Catch the England vs Sri Lanka ODI & T20 Series in 2026
There is an England Cricket Tour to Sri Lanka in January and February 2026! This will be the first time that England have toured Sri Lanka since the ‘no spectators’ tour in 2021.
England Men are set to play three T20 internationals (IT20s) and three one-day internationals (ODIs) in Sri Lanka across January and February 2026. The Three Lions last toured Sri Lanka in January 2021 for a two-Test series, with the visitors winning 2-0.
Join the excitement as the England Men’s Cricket Team heads to Sri Lanka in early 2026 for a highly anticipated series, promising a showcase of top-tier cricket in some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic venues.
What to expect from the England vs Sri Lanka series:
Top-Class Cricket in Epic Venues! Fun, frolics and much more than cricket.
How to Turn the 2026 England Cricket Tour into an Unforgettable Holiday
This blog goes beyond cricket, offering expert tips on how to make the most of your time in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning one, you’ll escape the barmy army and discover so much more.
From boutique hotels to unique off-the-beaten-track experiences, ETG’s insider knowledge will help you craft a trip that’s as thrilling off the pitch as it is in the stands.
We’ll help you turn your cricket holiday into an epic and luxurious adventure.Talk to us today about how to create your bespoke Sri Lankan cricket-watching holiday.
Getting to Sri Lanka
If you’re based in the UK, following the England cricket team across to Sri Lanka for the England cricket tour dates 2026 is going to require a lengthy flight. Here are some typical routes:
● Heathrow to Bandaranaike International – 10 hours 30 minutes
● Edinburgh to Colombo – 13 hours 40 minutes (indirect)
● Manchester to Colombo – 12 hours 30 minutes (indirect)
● Birmingham to Colombo – 12 hours 55 minutes (indirect)
While the terminology can be confusing, the two Sri Lankan airports are one and the same – they both use the CMB airport code. Neither is the airport in Colombo; it is, in fact, 32km to the north close to a town called Negombo. While the Sri Lanka v England 2026 dates in Colombo are easy to reach from this airport, Galle is further away, coming in at 153km (95 miles) away. The Colombo – Galle highway makes this journey far more straightforward than it used to be when England test team first started touring Sri Lanka in the 1990s.
Journeys in Sri Lanka can still take a while though which is one primary reason why a well-planned trip to the 2026 England tour of Sri Lanka is vital.
Cricket tour packages – what’s included?
We at Experience Travel Group (ETG) know there’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all”, and that’s why each and every one of our holidays is bespoke. So, unlike with most international sports tours, you can design your trip for the England cricket tour so that it meets your requirements perfectly. The following fundamentals, however, will always be included:
- Tickets for the England v Sri Lanka fixtures
- Guides and all internal transfers
- Personalised hotel choices
- Local attractions and experiences
- International flights (though you are also welcome to book your own)
ETG work on the basis that this is your holiday, so we’ll work out the details in close conversation with you. If you’d like some inspiration, have a look at our sample Sri Lanka holidays and itineraries.
Find Out More About the England Tour to Sri Lanka
Other places to visit while you’re in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful, vibrant country with so much to offer, so we’d highly recommend seeing some of the sights if you’re visiting for any international cricket tours. In fact, we think the cricket is the perfect excuse to see what else the island has to offer! Here is a handful of our top picks:
- Get closer to nature. Most people visit Yala, but did you know you can see swimming elephants in Gal Oya, or get up close and personal with leopards and far more in Wilpattu National Park?
- Sigiriya is an incredible archaeological site that you may already be familiar with as it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. But Sri Lanka has lesser known historical sites scattered and mysterious – let’s help you stumble upon them.
- Experience Sri Lankan heritage. If history’s your thing, there are some extraordinary sites in Sri Lanka, and we’d recommend the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which dates back to 1070.
- Take time for tea. Sri Lanka is known across the world for their tea, so where better for the English to enjoy a little time out than in the hills surrounded by tea plantations.
- Enjoy Colombo. In the last decade or so, Colombo has developed to be one of the highlights of any trip to Sri Lanka thanks to its boutique hotels, bars and restaurants.
There are plenty of options for a tailored tour of Sri Lankan to sit neatly alongside the Sri Lanka vs England cricket fixtures, read more for inspiration on things to do when you visit Sri Lanka.
Where to stay in Sri Lanka in March?
At ETG, we tend to avoid the impersonal, resort-style accommodation traditionally associated with international sports tours. Instead, we know an incredible range of boutique, luxurious and characterful hotels and villas and can make suggestions depending on your taste and travel style. Or have a look here at the ETG Hotel Collection in Sri Lanka.
Find Out More About the England Tour to Sri Lanka
What’s the weather like in January and February?
Fortunately for all of us, the European winter months are the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka. The period between mid-January and February is generally considered to be the dry time of year, so you’re guaranteed some warm, sunny weather to accompany your beers and test-side merriment. That said, Sri Lanka is still a tropical country which means it is always possible that you will encounter a downpour or two, but rains at this time of year tend to come in short sharp showers that clear relatively quickly. In essence: it’ll be weather for shorts, t-shirts and sandals, but do be sure to take along a thin layer of waterproof clothing, just in case!
A word of warning though: the best hotels get booked for this time very early indeed, so to avoid disappointment, talk to us about planning your holiday today.
Visas for Sri Lanka
Make sure that when you travel to Sri Lanka your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of entry. Most nationalities can get a visa on entry by applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Yes. We believe Sri Lanka is one of the world’s safest major tourism destinations, with remarkably low levels of crime. We saw some political protests during 2022, but that didn’t affect tourists at all and with a new government in place and a tremendously positive vibe out there, Sri Lanka is set fair.
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