Only a 20 minutes train ride from Waterloo station and you are in Twickenham - home to the largest rugby venue in the world and the 4th largest sports stadium in all of Europe.  Located in the east stand of the stadium is the World Rugby Museum (the largest in the world) and a great experience for all - whether a fan of rugby or interested in sports and the culture associated with them.  The museum has a large collection of everything rugby throughout its permanent galleries and changing special exhibitions.  The museum also hosts periodic workshops and seminars for those wanting a more in depth experience.  There are interactive exhibits allowing adults and children to get physical, as well as a Wall of Fame, displays of memorabilia, trophies, educational panels, and examples of uniforms past and present.  There are plenty of video monitors with clips and footage to watch throughout.  One unique item is a programme from the 1924 Olympics.  This was the last time rugby was played at the Olympics with the USA winning gold - thus they are still the current Olympic champions!

History:  Rugby Football Union (RFU) started in 1871 and the collection provides insight and perspective from its founding to the current day.  Over the years many rugby unions have donated items to the museum.  As the collection grew, the RFU decided to put items on display.  In the late 1970s and early 80s, display cabinets contained a small sampling of the collection, and then in 1983 a museum was built in the south stand to provide a permanent home.  In 1996 the museum moved to the newly redeveloped east stand.

Stadium Tours:  In addition to visiting the museum, visitors can book a tour of Twickenham stadium.  The tour gets you into the stadium to visit the England dressing room, the Royal box, medical room, players’ tunnel and hospitality suites.  You also get great views of the arena from the top of the stand and pitschside walk around the field.

Visiting Info:  The Museum is generally open Tues-Sat 10-5, and Sun 11-5, though closed on and often around match days/weekends - so check website before visiting.  Tours are at specific times during these hours and should be prebooked to ensure space. Museum adult entry: £7, or £15 if combined with a tour. For specific details visit their website at: http://www.rfu.com/twickenhamstadium/worldrugbymuseum

Located at:   Twickenham Stadium, Hamilton Rd, Twickenham, TW2 6SN

Closest transit:  RAIL: Twickenham (from London Waterloo).  TUBE: (1) Richmond (District Line), then R68 or 33 bus to Twickenham, or (2) Hounslow East (Piccadilly Line), then 281 bus to Twickenham.