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Cathedral city in the West Midlands, England
Photo: Snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Coventry is a large city in the West Midlands region of England, part of the United Kingdom. It has a population of just over 365,000 (2018), making it the eleventh-largest city in the country. Locally, the city is known as 'The Three Spired City', because of the church and cathedral spires that form the most striking aspect of the city's landscape. Coventry is perhaps best known for its association with the 11th century legend of Lady Godiva and for its two cathedrals, one of which is preserved as ruins after heavy bombing in the Second World War. Although an old city, visitors should not expect much in the way of old-world charm. Extensive rebuilding of the city following the war in the 1940s and 1950s replaced much of its pre-war appeal with questionable concrete structures and a highly pedestrianised city centre, enveloped by a partially-elevated ring road.
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Starts just outside the ring road, to the north of the city centre. After five miles it connects with the Oxford Canal at Hawkesbury Junction, then the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal at Marston Junction, just outside Bedworth. It next meets the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Fazeley Junction, near Tamworth. Finally, it joins the Trent and Mersey Canal at Fradley, 38 miles from Coventry and near Lichfield. Operating a boat in the canal requires a licence from the Canal and River trust. Boats are available for hire from various providers on the canal network.
The mediaeval Gothic Cathedral of St Michael was built as the parish church in the late 14th to early 15th century, but largely destroyed by the Luftwaffe on the night of 14 November 1940 in an incendiary bombing raid; only the tower, spire and outer walls remain. A new cathedral was built 1956-1962 next to the old (which now forms a memorial) to a design by Basil Spence. The new cathedral is noted for its striking post-war modern design, the large tapestry of Christ enthroned, its innovative stained glass windows and various items of sculpture. These include (on the façade) the striking St Michael's Victory over the Devil by Sir Jacob Epstein. Archaeological digs have uncovered the remains of the original monastic settlement founded by Lord Leofric in 1043, these have been incorporated into the priory gardens and an interpretive centre exhibits some notable finds.
Based in the nearby village of Baginton, this is a partial reconstruction of a Roman fort that stood on the site from c. 60 - 80 CE, erected in response to Boudicca's revolt. Exhibits include a museum of Roman period life (based on finds excavated at the site between 1965 and 1973), a model of the fort and occasional full costume re-enactments of Roman military manoeuvres.
A historic street that was once part of an important trade route from London to Shrewsbury and Holyhead. In the 18th century it was one of the world's major centres of watchmaking. Since the end of the Second World War the street has halved in length due to the construction of the city's ring road. Some historic buildings that survived the Coventry Blitz were relocated here in the 1960s. Today the street is home to 26 shops and forms a large concentration of the city's medieval structures.
A medieval guildhall built in the 14th century across the way from the Cathedral ruins. A notable visitor was Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here when she was detained in Coventry in 1569. The room she was traditionally thought to have stayed in is open. Also includes Godiva Café, a café-restaurant, open 11AM-4PM year-round.
Grade II listed with statues.
A live performance venue with a 1,158 seating capacity. It was the first civic theatre to be built after the Second World War and is now a Grade II listed building.
On the University of Warwick campus, it is the second largest arts complex in the UK, with regular leading theatre, film, music, comedy tours, dance events and more. There are also two bars, a café, and a bookshop with over 30,000 titles.
A museum hosting the largest collection of British road transport in the world with over 230 cars and commercial vehicles, 250 cycles and 90 motorcycles. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January.
Moderately large local museum with exhibits on local and natural history. Has exhibits related to Lady Godiva and the Coventry Blitz, among other things.
Star exhibits include the Avro Vulcan bomber and a heritage centre dedicated to the work of Coventry-born Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneer of the jet engine.
A large park in the western suburbs which opened as a deer park in the 13th century. It has been awarded a Green Flag award, certifying its excellent credentials as a park. Facilities include a golf and crazy golf course, a children's play area and a walled garden.
A 500-acre site on the eastern extremities of Coventry, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the city centre. It contains woodland, gardens, scenic walks, birdwatching opportunities and a reasonably priced café, and is worth the trip out.
A scenic park used for wildlife conservation. Despite its name there is no lake in the park, although the river Sherbourne flows through it.
A park which opened in 1921 as a tribute to the city's fallen soldiers of the First World War. Receives over 400,000 visitors per year. Contains many sporting facilities including tennis courts, football pitches and a bowls green, as well as a cenotaph, themed gardens, an aviary, a children's play area and two cafés.
A multipurpose centre for public ice-skating, ice dancing and home to the Coventry Blaze and Coventry Phoenix ice hockey teams. Also houses a multiplex cinema.
Coventry Stadium
A small stadium in the nearby village of Brandon, Warwickshire, hosting motorcycle speedway (the Coventry Bees) and greyhound racing.
A multi-purpose venue hosting sporting events, music concerts and business exhibitions. Home to the football club Coventry City and the rugby union side Wasps, the latter of which now owns the stadium. In 2022 the stadium hosted games in the Rugby League World Cup, postponed from 2021.
A small stadium home to Coventry Rugby Football Club, Coventry Bears Rugby League, and the Coventry Jets American Football team.
A very small stadium (250 seats) home to Broadstreet Rugby Football Club.
