A city rebuilt from the Blitz around two cathedrals, Coventry tells a story of reconciliation, cars and a legendary ride through the streets.
Coventry was one of the great cities of medieval England, rich from the wool and cloth trade, with a skyline of spires. On the night of 14 November 1940 much of it was destroyed in a devastating air raid, including its medieval cathedral. What happened next made Coventry famous around the world as a city of peace and reconciliation.
Coventry is also the birthplace of the British car and bicycle industries, the home of the legend of Lady Godiva, and a young, diverse university city that was UK City of Culture in 2021. This guide covers six things to see and do in the city and nearby.
1. Coventry Cathedral
Coventry’s two cathedrals, standing side by side, are one of the most moving sights in Britain. The medieval Cathedral of St Michael was destroyed by fire bombs on the night of 14 November 1940, leaving only the outer walls, the tower and the spire standing. The ruins have been kept as a memorial.
The morning after the raid, the cathedral’s stonemason found two charred roof beams lying in the shape of a cross and set them up in the ruins. The words Father Forgive were carved on the wall behind the altar. Instead of seeking revenge, the cathedral chose a message of forgiveness and reconciliation, and it built links with cities such as Dresden in Germany, which had also been bombed.
Beside the ruins stands the new cathedral, designed by Sir Basil Spence and consecrated in 1962. It is one of the most important modern buildings in Britain, filled with art by leading artists of the time. The huge tapestry of Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland, one of the largest tapestries in the world, hangs behind the altar, and Jacob Epstein’s bronze sculpture of St Michael defeating the devil is on the outside wall.
Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was written for the consecration and first performed here. You can climb the tower of the old cathedral for views across the city. The ruins are free to visit, and there is a charge for the new cathedral. Allow at least an hour and a half.
2. Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry Transport Museum tells the story of the city’s role in the history of road transport, and it has one of the largest collections of British road vehicles in the world. Coventry was the birthplace of the British bicycle and car industries. Famous names such as Jaguar, Rover, Triumph and Daimler were all linked to the city.
The museum’s galleries show hundreds of bicycles, motorcycles and cars, from Victorian penny farthings to modern supercars. There are displays about the lives of the people who built them. Walking through the galleries is like walking through the history of British motoring.
The stars of the collection are Thrust2 and ThrustSSC, two cars that set world land speed records. ThrustSSC was the first car to officially break the sound barrier on land, in 1997. Standing next to it gives you a sense of its size and power.
Entry to the museum is free, and it is very popular with families. There are interactive exhibits and simulators. It is in the city centre, a short walk from the cathedral.
3. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, next to the cathedral, is Coventry’s main museum. It has collections of art, history, archaeology and natural history, and it tells the story of the city from its beginnings to the present day. Entry is free.
The galleries include displays on the Blitz and the rebuilding of the city, and on Coventry’s role as a city of peace. There is a collection of art, from old masters to modern works, and changing exhibitions. The museum is a good place to understand the city before exploring it.
Nearby, St Mary’s Guildhall is one of the finest medieval guildhalls in England, with a great hall, a huge tapestry and connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was held here briefly. Holy Trinity Church, next to the cathedral ruins, has a rare medieval painting of the Last Judgement. Both are free to visit, though opening times vary.
Spon Street, a short walk away, has a row of medieval timber framed buildings, some of which were moved here from other parts of the city to save them. It gives a glimpse of what Coventry looked like before the war. The street has cafés and pubs.
4. Lady Godiva and the city centre
According to legend, Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets of Coventry in the eleventh century to persuade her husband, Leofric, to lower the heavy taxes he had placed on the townspeople. The townspeople were told to stay indoors and not to look. One man, known as Peeping Tom, looked out and was struck blind.
Godiva was a real woman, a wealthy noblewoman who, with her husband, founded a monastery in Coventry. Whether the ride really happened is unknown. Her story has become a symbol of the city.
A statue of Lady Godiva on horseback stands in Broadgate, in the heart of the city centre. Nearby, the Godiva Clock shows the figures of Godiva on her horse and Peeping Tom appearing on the hour. Every year, the city celebrates Godiva with festivals and events.
Coventry’s city centre was rebuilt after the war, and it has an interesting mix of post war architecture, medieval survivals and new developments. The city was also the home of the 2 Tone music movement in the late 1970s, and a small music museum tells that story. It is a lively university city, with plenty of places to eat and drink.
5. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, about ten miles south of Coventry, is one of the most famous castles in England. It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1068 and has been rebuilt and extended over the centuries. Its towers and walls rise dramatically above the River Avon.
Today the castle is a major visitor attraction, run in the style of a theme park. There are shows, jousting, archery and falconry displays, and one of the world’s largest working siege engines, a trebuchet. The castle’s dungeons and state rooms are open to visitors.
The town of Warwick itself has lovely old streets, timber framed buildings and the Lord Leycester Hospital, a group of medieval buildings. St Mary’s Church has a fine tower and chapel. It is a pleasant place to stroll after visiting the castle.
The castle is very busy in the school holidays, and tickets are cheaper when booked online in advance. Allow a full day. It combines well with Stratford-upon-Avon, about eight miles further south, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
6. Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle, about five miles south of Coventry, is one of the most romantic castle ruins in England. It was a great fortress and palace for centuries, owned by kings and nobles. Its red sandstone walls still stand high above the surrounding fields.
Kenilworth is best known for its connection with Queen Elizabeth I. Her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, rebuilt parts of the castle to impress her, and in 1575 he entertained her for nineteen days with feasts, fireworks and shows. It was one of the most lavish entertainments of the age.
The Elizabethan garden that Dudley created for the queen has been recreated, with a fountain, an aviary and colourful flower beds. Leicester’s Gatehouse has an exhibition about the love story. Climbing the viewing platforms in the tower gives views over the ruins.
Kenilworth Castle is looked after by English Heritage. It is quieter than Warwick Castle and has a peaceful, historic atmosphere. A car makes it easy to visit both castles in one day.
Getting there and getting around
Coventry station is a short walk from the city centre, with fast trains to London Euston in around an hour, and to Birmingham in around twenty minutes. The M6, M69 and M45 all run close to the city.
Birmingham Airport is about twelve miles west, around twenty minutes by road. The city centre is surrounded by a compact ring road, which some visitors find confusing. A car booked ahead is the easiest way to travel between Coventry and the airport, and to visit Warwick, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Ride with ZeroLanes. From your door, the station or the airport to anywhere in Coventry, at a price fixed before you confirm. Travelling between cities? Get a fixed price for the journey, or keep a car and driver for the day with hourly hire.