
Coventry
A vibrant music scene, quirky creative quarter and chock-loads of medieval history – there’s so much to see in Coventry.
A vibrant music scene, quirky creative quarter and chock-loads of medieval history – there’s so much to see in Coventry.
The birthplace of 2-Tone music, Coventry dances to the beat of its own drum. Explore the lively arts scene in this former City of Culture, or find out what made it a driving force of the British motor industry at its transport museums.
Those looking for more high-octane action will find everything from wet and wild waterparks to Peaky Blinders-themed escape rooms. Come face-to-face with Dippy, the dinosaur-in-residence at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, or explore the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Being in the heart of England, just an hour from London, means Coventry is a perfect base for exploring the West Midlands countryside and beyond.
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.
Adventurers of all ages love this outdoor activity centre, where you can whizz through the treetops on zip wires, test your nerve on wobbly rope bridges, and give axe-throwing and off-road driving a go.
Whether it's street food grub or a fine dining dinner, the city comes to life with flavours in autumn. Why not try a spooky afternoon tea at the Telegraph Hotel, pumpkin picking and street food at the Barn at Berryfields, or another of Coventry’s top-notch dining destinations?
From mid-November, head to Coventry’s twinkling streets to enjoy bratwurst and a fully stocked bar at its market, where you’ll find stalls selling unusual gifts for your loved ones.
From here it’s easy to explore the cathedral and the medieval parts to this city’s heritage, including abbeys and castles. For a unique stay, see the Telegraph Hotel in a former newspaper office decorated with old printed editions.
Highlights of this suburb include Coombe Abbey, a former 12th-century Cistercian abbey offering peace and tranquillity, set in 500 acres of parkland.
Stay in the city’s creative quarter to discover this hipster hangout, offering a brewery, street food, vegan delights, music, drinks and vintage shops.
Birmingham Airport welcomes travellers from all over the world and is only ten miles (16km) away from Coventry. The fastest train from the airport to the city centre takes only ten minutes, with several operators offering services via West Midlands Railway.
In just an hour you can get to Coventry by train from London Euston with Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Railway. Being in the heart of the country, it’s very well connected. If you come by car, you can take in historic Oxford, too.
Coventry is well connected by public transport. You can check out local bus services, timetables, maps and planners by visiting the West Midlands Network website.
Coventry is at the heart of an extensive regional rail network, looked after by Transport for West Midlands, including trains with CrossCountry, West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast.
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.
A bike-friendly city, cycle routes and dedicated lanes make exploring by bike hassle-free. Coventry City Council’s Where to Ride section has an online cycle planner and free cycle maps.
The Coventry Canal starts in Coventry Canal Basin and stretches 38 miles into the Midlands’ countryside. Look out for walking routes, cafes and art.
Head to Visit Coventry for insider tips and more recommendations on things to do in Coventry.