UK Rugby Matches and Stadium Trips the Whole Family Can Enjoy
*This is a collaborative guest post
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, rugby is well-known as a family-friendly sport that can be enjoyed as an exciting day out. Across the UK, there are more ways than ever for families to experience the game together
Start at Your Local Club
The most accessible rugby day out costs nothing and requires no planning with community clubs up and down the country running minis and juniors sections every Sunday morning.
The touchline atmosphere, complete with volunteer coaches, enthusiastic parents and kids learning the values of rugby makes one of sport’s most welcoming environments.
Or if you’re thinking of catching one of the big tournaments or any live rugby on TV, check with your local club for a screening.
The Birthplace of the Game
Rugby, Warwickshire is an underrated family day trip with the sport’s entire origin story built into it, and the town is compact and walkable, making it an easy full day.
Rugby, Warwickshire is an underrated family day trip with the sport’s entire origin story built into it, combining a guided tour of Rugby School, the World Rugby Hall of Fame, and the William Webb Ellis Football Museum.
Stadium Tours Worth the Journey
Twickenham’s behind-the-scenes tour takes families through the England changing room, down the players’ tunnel, and out pitchside at the world’s largest dedicated rugby union venue.
Entry includes the World Rugby Museum with an interactive Play Rugby zone where children can test kicking and scrummaging skills. Under-fives go free.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium offers a similar experience, with a walk through the Dragon’s Lair dressing room to the sound of a pre-recorded 74,500-strong crowd. For older children, the Zip World SCALE roof climb adds an extra dimension.
Matchday at a Professional Club
Professional clubs have invested heavily in the family matchday experience, such as the BKT United Rugby Championship’s Kids Round, which hands young fans genuine behind-the-scenes roles, from mini-referee at the coin toss to PA announcer.
At Saracens, junior festivals at StoneX Stadium before selected Premiership fixtures give children the chance to play on the pitch before watching the senior side.
A Sport That Grows With You
Rugby’s appeal as a family day out is that it doesn’t stop at a watching a game, and you don’t have to remortgage your house. It can be a simple Sunday cheering the local team from the sidelines, to ziplining across the Cardiff skyline to a mooch around the sport’s birthplace. There’s something for everyone.
