Ashes 2027 - Tests 1 + 2 - Escorted Tour
Join Australian cricketing legends Merv Hughes & Geoff Marsh for the 1st & 2nd Tests of the 2027 Ashes along with your choice of some incredible European touring options before and between the cricket.
Guaranteed tickets to Ashes Test matches in the UK, let alone a match at Lord's, can be nearly impossible to get hold of, but with this tour that is all taken care of for you. You can also follow in the footsteps of Steve Waugh’s 2001 touring side on our pre-tour Gallipoli stopover including three nights in Istanbul, ancient Troy and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of our guided tour of Anzac Cove and the Gallipoli battlefields.
An escorted AST Tour would not be complete without our longstanding tour hosts Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh. Merv returns to the UK with AST for his 8th Ashes Series as a tour host. In his playing days Merv set up an Aussie win in the 2nd Test of the 1989 at Lord’s taking 4/71.
Geoff ‘Swampy’ Marsh famously put on a record 329-run opening partnership with Mark Taylor at Trent Bridge as part of Australia’s 1989 Ashes win. He will have plenty of stories of that tour along with his analysis of the current Aussie playing squad.
Merv and Geoff will be joined each morning at our daily match previews by a range of Australian & English cricketing legends, stay tuned for details!
All of these options will be guided by our experienced AST tour leaders along with local guides allowing you to sit back and enjoy a fantastic touring experience to be long remembered!
AST has an unrivalled reputation in the Australian market for the provision of high-quality sports tours and travel, with an unwavering guarantee of quality and reliability to our clients. When travelling with AST you can be confident that your trip is going to be of the highest quality possible, and that our office staff and tour leaders will go the extra mile to ensure you have an unforgettable touring experience.
Travelling with non-cricket fans? No problem! Email our office and we can set up a booking for you without match tickets for the non-cricket attendees.
Please note that all payments made, including deposits, are non-refundable.
Guaranteed tickets to Ashes Test matches in the UK, let alone a match at Lord's, can be nearly impossible to get hold of, but with this tour that is all taken care of for you. You can also follow in the footsteps of Steve Waugh’s 2001 touring side on our pre-tour Gallipoli stopover including three nights in Istanbul, ancient Troy and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of our guided tour of Anzac Cove and the Gallipoli battlefields.
Ashes 2027
The tour includes the 1st & 2nd Tests of the 2027 Ashes series at Trent Bridge (Nottingham) and Lord’s (London). Match tickets and transfers from our hotel are included for all five days of each Test:- First Test: 18-22 June, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Second Test: 30 June-4 July, Lord's, London
AST Tour Hosts
An escorted AST Tour would not be complete without our longstanding tour hosts Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh. Merv returns to the UK with AST for his 8th Ashes Series as a tour host. In his playing days Merv set up an Aussie win in the 2nd Test of the 1989 at Lord’s taking 4/71.
Geoff ‘Swampy’ Marsh famously put on a record 329-run opening partnership with Mark Taylor at Trent Bridge as part of Australia’s 1989 Ashes win. He will have plenty of stories of that tour along with his analysis of the current Aussie playing squad.
Merv and Geoff will be joined each morning at our daily match previews by a range of Australian & English cricketing legends, stay tuned for details!
Pre-Tour Options
Ahead of the 1st Test we have two optional tour extensions:- PRE-TOUR OPTION 1 - Gallipoli & Istanbul (11-17 June): includes tours of Istanbul, Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields plus an evening cruise on the Bosphorus (book separately, includes optional flights from Australia)
- PRE-TOUR OPTION 2 - London (14-17 June): three nights plus a tour of Lord’s (add to our escorted tours when making your booking)
Between 1st & 2nd Tests
Between the 1st & 2nd Tests (23-29 June) we have some incredible touring options for you to build your ideal tour experience. Choose from:- MID-TOUR OPTION A - Best of Ireland: Dublin, Galway, Limerick & Killarney including the Cliffs of Moher & Ring of Kerry
- MID-TOUR OPTION B - Paris & the Western Front: two nights in Paris followed by a guided tour of the battlefields of Normandy and the Somme
- MID-TOUR OPTION C - Liverpool, Manchester & London: three nights in each of Liverpool & London with visits to Liverpool FC’s Anfield & Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadiums, Liverpool’s Cavern Club (home of the Beatles) and everything that London has to offer including the opening round of Wimbledon (tickets available separately)
All of these options will be guided by our experienced AST tour leaders along with local guides allowing you to sit back and enjoy a fantastic touring experience to be long remembered!
