In 1823, Rugby School pupil William Webb Ellis picked up a football during a game with classmates and ran. That simple act established one of the fundamental rules of the beautiful game as we now know it. Almost 200 years later, the Warwickshire market town of Rugby is synonymous with a quintessentially British sporting tradition that is celebrated across the fascinating displays and exhibits of The Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum . Match balls have been lovingly hand-stitched here since 1842.

Opposite the museum, you will find Rugby School , one of the oldest public seats of learning in England. There are 90-minute guided tours of the school every Saturday at 2 pm, taking in the hallowed rugby ground and buildings steeped in history dating back to the mid-16th century. Bringing the story of rugby up to date, the hugely popular World Rugby Hall Of Fame honours the men and women who have shaped the sport on and off the pitch.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Rugby that don’t involve scrums and lineouts. History is proudly illuminated at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum , which boasts a changing programme of vibrant exhibitions.

For family fun, head to the High Street for Yum Yum World . This sweet-themed vista hosts a candy-coloured soft play area, laser tag, and shop full of tasty treats. More of the same can be enjoyed at The Adventure Zone , located just out of the town centre and near The Rugby Football Club.

There’s something to tingle all tastebuds in Rugby, with the town centre offering dishes inspired by flavours from across the globe. Enjoy Mexican and cajun cuisine at La Casa Loco on Little Church Street, French dishes at the Parisian-style bistro Cafe Vin Cinq on the High Street, or dine at big name favourites such as Prezzo and Pizza Express .

Fancy something a little different? On The Rocks , found along Albert Street, promises ‘Rugby’s most unique dining experience’ with fresh, locally sourced ingredients cooked on a hot volcanic stone plate - right at your table.

Head to The Rugby Football Club , home of the Rugby Lions, to witness a modern display of the town’s most famous export. For the other kind of football, Rugby Town FC’s 6,000 capacity ground is approximately a 17-minute walk from the train station.

A jewel in the town centre is the tranquil Caldecott Park . This beautifully planted public space is a deserving recipient of a coveted Green Flag award and welcomes art fairs and exhibitions during balmy summer months. It’s a perfect vantage point to take in the sights of the town before heading back home in comfort by train.

The stages of Rugby Theatre and Macready Theatre welcome music, comedy, theatre and film screenings throughout the year.

The highstreet tempts shoppers with independent retailers and popular brands plus no less than four character-filled pubs, which have been crowned Warwickshire Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

There are two retail parks. Elliot’s Field lies half a mile north of the town centre, on the A426 Leicester Road; a 22-minute walk from the train station and also served by the 4 and X84 bus services. Junction One Retail Park is a 10-minute walk from Elliot’s Field, on the north side of the A426.