The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place
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THE Women's Rugby World Cup is taking place across the UK next month.
And for the first time, it will take place across eight English cities - and VisitEngland have shared their top tips on what to do in each.
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The Women's Rugby World Cup takes place next month
Credit: Getty
Running from August 22 to September 27, the eight cities are Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York - with Anne Marie headlining the opening ceremony.
Here is the full guide of what to do in each - and the rugby-themed events taking place.
Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove previously hosted three UEFA Women's Euro fixtures in 2022.
But beyond the pitch, Brighton offers a rich mix of experiences from panoramic views atop Brighton i360 to the adrenaline of the Brighton Zip.
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The colourful Lanes entice visitors with eclectic boutiques, artisan coffee shops and bakeries, while Shelter Hall on the seafront provides a contemporary twist on the traditional food hall.
No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Palace Pier with its exhilarating roller coaster rides and views of the English Channel.
Top Tip: The Red Roses take on Australia on September 6 whilst New Zealand go head-to-head with Ireland on 7 September.
Head to the fan zone in Victoria Gardens between September 4 and 7 for a free, family-friendly, female-focused festival including local music and rugby taster sessions.
Bristol
The city's engineering legacy is front and centre at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain.
Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, is set to host both semi-finals and two quarter finals – and has already made history with England's highest attended women's rugby game outside of London.
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For a creative fix, dive into the immersive world of Wake The Tiger or create your own masterpiece with Graft's graffiti workshops – a must-do in Banksy's hometown.
Top Tip: A dedicated Rugby World Cup walking route will link the two fan zones at Ashton Gate and Bristol Amphitheatre to allow visitors to take in the sites en route.
Quarter finals will take place on the weekend of September 13 and semi-finals on the weekend of September 19.
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The colourful Bristol will host the semi and quarter finals
Credit: Alamy
Exeter
The tournament's most south-westerly venue, Sandy Park in Exeter has been home to the Exeter Chiefs for the past 18 years and will host seven matches this year, including two quarter-final fixtures
The Devonshire city offers a culture-packed break with riverside walks, Gothic architecture and top-notch local food.
Start with the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, boasting the world's longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, before heading beneath the city's surface on a tour of the Exeter Underground Passages.
Back above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a rich collection of art, archaeology and natural history.
If the sun's out wander down to the scenic quayside, home to indie shops, artist studios and riverside pubs.
Top Tip: Exeter's free and accessible Princesshay fan zone will show all matches on a big outdoor screen for the duration of the tournament with plenty of seating options, a pop-up bar and nearby street food vendors.
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Exeter will host seven games but there is a lot to explore in the city too
Credit: Alamy
Twickenham, London
The legendary Twickenham Stadium will host both the Women's Rugby World Cup final and bronze final on September 27.
In nearby Richmond, discover natural beauty and regal heritage with walks and wild deer spotting in Richmond Park, explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew or step into history at Hampton Court Palace.
For a tranquil meal in a secret garden setting, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the charming Petersham Nurseries hidden away along the River Thames.
Top Tip: Organisers are anticipating that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final could sell out Twickenham Stadium and surpass England's record for the highest attended women's rugby game.
If you do miss out on a ticket, you can still soak up the sporting atmosphere at one of Twickenham's rugby pubs, such as The Barmy Arms or The Cabbage Patch, which always come alive with fans on match days.
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Twickenham Stadium is likely to sell out, but there is lots going on elsewhere
Credit: Alamy
Salford, Greater Manchester
Manchester is no stranger to ball sports, but it's rugby that's set to shine in the city this summer with the Salford Community Stadium hosting four Women's Rugby World Cup fixtures.
Make a post-match visit to Salford Quays, where the city's industrial past has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hub.
Sample the 19 independent kitchens at Kargo food hall or take in the creative legacy of L.S. Lowry at The Lowry arts centre and theatre.
Top Tip: To align with the four games being played at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and 30, Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of Manchester's city centre will host a fun filled fan zone experience with more details to be announced.
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Salford Quays is now a cultural hub
Credit: Alamy
Northampton
Northampton, the Midlands' only Women's Rugby World Cup host city, will see six matches staged at Franklin's Gardens, a venue dating back to 1880.
Northampton has plenty to explore between games too, such as the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, or enjoy a countryside escape at the gardens of Castle Ashby.
Motorsport fans can head to the world-famous Silverstone Circuit to explore its museum – or even drive the iconic track in a single-seater racing car.
Top Tip: Across weekends that the tournament is on, Northampton Market Square's fan zone will be celebrating with live music and street entertainment – along with an all-important big screen and a licensed bar.
The fan zone will have a different theme each weekend, from technology and innovation to art, music and culture.
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Northampton will host six games this year
Credit: Alamy
Sunderland
The North East is all set to welcome fans with the tournament's opening show and first game – a must-watch match between England and the USA – taking place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22.
Beyond the pitch, Sunderland offers sandy summer escapes at Roker and Seaburn beaches.
For cultural exploration, visit Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – keep an eye out for Wallace the lion – and the National Glass Centre, where you can watch live glassblowing in action.
Top Tip: A mini music festival will take place at the city's Keel Square fan village on the evening of August 21 – featuring a lineup of female-led live music.
The celebrations continue at Keel Square for the next two days with live entertainment, interactive games, food, drink and big screens.
They'll also be plenty of community events taking place locally, including touch rugby festivals on nearby beaches.
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Sunderland will host the games at the Stadium of Light
Credit: Alamy
York
One of the tournament's newest venues, the York Community Stadium previously hosted the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and this year will have six matches taking place during the tournament.
York is a city layered with history – visit the 7th Century York Minster, uncover Norse heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or brave the thrills of York Dungeon.
For something more modern, enjoy food and drink at creative community venue SPARK* or join a craft beer tasting tour at Brew York.
Top Tip: The Red Roses' captain is North Yorkshire-born Zoe Aldcroft, who hails from Scarborough and started playing at her local rugby club aged eight.
It takes under an hour to reach Scarborough from York by train, and the coastal town (touted to be England's first seaside resort) offers rich heritage, outdoor adventures and plenty of water sports – perfect for a breezy break away from the pitch.
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