Why You Should Choose AST
Australian Sports Tours have been organising group travel since 1998 and this tour will be our 8th visit to England for the Ashes - with big Merv having been there for all of them!AST has an unrivalled reputation in the Australian market for the provision of high-quality sports tours and travel, with an unwavering guarantee of quality and reliability to our clients. When travelling with AST you can be confident that your trip is going to be of the highest quality possible, and that our office staff and tour leaders will go the extra mile to ensure you have an unforgettable touring experience.
Travelling with non-cricket fans? No problem! Email our office and we can set up a booking for you without match tickets for the non-cricket attendees.
International Flights
International flights from Australia are not included in our packages and should be booked separately online or through your travel agent. We can also look at some options for you, contact our office for details.How to book
Book online or by calling 1800 026 668 payment schedule:- On booking: $2,000 deposit per person online by credit/debit card
- Within 7 days of booking: a top-up payment to 30% of the total tour booking amount is due via bank transfer
- Friday 15 January 2027: 40% instalment due via bank transfer
- Friday 5 March 2027: final balance due via bank transfer
Please note that all payments made, including deposits, are non-refundable.
Any Questions?
Email us at info@astsports.com.au if you have any questions about the tour.AST is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the UK Ashes 2027 - licence number CATO2027/930.
Inclusions
Match Accommodation
- Six nights Nottingham 4-star hotel (17-23 June)
- Six nights London 4-star hotel (29 June-5 July)
- Breakfast included daily at each hotel
Europe’s Best Touring Options
- Optional pre-tour Gallipoli & Istanbul (book separately) or London add-ons ahead of the 1st Test
- Mid-tour 23-29 June options: Choose from Ireland, Paris & the Western Front or Liverpool & London
Test Match Tickets & Dinners
- Match tickets to the 1st Test at Trent Bridge
- Match tickets to the 2nd Test at Lord's
- Return private match transfers
- Cricket Australia pre-match functions in Nottingham & London
Tour Host & AST Tour Leader
- AST tour hosts Merv Hughes & Geoff Marsh
- A range of guest speakers at our morning briefings
- Experienced AST tour leaders on hand for the duration of the tour
- Professional local guides during our mid-tour options
Tour Sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing on our mid-tour options as detailed above
Transfers
- Internal flight, coach & train transfers included throughout (flights from Australia only included with our Turkey pre-tour add-on)
Tour Merchandise
- AST tour merchandise including polo shirts, jacket & cap
Itinerary
Pre-Tour Options
Gallipoli & Istanbul (10-17 June - book separately):
- Thursday 10 June: Our pre-tour Turkey add-on includes flights from Australia on Turkish Airlines and their partners
- Friday 11-Sunday 13 June: Istanbul’s iconic monuments, museums & traditional markets, Bosphorus cruise & group dinner
- Monday 14 June: Coach transfer to Canakkale & visit of Ancient Troy
- Tuesday 15 June: Tour of the Gallipoli battlefields and memorials including Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Shell Green, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, the Nek and the Turkish 57th Regiment memorial
- Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 June: Flight to UK & day in Nottingham ahead of the Ashes
London (14-17 June):
- Monday 14 June: arrive into London today and check-in at our central pre-tour hotel
- Tuesday 15 June: guided tour of the home of cricket, Lord’s
- Wednesday 16 June: free day London
- Thursday 17 June: coach transfer to Nottingham ahead of the start of Ashes 2027
Main Tour
Thursday 17 June - Arrive Nottingham & Pre-Match Function
Welcome to Nottingham! Extra nights can be arranged ahead of the tour if required, contact our office for details.
Located in England’s East Midlands, Nottingham developed through the middle ages as a market town surrounded by the manufacturing and industrial cities of the north and the international trading ports of the south. Famous for Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, its castle and caves, today Nottingham is home to some of the country’s major universities and teaching hospitals and boasts professional soccer, rugby, cricket and ice hockey teams.
After checking in at our hotel, this evening we will attend Cricket Australia’s pre-Test function ahead of tomorrow’s 1st Test.
Overnight: Nottingham
Friday 18 to Tuesday 22 June - First Test, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Today sees the official start of the 2027 Ashes Series as Trent Bridge plays host to the first Test. Each morning before the day’s play our tour hosts Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh will be joined by a range of guest speakers to dissect the series and offer their insights into what to expect for the day ahead.
Overnight: Nottingham
Mid-Tour Options (23-29 June)
Ireland
- Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 June: Dublin
- Friday 25 & Saturday 26 June: Galway via Athlone
- Sunday 27 & Monday 28 June: Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry & Killarney
Paris & Western Front
- Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 June: Paris
- Friday 25 & Saturday 26 June: Normandy battlefields, D-Day landings & Caen
- Sunday 27 & Monday 28 June: Amiens, Villers-Bretonneux, Somme & Lille
Liverpool & London
- Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 June: Liverpool including stadium tours of Liverpool FC’s Anfield & Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadiums plus Liverpool’s Cavern Club - home of the Beatles!
