For any football fan, the chance to walk in the boots of an England international is the stuff of fantasy. Now, a new immersive experience at the national team's headquarters offers precisely that opportunity, allowing supporters to live like a Lioness or a men's team star for a night.
The Ultimate Football Sleepover
Priced from £650 for a family of four, the 'Stay Like the England Teams' package at the Hilton St. George's Park in Staffordshire is a deep dive into the world of elite football. The adventure begins with a taste of player treatment, as guests are whisked by buggy to the players' entrance for a special check-in. Here, you're presented with a mock contract outlining the experience's pillars: 'Live the Suite Life', 'Strike a Pose', and 'Train like a football player (kind of)'.
After signing on the dotted line, it's off to the accommodation. Guests stay in the wonderfully named Suite Caroline, which was Gareth Southgate's preferred suite during his tenure as England manager. The presidential suite above is typically for team managers like Thomas Tuchel and Sarina Wiegman, but Southgate favoured this lower-floor room with its balcony overlooking the complex.
The suite itself is a treasure trove for any fan, kitted out with memorabilia including shirts from Harry Kane, Alex Scott, and Ian Wright, plus a signed football from Ella Toone. As part of the package, guests receive exclusive merchandise to keep, such as England-branded bathrobes and a complimentary football.
Training and Touring the National Football Centre
Following a brief rest, the action moves to the pitch for a coaching session led by an FA-certified coach. Participants are put through their paces with drills, finishing with shooting practice and one-on-ones—a session that quickly confirms that Harry Kane's starting position is in no immediate danger from this particular journalist.
Next, the experience includes a comprehensive tour of the National Football Centre. Built in 2012 at an initial cost of £105 million, St George's Park is set within 330 acres of Staffordshire countryside. The tour is a behind-the-scenes pilgrimage, taking in the pool where the famous photo of Bukayo Saka on an inflatable unicorn was captured, the cryotherapy chamber, the boot room, and the Sir Alf Ramsey indoor pitch.
Outside, the scale of the facility becomes even more apparent, with no fewer than 14 pitches, each named after an England icon like Alan Shearer, Fara Williams, and Gordon Banks. The main pitch, named after Sir Bobby Charlton, is reserved for the men's team and the Lionesses. It features the same grass as Wembley Stadium and is identical in size.
Dining, Cinema, and Living the History
As evening falls, the hotel's corridors offer their own spectacle. The walls are lined with images of England legends such as Paul Gascoigne and John Barnes, serving as a powerful reminder of the history and prestige associated with the Three Lions shirt. A striking fact adorns one wall: only 1,295 players have represented the men's team since 1872.
Dinner is served in the main hotel restaurant with a specially themed menu. Starters are labelled the 'Warm Up', continuing the football motif. While players might stick to strict nutrition plans, this journalist indulged in an ice cream dessert, a luxury one suspects might not be on the regular menu for Alessia Russo or Declan Rice.
The day culminates with a private outdoor cinema experience, complete with heated dugout seats. Guests can choose from a selection of classic football films, with popcorn, sweets, and chocolates provided. For one night, the feeling is palpable: football has truly come home. England players often describe St George's Park as a home from home, and for these lucky fans, that sentiment becomes a glorious, temporary reality.
