Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 & late summer breaks across England
Late summer breaks are a lovely way to end the school holidays, and this year the Women's Rugby World Cup gives families an extra reason to explore England's host cities. The tournament runs from 22 August to 27 September 2025, with matches from Sunderland to Exeter and the final in London. Here are six family-friendly destinations, ideas for getting there, where to stay and eat, and a plan B for rainy days.
Why now: late summer and the Rugby World Cup
The last weeks of August bring warm evenings, quieter beaches once Scottish schools are back, and a big sporting event on home soil. England's Red Roses are among the favourites, and seeing them on home turf could inspire a new generation of players. England Rugby has information on the team and on getting children into rugby.
Even if you don't go to a match, host cities will be buzzing with fan events. And once schools return in early September, prices for breaks often fall, which is handy for families with pre-schoolers.
Top 6 family destinations for late summer breaks
Sunderland, York, Salford and Manchester, Bristol, Exeter and Brighton combine rugby buzz with great family attractions.
| Destination | Best for | Ages | Beach or city | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland and the North East | beaches, open-air museum | 2+ | both | ££ |
| York | trains, history, walls | 3+ | city | ££ |
| Salford and Manchester | gardens, museums | 2+ | city | ££ |
| Bristol | ships, zoo, harbourside | 2+ | city | ££ |
| Exeter and Devon | coast, cathedral, beaches | 2+ | both | ££ |
| Brighton | pier, aquarium, beach | 1+ | both | ££ |
Price for a family short break: £ = under about £400, ££ = about £400–£1,000, £££ = over £1,000. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, and book match tickets and stays early in host cities.
Plan family trips in England on the Kid.ooo map
Sunderland and the North East. The tournament opens in Sunderland, which has sandy beaches at Roker and Seaburn. Nearby, Beamish Museum is a huge open-air museum with trams, a 1900s town and old sweet shops.
York. The free National Railway Museum is a must for little train fans, and the city walls make an easy family walk.
Salford and Manchester. RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford has wide paths and play spaces. Manchester's free museums are close by; see our science museums for kids guide.
Bristol. Explore the Victorian steamship SS Great Britain on the harbourside, then visit the Bristol Zoo Project on the edge of the city.
Exeter and Devon. Exeter Cathedral is a calm stop in the city, and Visit Devon has ideas for beaches and family days out along the coast.
Brighton. Brighton Palace Pier and SEA LIFE Brighton, the world's oldest operating aquarium, sit side by side on the seafront.
London. The final is in London on 27 September. Combine it with a free museum like the Natural History Museum.
Getting there with kids: car, train and stops
Train travel is easiest for city breaks, while the car makes sense for beaches and the countryside. Our guide to Easter holidays by train explains how kids travel cheap with a Family & Friends Railcard. Allow extra time on match days, as trains and roads near stadiums get busy.
For road trips, plan breaks at farm shops instead of standard services; our motorway farm shop stops guide covers the M1, M5 and M6.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Book early in host cities on match weekends, or stay a little outside and travel in. Family rooms in budget hotels, apartments and holiday cottages near the coast all work well. In late August, campsites are a good-value option too.
Look for a travel cot, a fridge for snacks and a park or beach within walking distance.
Going to a match with children? Women's rugby crowds are famously friendly, and a live game can be a brilliant first sporting experience. A few tips help:
- Choose seats near the end of a row, so toilet trips are easy.
- Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and find your seats calmly.
- Pack ear defenders, a small snack bag and a light jacket.
- Agree a meeting point in case you get separated.
- Leave a few minutes before the final whistle if you have a long journey with tired children.
Where to eat with kids
Fish and chips on the seafront, pub gardens and family-friendly chains keep meals simple. Book ahead on match days, and eat early to avoid crowds. Our kids eat free guide has budget tips.
Find kid-friendly restaurants on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Every host city has a big indoor option, from free museums to aquariums. In York and London, free national museums are easy wet-weather choices. In Brighton, the aquarium is a good bet, and Beamish has plenty of indoor exhibits in its period buildings.
Packing checklist
Late August can be hot, wet or both, so pack for everything.
- Sun cream, hats and swimwear
- Light waterproofs and a warm layer for evenings
- Ear defenders for match days
- Team shirts or face paint for the Red Roses
- Snacks and water bottles
- Buckets and spades for beach days
- Tickets, railcards and bookings on your phone
For toddler-friendly travel and family life, take a look at @mummataralouise on Instagram.
Save your late summer places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share beaches, museums, playgrounds and cafés. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save places in each host city and find playgrounds near me between matches.
Save your late summer break on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great family spot from your trip? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their late summer breaks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025?
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is held in England from 22 August to 27 September 2025. Matches take place in several host cities, with the final in London.
Is the Women's Rugby World Cup good for families?
Yes, women's rugby matches have a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, and many tickets are aimed at families. Bring ear defenders for little ones, as crowds can get loud.
Where should we go for a late summer family break in England?
Seaside cities like Brighton and Sunderland, historic York, Bristol's harbourside and Devon's coast near Exeter are all great in late August. Prices often drop once schools return in early September.
When do schools go back after the summer holidays 2025?
Most schools in England and Wales return in the first week of September 2025. Scottish schools went back in mid-August.
Find family places near you
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