Coventry

Understand

History The area that Coventry now occupies has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. The city is known for its association with Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the city streets in order to gain a remission of the oppressive taxation imposed by her husband on his tenants. Lore has it that the term 'Peeping Tom' is derived from this tale, describing a man named Tom who did not cover his eyes as she rode through the streets. Coventry has been an economically important city in the past, being a hub for the cloth trade in the Middle Ages and for the burgeoning automotive industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city's industrial prowess helped Britain's war efforts in the early 20th century; it also however made it an obvious target in the Second World War. A series of German bombing raids from 1940-42 (the Coventry Blitz) destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, although the single night of bombing in November 1940 dealt the largest damage, killing more than 500 people. In the succeeding decades after the war, most of the old medieval dwellings were not rebuilt, being replaced instead by more modern constructions, often brutalist concrete structures. Subsequent to these, Coventry has undergone extensive remodelling most notably within the city centre, making it more pedestrian-friendly. Major regeneration projects have attempted to make the city a more attractive place, such as the Phoenix Initiative (completed in 2004) which was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.

Climate

In common with most of the UK, Coventry experiences cool winters and mild summers with moderate annual rainfall. Winter temperatures seldom drop below -10°C (14°F) and the summer months rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). Moderate but occasionally disruptive snowfall is possible in January or February. Daylight hours range from 4:45AM to 9:30PM in the summer, to 8:15AM and 3:45PM in the winter months.

Visitor information Visit Coventry website

Getting there

By road Coventry is near the centre of the UK motorway network. The M6 passes the north of the city. The M1 is easily accessible via the A45 towards London and the M69 northbound. The M40 is accessed along the A46. To enjoy the drive into Coventry approach along the A46, exiting at Kenilworth. Drive through central Kenilworth and past the Abbey Fields park before turning right towards Coventry. The broad tree-lined Kenilworth Road offers a beautiful boulevard into the city. The city also provides a Park and Ride facility, see National Park and Ride Directory. You can reach Coventry from London using Megabus which starts at roughly £13 return, but it arrives in Cannon Park, near Tesco, not the city centre. National Express has buses arrive at Pool Meadow Bus Station (see listing below), which can be cheaper at some times, though on average, Megabus proposes more options that are almost as cheap as the cheapest, yet less common National Express's equivalents. One possible problem visitors to Coventry City centre may encounter is the infamous Coventry ring road. It can be very confusing to first time users, with its single on/off ramps. Speed is limited to 40 mph, but don't be surprised to see cars pass by at [sometimes] much higher speeds, racing to get off at the next junction! If you plan to come to Coventry (and want to visit the city centre), it's advisable to have someone who understands the ring road drive you around first.

By rail

1 Coventry. on the main London Euston to Birmingham rail route. There are usually three trains from London Euston station every hour from platform 1. The journey takes about an hour and (as of December 2019) costs from £30 for an adult off peak return. Significantly cheaper advance single tickets (in each direction) may be found if booking far enough in advance, and Megatrain also offer tickets on a few of the emptier of these trains (generally Monday-Thursday only) for as little as £2.50 return, again if booked far enough in advance. Alternatively London Midland offer an hourly service from Euston that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, but has cheaper off peak and super off peak tickets compared to those valid on Avanti trains. Trains from central Birmingham are even more frequent, with a 25-minute journey time. Birmingham International, serving the NEC and Birmingham Airport, is 10 minutes away, on the line to Birmingham. Direct trains also serve Bournemouth (via Leamington) to the south, and Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland to the north. (updated Dec 2019)

By plane 2 Birmingham Airport (BHX IATA). This is c

Getting around

By bus There are a plethora of buses serving Coventry, all run by National Express, although first time users or those unfamiliar with city bus transport can find the number of different routes intimidating. Cost within the city boundaries is standardised at £2.10 per journey, apart from single journeys within the ring road, which are £1. Daysaver tickets for unlimited travel within the Coventry area for one day are £4 for adults and £3.10 for those under 16. If you plan on travelling frequently by bus, travelcards are available.

Adult Coventry Faresaver allows unlimited travel at any time around Coventry. 1 week costs £13.00 (available only from participating agents) and 4 weeks costs £45.25. Adult Coventry Off-Peak Faresaver are valid in the Coventry area all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Travel on weekdays (M-F) is limited to between 9:30AM and 3:30PM, and from 6PM onwards. 1 week costs £9.50 (available only from participating agents) 4 Pool Meadow Bus Station (not far from the cathedral; adjacent to the Transport Museum). Served by local and national routes. (updated May 2020)

By car Coventry's city centre is not very car-friendly. With the pedestrianisation of large tracts of the central business district, travelling in the confusing patchwork of roads winding around the pedestrian quarters can be very frustrating. The ringroad surrounding the city centre is a very quick method of getting around, but its frantic pace and multiple sudden exits make it notoriously difficult for visitors. There is ongoing construction work outside the town hall and Herbert Art Gallery which will further restrict accessibility by car, narrowing the road down from two lanes to one. In contrast, the city's suburbs are much better suited for car transport, although as expected in a city, rush hours tend to be very busy.

