HISTORIC and iconic buildings across the borough will be open to the public for free next month during the annual Heritage Open Days celebration.
Highlights include guided tours of the Cemex Rugby Cement Plant, free entry to the World Rugby Hall of Fame and an open day at Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium.
Heritage Open Days takes place over back-to-back weekends from September 7 to 16, featuring a programme celebrating Rugby’s history and culture.
Tours of the Cemex plant will offer visitors the chance to climb to the top of the plant’s iconic tower and take in a spectacular view.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame opens its doors for free on both Sundays (September 9 and 16), while Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium holds an open day on Saturday September 15, when visitors can take a tour of the facilities and explore the crematorium’s Green Flag Award-winning grounds.
Guided tours of the town centre’s Rugby in Bloom floral displays will be on offer, while beer lovers can take a guided tour of Rugby’s historic real ale pubs.
Other historic buildings joining the Heritage Open Days celebration include Princethorpe College and Lutterworth’s Cotesbach Hall.
A number of the borough’s churches will also take part, including St Marie’s Roman Catholic Church, Monks Kirby’s St Edith’s Church and St Leonard’s Church in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, which will hold a programme of events inspired by the theme of peace and reconciliation.
And Ryton Organic Gardens and Coombe Abbey Country Park offer free entry to the public over both weekends.
Rugby Borough Council growth and investment spokesman Coun Sebastian Lowe said: “A number of the places taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days remain closed to the public for the rest of the year, so it’s a rare opportunity to explore some of the borough’s historic buildings.
“With limited places available on many of the tours, it’s best to book early to secure a place.”
Visit www.therugbytown.co.uk/HOD2018 or pick up a leaflet from Rugby Visitor Centre for details of the full Heritage Open Days programme, including dates.
Places on tours can be booked in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling Rugby Visitor Centre on (01788) 533217.
