Cllr. Sebastian Lowe, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said in a council press release earlier this month, "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."

Heritage Open Days takes place over back-to-back weekends in September, with a programme celebrating Rugby's history and culture.

The World Rugby Hall of Fame opens its doors for free on Sunday 16th September. The Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium holds an open day on Saturday 15th September, where visitors can take a tour of the facilities and explore the crematorium's Green Flag Award-winning grounds.

Beer lovers can take a guided tour of Rugby's historic real ale pubs on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th 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 14th to Sunday 16th September. Ryton Organic Gardens and Coombe Abbey Country Park offer free entry to the public over the weekend.

Leaflets detailing the full Heritage Open Days programme can be picked up from Rugby Visitor Centre or downloaded from The Rugby Town website - www.therugbytown.co.uk/HOD2018