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:

Allens Taxis, ☏ +44 24 7655-5555. Operating since 1938. (updated Dec 2017) Central Taxis, ☏ +44 24 7633-3333. Offers student rates. (updated Dec 2017) Yellow Taxis Coventry, ☏ +44 24 7610-0100. Like black cabs, but yellow. (updated Dec 2017) Taxi Coventry, 111 New Union St, Coventry CV1 2NT, ☏ +44 24 7762-0620, [email protected]. 24 hours. Fixed price. (updated Nov 2022)

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.

See

Historic

2 Coventry Cathedral, Cathedral Quarter. 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. Free. 3 Lunt Roman Fort, Coventry Road, Baginton, ☏ +44 24 7630-3567. 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. Adults £2, concessions £1. 4 Spon Street, Central Coventry. 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. 5 St Mary's Guildhall, Bayley Lane, ☏ +44 24 7683-3328, [email protected]. March–October: Su-Th 10AM-4PM. 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. Free (donations welcome). 6 Coventry City Council Building, Earl St, CV1 5RR, ☏ +44 808 583 4333. Grade II listed with statues. (updated Dec 2021)

Arts and Theatres 7 Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, ☏ +44 24 7655-30

Do

1 Coventry Canal Art Trail, start at Coventry Canal Basin (and follow the canal northwards to Hawkesbury Junction), ☏ +44 24 7683-2720. 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. Free. 2 Table Tennis (Public Ping-pong table), Gosford Green, Binley Rd, Coventry CV3 1JB. Free; bring your own bats and balls. (updated Jan 2023) Godiva Festival: . A 3-day music event in War Memorial Park in early September. (date needs fixing) Motofest: . Has motorsport, heritage vehicles and displays in mid-September. (date needs fixing)

Football Coventry City FC. 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. (updated May 2026) 3 Coventry United FC. 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. (updated Jul 2023)

Rugby union 4 Wasps RFC. 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? (updated Jul 2023) 5 Coventry RFC. Play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Butts Park a mile west of the city centre. (updated Jul 2023)

Buy

Coventry has a variety of shopping complexes in and around the area. These range from retail parks, to the pedestrian Coventry City Centre -one of the first of its kind. Shopping in Coventry mainly consists of the high street chain stores, although there are independent record shops and clothes shops dotted about here and there and there is also the large indoor Coventry Market, which are well worth the visit.

Shopping centres

1 The Lower Precinct, Lower Precinct, CV1 1NQ, ☏ +44 24 7663-4710, [email protected]. M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 10AM-5PM. 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. West Orchards, Smithford Way, CV1 1QX (Aim for junction 9 on the ring road, the centre is clearly marked on road signs from then on.), ☏ +44 24 7623-1133, [email protected]. 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.

Markets Coventry Market, Queen Victoria Road, CV1 3HT, ☏ +44 24 7622-4927. 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. Coventry Farmers' Market, Broadgate. 9AM-3PM. 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.

Eat

Coventry is host to a range of eateries. From cafés to restaurants, and from Thai to Italian, a wide range of cuisines can be found here. Indian cuisine is well-represented, with a large variety in quality. Most of the restaurants and establishments are in the city centre, but there may be a few surprises in the suburban areas if you are willing to look and travel out.

Budget 1 The Park Bistro, 14 Kenilworth Rd, War Memorial Park, ☏ +44 24 7622-8448. Daily 9AM-4PM. Locally-owned, offering a relaxed atmosphere and coffee and refreshments at low prices. (updated Feb 2023) 2 Snax in the City, 20 Hertford Street, CV1 1LF, ☏ +44 24 7655-5958. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. 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. (updated Feb 2023) 3 Bagel Brunch, 37 W Orch Wy. (updated Feb 2023) 4 Caspian Pizza Coventry, 112 Far Gosford St. (updated Feb 2023) 5 Pig in the Middle, 73 Far Gosford St. (updated Feb 2023) 6 Coopers Fish Bar, 140 Gulson Rd. (updated Feb 2023) 7 Spon End Fish Shop, 105 Spon End. (updated Feb 2023)

Mid-range

British 8 Golden Cross, 8 Hay Ln. (updated Feb 2023)

International 9 The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Coventry, Unit 4, Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, Broadgate. (updated Feb 2023) 10 Bombay Joe's, 277 Walsgrave Rd, CV2 4BA, ☏ +44 24 7644-5697. Th-Su 5-11PM, F Sa 5:30PM-midnight. 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. £15-20. (updated Feb 2023) 11 Turmeric Gold, 166 Medieval Spon Street, CV1 3BB, ☏ +44 24 7622-6603. Th-Su 5:30-11PM, F Sa 5:30PM-12:15AM. 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. £30-40. (updated Feb 2023) 12 Zorbaz, 87-89 Radford Road, CV6 3BP, ☏ +44 24 7659-2112. M-Th 6:30PM-midnight, F Sa 6:30PM-2AM. 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. £20-30. (updated Feb 2023) 13 Habibi, 142 Far Gosford Street, CV1 5DY,, ☏ +44 24 7622-0669. M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 2PM-1AM, Su 4-11PM. Better Lebanese food will not be found in Coventry. The atmo

Drink & nightlife

Sky Dome Complex, Croft Road, Coventry. A flagship mixed-use urban entertainment complex, featuring: Multiplex cinema [1]

Night clubs JJ's Lava/Ignite. Large City Centre club in Skydome complex Kasbah, Primrose Hill Street, CV1 5LY (taxi may be your best bet due to downmarket locality, but walkable from bus station), ☏ +44 24 7655-4473, [email protected]. Formerly the Colosseum. Dingy indie rock club which attracts some fairly well known live acts.

