(Other) Thursday 8 December 2011
Twickenham is the home of English rugby and just one proposed venue for RWC 2015
Rugby World Cup 2015 may still be four years away, but it’s not too early to start thinking about what to do and what to see while you’re in England for what should be the most exciting RWC ever.
Rugby enthusiasts from around the globe – an expected 350,000 overseas visitors – will be invading the sport’s birthplace in four years’ time but they won’t be the first foreign army to make their mark on England.
Roman, Angle, Saxon, Viking and Norman legacies remain all over the country, making it a tourist’s paradise. But it doesn’t end there. Here, with a little help from the national tourist board, VisitEngland, is a mini-guide to the nine proposed host cities for Rugby World Cup 2015 and suggestions on what to do when you’re not watching the rugby…
LONDON
England’s capital city has it all. Pay a visit to Buckingham Palace, the home of the Queen. Explore the Houses Of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of London. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theatre or ballet at the National Opera House, or catch JLS at The O2. Dine in style in one of the 53 Michelin-starred restaurants or simply enjoy some fish and chips washed down with a cup of tea.
Proposed venues: Wembley (capacity 90,000), Twickenham (82,000), Emirates Stadium (60,432)
SOUTHAMPTON
Sitting in the centre of England’s south coast, Southampton can trace its history back to the Stone Age. Today, you can enjoy a walk around the medieval town walls, take a trip to the newly opened Titanic museum or enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby New Forest National Park.
Proposed venue: St Mary’s Stadium (32,689)
COVENTRY
The Midlands’ second-largest city, Coventry boasts a stunning modern cathedral, which rose from the ruins of the medieval original that was destroyed in 1940. The city also celebrates its huge role in the British motor industry at the Coventry Motor Museum, while Coombe Country Park’s landscaped grounds are a nature lover’s dream.
Proposed venue: Ricoh Arena (32,500)
LIVERPOOL
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2004, and named European Capital of Culture in 2009, Liverpool has something for everyone. Visit the Albert Dock, which celebrates the city’s rich naval history and now has a lively café culture, or drop into the Tate Liverpool and Liverpool Museum. And, of course, discover the history of The Beatles.
Proposed venue: Anfield (45,000)
GLOUCESTER
Gloucester has rugby union running through its veins: the ‘Cherry and Whites’ can trace their history back to 1873. The city’s history goes back to Roman times, and is also home to the spectacular Victorian docks and imposing Norman cathedral. Gloucester also makes a great base from which to explore the fabulous Cotswolds.
Proposed venue: Kingsholm (18,000, projected)
MANCHESTER
Home to the Imperial War Museum North, the Lowry Centre of Arts and the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester is awash with cultural highlights. It also offers a vibrant nightlife, especially in the city’s Northern Quarter, while the rolling hills of nearby Cheshire and the jagged peaks of the Pennines provide a challenge for lovers of the outdoors.
Proposed venue: Old Trafford (76,100)
NEWCASTLE
With more theatres per capita than anywhere else in the UK, Newcastle stands at the forefront of England’s arts scene. Sites such as the Castle Keep, Tynemouth Priory and Hadrian’s Wall display Newcastle’s long and varied history, while the city’s sporting pedigree is highlighted by The Great North Run: the world’s largest half marathon.
Proposed venue: St James’ Park (52,387)
LEEDS
At the heart of the stunning West Yorkshire countryside, Leeds is home to the Royal Armouries military museum, the Henry Moore Art Institute and the Leeds City Art Gallery. For those with a more scientific side, the Thackray Museum offers a warts-and-all walk through the history of medicine.
Proposed venue: Elland Road (40,204)
LEICESTER
Like Gloucester, Leicester loves its rugby. The city’s history is celebrated at places such as the medieval Guildhall and Leicester Castle, while the Great Central Railway and National Space Centre offer a glimpse of industry past and future. Meanwhile, an Asian influence can be felt in Belgrave Road’s excellent Indian restaurants, and the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.
Proposed venue: Welford Road (30,000)
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