A statue, by William Reid Dick, commemorating the legend that Lady Godiva rode nude on horseback through the city in the 11th century to protest excessive taxes imposed by her husband, Leofric.
An impressive pair of arches spanning 60 m across Hales Street. They were built as part of a regeneration scheme in the area and named after the Coventry-born jet engine pioneer Sir Frank Whittle.
A set of 39 pieces of art inspired by local history and contemporary culture that make up a 5-mile outdoor gallery. There are several pubs along the route that can be used to relax, so the trail does not have to be done non-stop.
Public Ping-pong table
The "Sky Blues" were promoted in 2026 and now play soccer in the Premier League, the top tier. They play at Coventry Building Society Stadium, aka Ricoh Arena, see above.
A women's soccer team, playing in their third tier, at Butts Park Arena. They're not affiliated to City, but to Coventry United men's club, somewhere way down in the amateur leagues.
They played in the Premiership, the top tier in England, and won it six times; but in Oct 2022 they went bust and were expelled. This came only a week after the similar collapse of Worcester, and in both cases there are hopes that a "phoenix team" might re-enter the RU leagues in 2023 / 24. But Wasps were among the most successful teams, so if they can fail financially, what is the outlook for the rest of English professional rugby?
Play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Butts Park a mile west of the city centre.
Established in 1965. A highly regarded institution that is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 universities in the UK. It is on a 290-ha campus in the southern suburbs of the city and takes its name from the neighbouring town of Warwick.
Established in 1992 and located in buildings across the city centre, headquartered around University Square. Traditionally strong in engineering and design, the university's reputation has grown to one of the best modern universities in the country.
Locally-owned, offering a relaxed atmosphere and coffee and refreshments at low prices.
A city centre greasy spoon café with big portions. Pleasantly staffed, they offer a wide choice of hot and cold meals for either eating-in or taking out. The value of the food is the strongest aspect; in respect of this, some of the food may appear distinctly average.
Highly rated amongst Coventrians, offering a range of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Look beyond its location in the less prosperous part of Coventry and you will find a rich culinary experience. Their chairs are also rather comfortable.
Stylishly-themed Indian restaurant within a medieval building. Waiting times for food may sometimes be long, but the quality of the food makes up for it.
Excellent Greek restaurant, and the prices reflect this. Visit at the right time and you might hear a musician playing Greek songs and see the waiters treat you to some Greek dancing.
Better Lebanese food will not be found in Coventry. The atmosphere and the staff are equally inviting. One downside is the service being a bit on the slow side.
Large City Centre club in Skydome complex
Formerly the Colosseum. Dingy indie rock club which attracts some fairly well known live acts.
Cosy traditional English pub with good crowds and numerous cask ales.
JD Wetherspoon
Franchise of the ubiquitous Wetherspoons chain is set in a spectacular timbered building
One of the oldest pubs in Coventry and one of the longest-established alcohol-serving venues in England, first mentioned as an inn in 1661, although subsequently greatly modified. Good food and beer.
Britannia Hotel Coventry
In city centre, adjacent to the cathedral. Pets allowed at £25 per pet per stay.
Quiet motel in woodland
Highly rated and convenient for the Belgrade Theatre. Parking available at additional cost.
Within walking distance of Coventry city centre.
Grade II-listed building approximately 3 miles from city centre. 210 rooms, some having countryside views. Access to the adjoining Spindles Coventry Health Club & Gym is an additional £10 per person per stay.
Mid-range hotel in great setting in the abbey grounds. Assistance dogs only.
B&B in 16th-century farmhouse with 3 rooms a few miles north of the city. Assistance dogs only, no credit cards.
The lower precinct was completed in the 1950s as part of the redevelopment plan of Coventry after heavy wartime bombing. It is home to a variety of retail shops across two floors, ranging from Next to T.J.Hughes, as well as a coffee bar, the Caffe Nero. Also has a tiled mural by Gordon Cullen, depicting the history of the City and its post-war regeneration.
A large indoor shopping centre with more than 40 retail shops largely dedicated to clothing and accessories. There is parking for 650 cars with electric charging outlets on the fifth floor, and a food court that seats more than 700. Although popular all-year-round, it can get particularly busy during the festive season. Parking costs from £1 for 1 hour to £6 for 5 hours.
Full of independent traders manning the 170 stalls that occupy this rotunda. The traders are mainly dedicated to selling fresh food, of which the fruit and vegetables are always high quality. The staff are friendly and personable, providing the market with a more human element which contrasts with the hustle and bustle found elsewhere.
Held on the third Friday of every month, the Farmers' Market brings a bit of rural flavour into the city centre. There is usually a good range of produce on offer, as well as hot and cold takeaway snacks. Some of the items for sale can be a bit expensive however.
By car
Coventry's city centre is not very car-friendly.
By taxi
Many firms operate within Coventry. Black cabs can be flagged down on the street but private hire taxis must be booked. Popular firms include:
By bike
Central Coventry is fairly flat, and good for cycling. Cyclists may use the ring road, but are best advised not to do so; quieter side roads are available for the same journeys.
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Birmingham, West Midlands · International · BHX
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