Coventry
Why we love Coventry
The birthplace of 2-Tone music and Britain’s motor industry. Home to the country’s first permanent digital art gallery, and its architecturally showy modern cathedral From its very own bohemian village rammed with all things vegan to vintage to masses of places for art and theatres in this former City of Culture.
Those looking for more high-octane action will find indoor waves to escape rooms. Or lose yourself in a tour from filming locations from the hit show Peaky Blinders to the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Being in the heart of England – and just an hour from London means it’s a perfect base for exploring the West Midlands countryside and beyond.
Discover Coventry’s bohemian side
Explore FarGo village and take a tour around its vegan brewery, then settle in for some soothing soul on a Sunday. There’s plenty for foodies, shoppers and music lovers here.
The Wave
Make a splash at this high-action venue. Bring out your inner kid, and slide, splash and dive. Take one of its winding slides or try its exhilarating wave pool, or for something more chill that thrill, relax on the banks of its very own lazy river.
Things to do in Coventry
Featured things to do
Visit Coventry’s newest park
Explore a load of events set to kick off the £8 million restoration of Coventry’s medieval Charterhouse building (founded 1385), along with a new 70 acre Heritage Park which sits alongside the River Sherbourne.
Coventry Canal Basin
This tranquil waterway is a haven for long walks, wildlife spotting and picturesque cycling. Running through the city it's a haven for long walks, wildlife spotting and picturesque cycling.
Digital days at The Reel Store
Warm yourself inside with the UK’s first permanent digital art gallery, The Reel Store. Find the fully immersive gallery in the heart of Coventry.
Coventry Christmas market
From late November the streets will twinkle and you can enjoy food, Bratwurst and a fully-stocked bar complete with unique stalls selling everything for last minute gifts.
Places to stay in Coventry
FarGo village
A hipster hangout, offering a brewery, dirty street food, vegan delights, music, drinks, and vintage shops to name just some.
Central Coventry
From here it’s easy to explore the cathedral, and the medieval parts to this city’s heritage, including abbeys and castles. Check out Spoon Street - it’s resorted medieval area. For a unique stay, see The Telegraph Hotel for a newspaper style stay decorated with old printed editions.
Combe Abbey (Binley)
A former 12th century Cistercian abbey offers peace and tranquillity set in 500 acres of parkland.
Explore nearby
Getting to Coventry
In just an hour you can get to Coventry by train from London Euston – being in the heart of the country, it’s very well connected. If you come by car, you can take in historic Oxford too.
The nearest airport to Coventry is Birmingham International just 11 miles (18km) away. Around 50 airlines operate to over 150 direct destinations, with hundreds of connection options available. Trains from the airport to Coventry take 15 mins, and by car, it’s 20.
Getting around Coventry
By bus
You can check out local bus services, timetables, maps and planners by visiting the West Midlands Network website.
By train
Coventry sits at the heart of an extensive local and regional rail network. For information on specific services run by CrossCountry, West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast.
By foot
The centre is easy to explore on foot, and public transport connections make it simple to navigate once you get there. Try Curious about Coventry’s self-guided walks tours.
By bike
A bike-friendly city, there are loads of cycle routes and dedicated lanes, making exploring by bike hassle-free. You can check out Coventry City Council’s Where to Cycle guide with 10 different British Cycling self-guided routes. West Midlands Cycle Hire operates in the city.
By canal
The Coventry Canal starts in Coventry Canal Basin and stretches for 38 miles into the Midlands’ countryside. There are some good walking routes, and a bustling hub of cafes too, as well as an art trail.
Want to know more?
Get top tips on places to visit and things to do from those in the know at Visit Coventry.