Places to visit in Rugby
Discover these top highlights on a trip to Rugby town centre
Rugby School Shop arranges for guided tours of our historic school and is the meeting point for the start of all tours. Explore Rugby School with a guided walking tour around the School Museum, The Close, Chapel and other historical landmarks in our town. See the spot where the game began, where Tom Brown played and walk in Lewis Carroll’s footsteps. Drop-in tours run most Saturdays at 2pm - booking recommended.
1. Rugby School Tours
Where:
Rugby School, Lawrence Sheriff St, Rugby CV22 5EH
2. Rugby Museum & Art Gallery
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is located in the centre of Rugby, a picturesque town in the West Midlands. Entry is FREE of charge and it provides visitors with a wealth of cultural experiences. Rugby Art Gallery and Museum houses a small Archaeology Gallery which showcases Roman artefacts found in the local area. Two art galleries showcasing changing exhibitions of local and National contemporary and modern art. Plus, a small changing exhibition from Rugby’s social history collection. It also houses, Rugby Visitor Centre and Shop, Rugby Library, There are lots of activities for all ages with opportunities to get hands on with art and history.
Where:
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Little Elborow Street, Rugby, CV21 3BZ
Art at the Alex is a quirky independent arts centre in Rugby town centre, showing work by Rugby Artists and Makers. Artist-led, with studios, gallery, garden and licensed cafe on site.
3. Art at the Alex
Where:
72-73 James Street, Rugby, CV22 2SL
St Andrew’s Church, Rugby's original parish church, dates back to the 14th century, with the West Tower as its sole remnant. The church was rebuilt in 1879 and completed in 1899, designed by William Butterfield, featuring a 55m high spire and various architectural additions. The West Tower, 22m tall, served both defensive and religious purposes, making it Rugby's oldest building. Additional remnants include a medieval font and a 13th-century parish chest.
4. St Andrew’s Church
Where:
Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT
Launched in 2004, Rugby's Blue Plaques highlight notable buildings, people, and events that shaped the town's history. A collaboration between local organisations, the plaques offer a fascinating self-guided trail for visitors to explore Rugby’s rich heritage.
5. Rugby's Blue Plaques
Where:
Around Rugby Town Centre
Caldecott Park is located in the town centre next to the Town Hall. The park is around 10 acres in size and contains a variety of formal and informal sports facilities, play area and formal lawn areas. This recreational area has become famous for its award winning floral displays and is enjoyed and well loved by the residents of Rugby and visitors to the town. Fully accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible public toilets. Accessible toilet in cafe. All paths paved. One flight of steps, with alternative ramped access available. Dogs are permitted only when on a lead. Designated blue badge parking in Newbold Road and Town Hall car parks.
6. Caldecott Park
Where:
Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2DT
7. Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum
Housed in the original building of William and then James Gilbert, Victorian boot and shoemakers, our Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum is a treasure trove of Rugby memorabilia collected over the last 180 years.
Where:
5-6 St Matthews St, Rugby CV21 3BY
Stumble across a new find or browse flowers, fruit and veg at Rugby Outdoor Market, every Friday and Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Also find fresh, hot food and drinks, homewares and watch repairs – all in Market Place.
8. Rugby Outdoor Market
Where:
Market Place, Rugby, CV21 3DY
9. The Rupert Brooke Memorial and Jubilee Gardens
The Rupert Brooke Memorial, located in Jubilee Gardens, is a bronze statue commemorating the poet born in our town. The sculpture captures Brooke in a reflective pose, embodying his legacy and connection to Rugby through his famous poetry.
Where:
11 Regent Pl, Rugby CV21 2PJ
A vibrant community venue offering a range of performances, including drama, comedy, and musicals, Rugby Theatre is home to creative talent, a rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
10. Rugby Theatre
Where:
Henry St, Rugby CV21 2QA
Percival Guildhouse is an independent centre for lifelong learning and the arts, offering a variety of classes and workshops in subjects like languages, art, and history. For a century, it has been a welcoming space for personal growth and creativity.
11. Percival Guildhouse
Where:
Percival Guildhouse, St Matthews St, Rugby CV21 3BY
12. Rugby Great Central Walk
The Great Central Walk follows the route of the historic Great Central Railway, offering a scenic 4.3-mile trail through nature. It's a peaceful spot for walking and cycling, with rich wildlife and a glimpse into our area's railway heritage.
Where:
Varous access points along the Great Central Walk, including Clifton Road
Visit Macready Theatre’s stunning venue with a diverse range of performances, including theatre, comedy, dance, and family shows, supporting local schools with free tickets during term time.
13. Macready Theatre
Where:
Lawrence Sheriff St, Rugby CV22 3DG
14. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre in Rugby, formerly Ken Marriot Leisure Centre, offers diverse sports and leisure facilities, including a gym, swimming pools, fitness classes, a climbing frame, sports hall, and an athletics track.
Where:
Bruce Williams Way, Rugby, CV22 5LJ
15. Whitehall Recreation Ground
One of the oldest recreation grounds in the country, these 12 acres make for a pleasant walk and are home to a children’s play park, skate park and the town’s War Memorial Gates. Rugby's war memorial takes the form of a pair of wrought iron gates with gold decoration, supported by two Portland stone piers with ornamental mountings. The names of the men of Rugby who fell in the major wars of the twentieth century are inscribed on the piers.
Where:
Rugby CV22 5AA
Clifton Road is Rugby's oldest cemetery, situated near to the town centre and was opened for burials in 1863. The Victorian cemetery contains a good collection of conifers, with Redwood trees located close to the Lodge and entrance on Clifton Road.
16. Clifton Road Cemetery
Where:
Rugby CV22 5AA
17. St Andrew’s Church Gardens
A peaceful ‘Eco Garden’ located at the heart of the town centre, St Andrew’s Gardens serves as a space for relaxation, hospitality, and community events, with ongoing projects to enhance its environment and commemorate local history.
Where:
St. Andrew’s Gardens, Rugby CV21 3PT