking about Britain’s fantastic sports and sporting locations, encouraging as many people as possible to go on a sporting discovery by train.”

Luke Littler, professional darts sensation said: “It’s so important for people to keep coming out and travelling to experience sport in person, whether it's at a match, Fan Park, or visiting a venue where you can try it for yourself.”

Jacqueline Starr, CEO at Rail Delivery Group, explained: “Travelling by train connects you to the people, places and things you love - like sport. We’re delighted to be working with Kirsty to help people learn and discover more about the fantastic sporting experiences Britain has to offer.”

You can save 1/3 off most rail journeys with a Railcard for just £30 a year, a cost that can be made back in savings in just one or two journeys.

When you travel by train you can also enjoy discounted entry to a lot of sporting attractions like the National Football Museum, World Rugby Museum, National Horseracing Museum, Football Stadium tours and more from National Rail’s Days Out Guide. 

Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/sportingroutes to find out where you can watch, learn about and discover new sporting passions by train.