- Saturday 26 to Monday 28 June: London including options to attend the opening round of Wimbledon (tickets available separately)
Tuesday 29 June - London & Pre-Match Function
Today our tour groups come together in London in anticipation of tomorrow’s second Test at Lord’s.
London is an iconic city and everywhere you look there is a monument or building that you have seen in a book or on television. From Trafalgar Square to Tower Bridge, Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, there is something for everyone in London.
Tonight we will be guests at the Cricket Australia pre-match function including three-course dinner, drinks package and special guest appearances.
Overnight: London
Wednesday 30 June to Sunday 4 July - Second Test, Lord’s, London
An Ashes Test Match at Lord’s is something that all Australian cricket fans want to tick off their bucket list and today we get to experience it for ourselves. Whether it’s your first or tenth trip here it is always a special feeling.
Each morning before the day’s play our tour hosts Merv & Geoff will be joined by special guests to conduct their pre-match briefings dissecting the previous day’s play and offering up their insights into what to expect for the day ahead.
Overnight: London
Monday 5 July - Tour Ends
Our tour ends this morning. Contact our office (info@astsports.com.au) to enquire about extra nights of accommodation, airport transfers or international flight options.
Ireland
Between Tests 1 & 2 - Ireland - 23-29 June
Our six-night Best of Ireland tour between the 1st & 2nd Tests takes in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry & Killarney.
Wednesday 23 June - Dublin
Today we fly to the Irish capital of Dublin where we will spend three incredible days & nights of food, music & festivities!
While traces of Ireland’s Viking past have been largely washed away, Dublin is a living museum of its history since then. Medieval castles and cathedrals are on display alongside the architectural splendours of its 18th-century heyday.
Dublin is famed for its legendary hospitality and relaxed feel and the vibrant nightlife of the Temple Bar and Quays area is the perfect place sample a pint of Guinness! Dublin has a rich history, yet the city’s greatest drawcard remains the Dubliners themselves. Garrulous, amiable & witty, they are always incredible hosts.
overnight: Dublin
Thursday 24 June - Dublin & Guinness Storehouse
We start the day with a city tour taking in Dublin Castle, O’Connell Street and Trinity College.
This afternoon we head to the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous export before sampling a pint or two from the rooftop Gravity Bar and enjoying views over the entire city.
This evening we’ll be back at Temple Bar for one last night of Celtic entertainment!
overnight: Dublin
Friday 25 June - Galway via Athlone
We travel to Galway via a stop in the town of Athlone, home to Sean's Bar - the oldest pub in Ireland dating back to around 900 AD!
Bohemian Galway is one of Ireland’s most engaging cities. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments, bridges arch over the salmon-stuffed River Corrib, and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill where you’ll find the source of the Galway’s famous oysters.
overnight: Galway
Saturday 26 June - Galway
This morning we’ll take a walking tour of Galway’s medieval old town including the 16th century Spanish Arch, Kirwan’s Lane and St Nicholas’s Church, completed in 1320, where Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped.
Afternoon options include the weekend markets in the shadow of St Nicholas’s Church, a local hurling match at Pearse Stadium or Galway’s range of traditional shops, café’s and bars.
overnight: Galway
Sunday 27 June - Cliffs of Moher, Limerick & Killarney
Today we travel through southwest Ireland along the "Wild Atlantic Way" and the Burren coastal route with stops at the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick and Tralee.
We have two nights in the town of Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane in County Kerry. Located on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, the town is the start and end point of the 200-km Kerry Way walking trail. The town's 19th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral sits opposite Killarney National Park.
overnight: Killarney
Monday 28 June - Ring of Kerry
Today we embark on the spectacular Ring of Kerry travelling around and through the Slieve Miskh Mountains, MacGillikuddy’s Reeks and the Caha Mountains. Highlights of the drive include Killorglin, Waterville, Sneem, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park.
Back in Killarney we’ll enjoy a night of traditional music, food and drink!
overnight: Killarney
Tuesday 29 June - Cork to London
This morning we travel to Cork ahead of our farewell of Ireland and return to London ahead of the 2nd Test at Lord’s.
France
Between Tests 1 & 2 - Paris & Western Front - 23-29 June
Our France option between the 1st & 2nd Tests begins with two nights in Paris ahead of a guided tour of the battlefields of Normandy and the Somme.
Wednesday 23 June - Eurostar to Paris
This morning we depart Nottingham for London and the Eurostar train to the heart of Paris.
This evening we enjoy a cruise of along the Seine River including commentary on the many historic landmarks lining the river. We then enjoy the first of two nights in the French capital.
overnight: Paris
Thursday 24 June - Paris
Today is free for you to enjoy more of Paris such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Montmartre Basilica, museums such as the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay or the Centre Pompidou, or shopping around Le Marais or the incredible Galleries Lafayette.
