Rugby's history revealed during Heritage Open Days

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 in September, with a packed programme celebrating Rugby's history and culture.

Tours of the CEMEX plant take place on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 September, offering visitors the chance to climb to the top of the plant's iconic tower.

The World Rugby Hall of Fame opens its doors for free on Sunday 9 and Sunday 16 September, while Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium holds an open day on Saturday 15 September, where 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 take place on Friday 7 and Sunday 9 September, while beer lovers can take a guided tour of Rugby's historic real ale pubs on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September.

Other historic buildings joining the Heritage Open Days celebration include Princethorpe College and Lutterworth's Cotesbach Hall, while a number of the borough's churches 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 holds a programme of events inspired by the theme of peace and reconciliation from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September.

And Ryton Organic Gardens and Coombe Abbey Country Park offer free entry to the public over both weekends.

Leaflets detailing the full Heritage Open Days programme can be picked up from Rugby Visitor Centre.

Cllr Sebastian Lowe, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, 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."

Places on tours can be booked in advance by calling Rugby Visitor Centre on (01788) 533217 or emailing visitor.centre@rugby.gov.uk 

Photo caption: Guided tours of St Marie's Roman Catholic Church take place during the celebration of Rugby's history and culture.