So we’ve all got our tickets (or maybe not) to the greatest sporting event in the world and London is becoming full of Olympic spirit.

But where did it all begin? We take a quick look at the history of this famous event that originated in Ancient Greece.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, by Kevin Poh

Ancient Olympics

The Ancient Olympics were created in Olympia (hence the name) over 2,700 years ago as part of a religious festival. These Olympics began in 776 BC in honour of the king of the Gods, Zeus, and inspired the modern Olympics that we know today.

Although it was many years ago, the majority of events at the Games were pretty similar to the ones we’ll be watching in London this July and included running, wrestling, boxing and javelin. The running track was much wider and longer than it is now (183 metres) with as many as 20 people being able to run at once.

Did you know…? Most athletes in Ancient Greece competed in the nude!

A Pankration Mosaic, by Dennis Jarvis

Dangerous Sports

With fewer rules and regulations in competitive sport back then, some events were pretty dangerous and certainly wouldn’t be allowed today.

The pankration, or all-in wrestling, was one of the worst with lots of biting and poking people’s eyes out! Boxing was very different too with competitors wearing leather gloves and being allowed to carry on punching their opponent even when he was on the floor.

Did you know…? Fights had no time limit and continued until a competitor surrendered, lost consciousness or died!

The Colosseum in Rome by Sean King

The Romans

Taking place every four years for around 1200 years, the Games continued to grow until Rome conquered Greece in the 100’s BC. The Romans replaced traditional events with gladiatorial contests as standards and sportsmanship began to decline.

Competitors in these Games were professional athletes who often took part in bloody and violent events. In 393 CE, the Roman emperor Theodosius I stopped the Games because of their pagan influences. It wasn’t until around 1,500 years later that they began again, thanks to French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin who constructed a committee to organise the Games (now the IOC).

Did you know…? Pierre de Coubertin won a gold medal for literature after introducing an arts competition at the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

Usain Bolt celebrating, by Thor Matthiasson

Modern Olympics

The first ever modern Games were held in Athens in 1896 with around 241 athletes from 14 nations taking part in 43 events.

Times were much slower than they are today with the American runner, Thomas Burke winning both the 100 metres in a time of 12 seconds and the 400 metres in 54.2 seconds. Today Jamaican Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100 metres (9.58 seconds) and the 400 metres record is held by Michael Johnson of the USA, with a time of 43.18 seconds.

Did you know…? Although Usain Bolt is the fastest man ever, the first sport he played was actually cricket, where he was a talented fast bowler.

Many of the ancient Olympic sites such as the Columns of Olympian Zeus can still be found in Athens, Greece today. Click here for some great deals on hotels in Greece or visit Hotels4u for a range of accommodation in Rome.

Are you looking forward to the Olympics? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. 

If you're not one for lying on the beach, why not enjoy the fresh air while playing a spot of golf? Whether you're a frequent on the fairway or you're relatively new to the club, we've rounded up some of the top golfing destinations throughout the UK that will fit your needs to a tee, so your holiday won't be a bogey.

Balgownie Links (via Flickr)

From luxury yachts to streamline rowing boats, Olympics to regattas, taking to the water has never been so popular. There's no greater feeling than being out on the open waters, battling against the elements or standing on shore and watching some of the most talented sportspeople in the world show you how it's done.

With various events taking place across the year, we've picked out some of the very best sailing events to catch in the next twelve months.

Qingdao Olympic Sailing port

Olympics Sailing - 29th July to 11th August, 2012

Home to some of the best natural waters for sailing in the UK, Weymouth and Portland - located in Dorset on the south coast of England - is the place to be for sailing at the London Olympics. Ten sailing events will take place here during the Games with ticket holders being able to see the star of the competition, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie. Unless you're a sailing expert though, rules and points scoring can be pretty tricky to understand so check out the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) or more information.

Did you know...? Great Britain has been the most successful country in each of the last three Olympic sailing competitions in Sydney, 2000, Athens, 2004 and Beijing, 2008.

