About Coventry
Want to explore the West Midlands? Visit the city of Coventry, known for its rich history and culture.
As one of the biggest cities in the West Midlands and the UK 2021 City of Culture, Coventry is the perfect place to explore if you want to embrace different cultures and learn more about medieval history.
Enjoy your break and let the architecture of the Coventry Cathedral take your breath away, take a ride to the past at the Transport Museum. There’s also plenty to explore further afield. Why not stop by Warwick (which is just within driving distance) or tour Shakespeare’s birthplace on an outing to nearby Stratford-Upon-Avon? Relax at the end of the day at a Best Western hotel.
Things to do in Coventry
Things to do in Coventry
St. Mary's Guildhall
Go back to the medieval times and visit St Mary’s Guildhall, which dates back to the 1300s. See the place that survived the 1940 blitz, the prison that held Mary, Queen of Scots, and the location where Shakespeare performed. People of all ages can explore the guildhall for free, giving you the opportunity to see some historic art and architecture for yourself.
The Big Comfy Bookshop
If you’re a bookworm, or just enjoy cosy spaces with some warm coffee and tasty cake, make sure you pop into the Big Comfy Bookshop. Pick up a second-hand book (it’s all about sustainable shopping these days) and read it on your journey back home from Coventry. If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the bookshop transforms into a place filled with music, poetry, good vibes, and some wine, so don’t miss out on a fun evening.
Coombe Abbey Park
Take a break in nature and have a family day out at Coombe Abbey Park. Explore the beautiful 500 acres of gardens and woodland, have a lakeside picnic, and do a spot of birdwatching. You might see a Kingfisher, Great Tit, or Chaffinch bird! If you’ve got kids with you, let them challenge themselves and have a swing on the ropes at the climbing forest, or if you’re exploring with toddlers, make some precious memories while feeding ducks.Eating and drinking in Coventry
Eating and drinking in Coventry
Fargo Village
Fargo Village – a re-purposed industrial space in Coventry city centre – is the dream place for foodies. As the hub of Coventry’s food scene, Fargo will give you an all-day dining experience with street food, music, craft beer and cocktails. Treat yourself to bubble tea at Bubble Boba, enjoy some delicious vegan soul food at Dirty Kitch, or indulge in some chocolatey goodness at Get Us Baked. You can walk the food off by doing a spot of shopping or exploring around the village (and then go back for more food if you want!)
Gourmet Food Kitchen
If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere with a fine dining menu, Gourmet Food Kitchen is the perfect place for you. Book a chef table experience (for 12 guests) and watch Tony Davies, owner and chef, cook some impressive dishes just for you. If you have other dinner reservations planned, however, you can always stop by for brunch where Tony himself makes a range of tasty food including black pudding and sausages, smoked bacon and salmon.
Dhillon’s Brewery
Sip on some beautifully brewed beer at Dhillon’s Brewery, an award-winning microbrewery in the heart of the Midlands. If you like your beer, you can also book a tour of the brewery for just £15, meet Pedro, the head brewer and sample the Dhillon range.
Shopping in Coventry
Shopping in Coventry
Just Dropped In
Go old-school and drop in to this independent record store in the heart of the city centre to get your hands on some new or used vinyl. From pop and rock to indie or jazz, Just Dropped In is the place to visit if you’re into your music. Browse the impressive amount of vinyl in the store, treat yourself or a loved one to a gift that plays on forever, or if your own vinyl collection is getting too big to manage, you can always give it away to the store.
West Orchards Shopping Centre
Do some window shopping or treat yourself to new outfits from West Orchards shopping centre. With over 40 shops, you can spend a good few hours browsing stores that include Foot Asylum and The Body Shop, followed by a bite to eat at KFC and a milkshake at Love Shake.
Culture and history in Coventry
Culture and history in Coventry
Visit Coventry Cathedral
Since it first opened in 1962, Coventry Cathedral has been a major tourist attraction - it should definitely be on your must-see list. Walk around and marvel at the architecture that attracts thousands of tourists every year and stop by the ruins of the old cathedral from the Second World War. Just remember that the cathedral is a working church and open to all visitors between 10 am and 4 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 12.30 until 3 pm on Sunday.
Midland Air Museum
Fly back to the past at the Midland Air Museum and see over 45 aircraft up close. Learn more about the jet age by exploring a unique collection of aircraft, engines and more in the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre. Take a look at the oldest jet-powered aircraft in the museum – the Meteor F.4, EE531, which was first flown in 1946 and is the second oldest Meteor in existence! The museum also holds a number of free Open Cockpit days throughout the year, giving everyone a chance to sit in the pilot’s seat of some impressive aircraft.
Coventry Transport Museum
Need something fun for the whole family to enjoy? Head to the Coventry Transport Museum, home to the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet. See the world’s two fastest cars (the Thrust SSC and Thrust 2) as well as an impressive collection of 300 cycles, 120 motorcycles and 250 cars and commercial vehicles.
Herbert art gallery
When you’re done exploring Coventry Cathedral, visit the award-winning Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, which is just a stone’s throw away. Discover more about Coventry’s art, culture, and heritage, explore the vast costume collection dating from around the 1800s, and learn more about the story of Lady Godiva. Kids can also act out history by trying on costumes and uncovering objects from the museum's collection.