England Cricket Tour to South Africa Brings Ben Stokes Team to Newlands
Fans of international cricket can now book a comprehensive travel package to watch Ben Stokes lead the England team during their upcoming red-ball series in South Africa. The nine-night deal, organised by partners at Gullivers Sports Travel, takes travellers directly to Cape Town for the third Test match against the Proteas. This marks the first red-ball tour for England to South Africa since 2019, bringing heightened anticipation among supporters who want to witness Test cricket under the shadow of Table Mountain.
The package costs from £4,499 per person based on two people sharing a room, with a single supplement of £799 available for solo travellers. Holidaymakers can secure their place on the trip with a 25 per cent deposit. The itinerary is built around the New Year period, offering travellers a chance to trade the cold British winter for sunshine in the Southern Hemisphere while following the team at one of the most picturesque venues in the sport.
What is Included in the Cape Town Cricket Package
Travellers who purchase the deal receive return international flights from the UK to Cape Town. The outbound journey departs from London Heathrow on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, on an indirect flight via Munich at 1:50pm. Passengers arrive in South Africa on Wednesday, December 30, at 7:40am, where a transfer takes them directly to their accommodation for a nine-night stay.
Accommodation is provided at the three-star StayEasy City Bowl in Cape Town on a bed and breakfast basis. The price also covers guaranteed tickets to the third Test at Newlands, stadium transfers, exclusive Gullivers merchandise, and entry to a special cricket evening with guest speakers. The return flight leaves Cape Town on Friday, January 8, 2027, at 6:45pm, arriving back at London Heathrow on Saturday, January 9, at 7:45am.
The History of England Test Tours to South Africa
Test cricket matches between England and South Africa carry a rich history spanning more than a century. Encounters between the two nations frequently draw large travelling support due to the favourable climate, friendly local culture, and high standard of competition. The red-ball format remains a cornerstone of international cricket, and series held in South Africa are traditionally regarded as major tests of skill for touring batsmen and fast bowlers alike.
The last red-ball series played by England in South Africa took place during the 2019 to 2020 English winter season. Since then, scheduling shifts and global sporting calendar adjustments have kept the two teams apart in the traditional format on South African soil. The return of Ben Stokes and his aggressive style of play to the Cape Town venue adds fresh excitement to the upcoming fixture list.
Exploring Cape Town Beyond the Cricket Ground
Beyond the boundary, the holiday offers ample opportunity to experience the culture and geography of Cape Town. Visitors have a free day on Thursday, December 31, to celebrate New Year Eve, with an optional Gullivers event available for those who want a structured celebration. An optional New Years Eve event is offered, while Friday, January 1 is left entirely at leisure for travellers to relax and explore local sights.
The vibrant city provides easy access to the V&A Waterfront and the stunning local winelands. Saturday, January 2 combines further leisure time for optional excursions with the exclusive Gullivers Cricket Evening. This intimate gathering features insights from legends of the game, with past speakers including Jonathan Agnew, Phil Tufnell, Steven Finn, Sir Alastair Cook, Steve Harmison, and Alec Stewart.
Match Schedule for the Third Test at Newlands
The core sporting action begins on Sunday, January 3, 2027, with the start of the third Test match. Play each day begins at 10:30am local time. Newlands is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cricket venues on the planet, offering spectators a unique visual backdrop alongside competitive sporting action.
The match runs across five scheduled days from Sunday, January 3 through Thursday, January 7. Guaranteed tickets ensure that package holders will not miss a single delivery during the crucial phases of the contest. All stadium transfers are managed by the tour operator, removing logistical hurdles for fans navigating Cape Town during the match days.
Practical Takeaways for Travelling Sports Fans
Fans planning to make the journey should review their passport validity and ensure they meet all entry requirements for South Africa before booking. The tour is structured for both couples and individuals joining a wider group of supporters, providing a social environment throughout the duration of the stay. Securing the package early with the required deposit ensures accommodation and flight allocations are locked in ahead of the peak winter travel season.
Travellers should also factor in additional spending money for meals not covered by the bed and breakfast arrangement, optional excursions around the Western Cape, and personal souvenirs. With international logistics, internal transfers, and match access fully organised, the trip presents a straightforward way to experience international cricket abroad.