Vendée Globe, France - starts 10th November, 2012

Taking place every four years, the Vendée Globe is the ultimate test for sailors. The event, which has about 30 competitors, lasts for around three months and is the only round-the-world single-handed yacht race that is sailed non-stop. The 23,000-mile race starts and finishes in Les Sables d'Olonne, passing the west-coasts of Spain and Portugal including Lisbon before heading past the Canary Islands, South Africa, Australia and the east coasts of Brazil and Argentina.

Did you know...? Since the event started in 1989, only half of the 118 boats that have taken part have managed to complete the race.

Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - 26th December, 2012

Rather than sitting with their feet up on Boxing Day eating too much Christmas turkey, a number of sailors will be preparing to take part in the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. The 630 nautical miles race - starting in Sydney and finishing in Hobart - is one of the most popular sporting events in Australia with 88 boats taking part in 2011.

Did you know...? During an exceptionally strong storm in the 1998 race, five boats sank and six people died. Only 44 of the 115 boats that started the race made it to Hobart.

Henley Royal Regatta (Rowing) - 3rd July to 7th July, 2013

Although there are many rowing regatta's throughout the year, the Henley Royal Regatta is without doubt the most famous in the world. Taking place over a five-day period, the regatta really is one of the highlights on the sporting calendar, attracting thousands of spectators every year. The event includes over 200 races on this famous course that is traditionally 1 mile and 550 yards long.

Did you know...? A massive £2 million is spent on staging the five-day Regatta every year.

Round the Island Race - 30th June, 2013

Attracting 1,700 boats and 16,000 sailors, the annual Round the Island Race takes place around the beautiful Isle of Wight and is one of the largest yacht races in the world. In fact it appeals to some of the best sailors on the planet, as well as families and first-timers with competitors from across the UK, Europe and even as far away as the USA. The course is 50 nautical miles long with various vantage points for spectators along the way.

Did you know...? The race has the 4th largest number of participants in any UK event behind the London Marathon, Great North Run and Great South Run.

If you fancy combining your holiday with a bit of sporting action, we've got great deals on hotels to make sure it's a trip to remember. 

Gone are the days when children spent their spare time playing outside with their friends and climbing trees in the garden. With imagination limited to video games and the Wii Fit replacing outdoor activity, it’s time to tear your kids away from their screens and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Whether it’s an adventure abroad or a creative course, we’ve rounded up some ideal holidays to keep them active and out of trouble.

Photo via Flickr - jurvetson

France

If you’re looking for an active holiday, France is well worth a trip as it’s not only close to Britain, but you can also find a selection of great deals on places to stay throughout the country from Hotels4U. Go to the south west and take the little ones canoeing down the River Dordogne. For about 15 Euros for adults and 10 for children, you can hire a canoe for the day from one of the many rental companies that line the river banks. With transportation and life jackets included, it’s a safe and easy adventure for the whole family to embark on. If you’re not comfortable leading the pack yourself, there’s a range of guided tours on offer so you can soak up your surroundings from a local perspective.

Perhaps you've just come back from a stint in the sun or maybe you've decided to stay at home this summer. While there are lots of reasons to go abroad, there's plenty going on in Britain as well. From Bristol to Edinburgh, we've rounded up a list of family friendly activities to do throughout the UK this summer.

Edinburgh Fringe (Image via Flickr)

With the huge variety of cooking shows on our TV screens every week, celebrity chefs and the destinations they're passionate about are becoming more and more popular. While some chefs head to Italy to showcase where our favourite ingredients come from, others hail from corners of the UK, France and beyond. We take a look at three of the most popular chefs in the country and the foodie destinations they're linked to.

Here we are in July, and in lieu of any sunshine, we thought we'd give you a guide to the next best thing: food, glorious food.

Throughout all this month, there are foodie functions dotted all around the UK, so we've taken a quick look at some must-do events where you can tickle your tastebuds this July.