This evening we will get together in the trendy Saint-Germain district for some famous local cuisine.
overnight: Paris
Friday 25 June - Normandy
This morning we depart Paris and begin our tour of the French battlefields and memorials of the World Wars.
First we head to Normandy and the famous beaches of the D-Day landings of World War 2. We visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery of Colleville before arriving in Caen for the first of our two-night stay.
Caen’s town centre features the Chateau de Caen castle built by William the Conqueror in 1060. It stands on a hill flanked by the Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Etienne and Sainte-Trinite, which both date from the same period.
overnight: Caen
Saturday 26 June - Normandy
Today we visit more of the Normandy WW2 battlefields and memorials with our specialist tour guide. We then visit the medieval town of Bayeux before returning to our hotel in Caen.
overnight: Caen
Sunday 27 June - Somme
Today we head to the town of Villers-Bretonneux where Australian soldiers famously fought during the First World War. Annual Anzac Day services are held here each year and in addition to the local memorials we will visit the incredible Sir John Monash Centre opened to commemorate the Anzac Day centenary.
We stay in the northern city of Lille, capital of the Hauts-de-France region near the border with Belgium. Lille was once an important merchant centre of French Flanders and many Flemish influences remain. The historic centre is characterized by 17th-century brick town houses, cobbled pedestrian streets and the large central square, Grand Place.
overnight: Lille
Monday 28 June - Flanders
Our Western Front experience travels north today to Ypres and the surrounding battlefields and memorials of Flanders in southern Belgium.
There are over 150 Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites in and around the Ypres Salient and in the town itself the stunning Menin Gate Memorial is visited by hundreds of thousands of people a year.
overnight: Lille
Tuesday 29 June - Eurostar to London
Following breakfast we board the Eurostar train to London ahead of the 2nd Test at Lord’s.
Liverpool & London
Between Tests 1 & 2 - Liverpool, Manchester & London - 23-29 June
Spend three nights in each of Liverpool & London with visits to Liverpool FC’s Anfield & Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadiums, Liverpool’s Cavern Club (home of the Beatles) and everything that London has to offer including the opening round of Wimbledon (tickets available separately).
Wednesday 23 June - Liverpool
After check-out from our Nottingham hotel we board our private coach for the drive north to Liverpool.
Situated on the north bank of the River Mersey, Liverpool is a compact city dominated by its two most famous products - football and music. The city centre is home to a number of landmarks recognising the Beatles including the Cavern Club and Beatles Museum, while just up the road are the football grounds of archrivals Liverpool and Everton.
This evening join our tour leader as we head to some of Liverpool’s world-famous nightspots for some twisting and shouting!
overnight: Liverpool
Thursday 24 June - Manchester
Today we travel up the M62 from Liverpool to neighbouring Manchester and a tour of Manchester United's fabled Old Trafford Stadium. Scene of so many classic encounters this is one experience not to be missed.
overnight: Liverpool
Friday 25 June - Anfield Stadium Tour
Today we take a tour of the home of Liverpool FC, Anfield Stadium. Home to Liverpool since their inception in 1892, the ground has a capacity of over 60,000 and has seen plenty of historic moments.
Other options today include exploring more of Liverpool’s Beatles history with a tour taking in the childhood homes of the Fab Four and the inspirations for some of their music, or a ferry ride across the Mersey to Birkenhead.
overnight: Liverpool
Saturday 26 June - Liverpool to London
This morning we check-out of our Liverpool head down and travel south to London.
London stands on the River Thames in southeast England and has been a major settlement for nearly 2,000 years. Its ancient core and financial centre, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries. The City of Westminster, to the west of the City of London, has been the site of the national government and parliament for centuries.
London grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city. It is home to the world’s oldest metro system - the Underground - and is the most-visited city in Europe.
overnight: London
Sunday 27 June - London
Today is an opportunity to view some of London’s famous tourist sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and more.
This evening is a chance to take in a West End show or join us for a couple of ales and dinner in a traditional London pub.
overnight: London
Monday 28 June - Optional Wimbledon
Round 1 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships gets underway today and there are a couple of options to attend the tennis. Official hospitality packages start from around GBP 1,750 per person (contact us if you would like details), otherwise there are tickets for each show court along with ground passes available for people joining the famous Wimbledon queue. Our tour leader will have details on getting to SW19 to join the queue.
In addition to the tennis, London has plenty to keep both first-time and regular visitors entertained!
overnight: London
Tuesday 29 June - London
Today provides another opportunity to attend Wimbledon or do some more exploring of the national capital.
This afternoon our other tour groups come together for this evening’s function ahead of tomorrow’s 2nd Test at Lord’s.