Spon Street Coventry's bar scene is mostly concentrated along reconstructed medieval Spon Street on the western edge of the city centre. This includes the adjacent Skydome complex which includes popular nightclubs.

1 The Old Windmill, Spon Street. Cosy traditional English pub with good crowds and numerous cask ales. (updated May 2020)

Centre In the centre of the city you will find the usual pub chains as well as some bars close to Millennium Place.

2 The Earl of Mercia, Earl St, CV1 5RE (Opposite Coventry City Council), ☏ +44 24 7643-3990. JD Wetherspoon (updated Dec 2021) 3 The Flying Standard, 2–10 Trinity Street, CV1 1FL, ☏ +44 24 7655-5723. Su–Th 9AM–midnight; F Sa 9AM-1AM. Franchise of the ubiquitous Wetherspoons chain is set in a spectacular timbered building 4 Golden Cross, 8 Hay Ln, CV1 5RF (Near Coventry Cathedral). 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. (updated May 2020) Flamingo, Priory Place. bar & grill The Yard, a gay club in the Bull Yard. Inspire

Eastern Towards the eastern side of the city centre close to the University campus buildings can be found another concentration of pubs and bars that are popular with students centred close to Jordan Well and Gosford Street.

5 The Oak Inn, 119 Gosford St, CV1 5DL, ☏ +44 24 7622-7951. (updated Dec 2021) 6 The Phoenix, 122 Gosford St, CV1 5DL, ☏ +44 24 7652-0387. (updated Dec 2021) There is a limited gay scene in Coventry: the city is not very gay-friendly and lacks any real gay nightlife. For a much better scene, head out to Birmingham's Gay Village.

Along the Canal 7 Signal Box, 1 Meto Lakha Close, CV6 5QS (by the canal). 9AM-11PM. (updated Jan 2023) 8 The Royal, Old Church Rd, CV6 7DU (by the canal), ☏ +44 7810 145 677. (updated Jan 2023) 9 The Longford Engine, 270 Bedworth Rd, Longford, CV6 6BP (by the canal), ☏ +44 24 7636-6139. (updated Jan 2023)

Out of Centre 10 The Biggin Hall, 214 Binley Rd, CV3 1HG, ☏ +44 24 7644-2109. (updated Dec 2021) 11 Rose

Sleep

1 Britannia Hotel (Britannia Hotel Coventry), Fairfax Street, Coventry, CV1 5RP, ☏ +44 871 221 0191, fax: +44 871 222 7709, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. In city centre, adjacent to the cathedral. Pets allowed at £25 per pet per stay. 2 Hotel ibis Coventry South, Leaf Lane, Whitley Business park, CV3 4BJ (East of A444), ☏ +44 24 7663-9922. Check-out: noon. Quiet motel in woodland £53. (updated Dec 2021) 3 Premier Inn, Belgrade Plaza, Bond Street, CV1 4AH, ☏ +44 871 527 8272, fax: +44 871 527 8273. Highly rated and convenient for the Belgrade Theatre. Parking available at additional cost. 4 Ramada Coventry, The Butts, CV1 3GG, ☏ +44 24 7623-8110. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Within walking distance of Coventry city centre. 5 Royal Court Hotel, Tamworth Road, Keresley, Coventry, CV7 8JG, ☏ +44 871 222 0096, fax: +44 871 222 7710, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. 6 Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Road CV3 2AB, ☏ +44 24 7645-0450. Mid-range hotel in great setting in the abbey grounds. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £100. (updated Aug 2020) 7 Barnacle Hall, Shilton Lane, Coventry CV7 9LH, ☏ +44 24 7661-2629. B&B in 16th-century farmhouse with 3 rooms a few miles north of the city. Assistance dogs only, no credit cards. B&B double £80. (updated Aug 2020)

Go next

Take a short trip into the attractive Warwickshire countryside to:

Kenilworth, a quiet and pleasant town home to Kenilworth Castle 6 miles (9 km) south of Coventry Royal Leamington Spa, an affluent spa town 11 miles (18 km) away Warwick, a classic example of a rural English town home to the eponymous 11th-century castle is 12 miles (20 km) away Rugby, the purported birthplace of rugby football, 14 miles (22 km) to the east Head north-west into the metropolitan West Midlands county to:

Solihull, an attractive town home to some of the West Midlands' richest citizens is 14 miles (22 km) away Birmingham, the United Kingdom's second largest city and the West Midlands region's travel and economic hub is 23 miles (37 km) away. Wolverhampton, a former industrial city and the gateway to the Shropshire countryside is about 33 miles (53 km) away.