Located just an hour away from Birmingham city center, Coventry is a university city located in the very heart of England, in the Midlands region. Famous for football and motor-cross racing, Coventry is home to a wonderful cathedral, beautiful nature preserve, amazing museums, and numerous tourist attractions that are sure to appeal to many different kinds of travelers. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the nearby city of Birmingham is home to several affordable Airbnbs and countryside hotels. Connected by good transport links, it has plenty on offer. Some of the best things to do in Coventry include the Coventry Transport Museum and St Mary’s Guild Hall. If you’re curious about these wonderful things Coventry has to offer, here is a list of the best things to do in Coventry, UK.
1. Coventry Canal Basin
Coventry Canal Basin is a historic warehouse area located along a canal that features a plethora of fun things to do for the whole family. Opened in 1769, this Coventry tourist attraction used to be an important industrial hub for the North Warwickshire collieries. The local government almost drained the canal in 1957 but the Coventry Canal Society, alongside the city council, prevented this and has worked over the decades to transform the former industrial hub into a tourist attraction.
There is a small cafe by the canal where visitors can sit down, relax, and enjoy the sights. There are also numerous places to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride including the Coventry Canal Art Trail. Fishing enthusiasts will be happy to know they can also go fishing here.
Coventry Canal Basin
Address: 10a St Nicholas St, Coventry CV1 4LY, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
2. The Wave
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Wave Coventry on Monday, May 17, 2021
Boasting itself as UK’s greatest indoor waterpark, The Wave is an award-winning waterpark that guarantees a wonderful time for everyone in the family. It offers a plethora of slides and special swimming pools. Thrillseekers will be glad to know that there are high-speed slides and an exhilarating wave pool available.
Those who want to relax can use the lazy river to simply lay on their swimming rings as the river slowly takes them downstream. No matter what you choose, this waterpark guarantees that everyone will find a pool that fits their preferences.
The Wave
Address: New Union St, Coventry CV1 2PS, United Kingdom
Website: The Wave
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 10pm; Fri: 6:30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
3. Planet Ice Coventry
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Planet Ice on Monday, October 14, 2019
If you’re in the mood to go ice skating while staving off the heat, then Planet Ice Coventry is one of the places to visit in Coventry. It boasts itself as “Europe’s Number 1 for ice leisure” and offers a rink where visitors can just skate to their heart’s content or play a game of hockey.
Even if you’re not that good at ice skating, Planet Ice Coventry offers ice skating lessons in order to help you get the most out of the rink. You can also avail ice hockey lessons if you want to learn how to be a proper player of the game. The rink also regularly hosts shows and events so check out their website and Facebook page to keep yourself updated.
Planet Ice Coventry
Address: Croft Rd, Coventry CV1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Website: Planet Ice Coventry
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 5pm; Tue: 12:30pm - 4pm; Wed: 12:30pm - 9:15pm; Thu: 12:30pm - 4pm; Fri: 12:30pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
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4. Coventry Transport Museum
As Coventry’s leading tourist attraction, the Coventry Transport Museum is a popular exhibition, for both travellers and British motor lovers. It houses the world’s largest collection of British made cars and engines and throughout the year, hosts different events and interactive exhibitions. Be sure to check out their website to help plan your visit!
What makes the Coventry Transport Museum even better is that admission is free! They are open from 10am-4pm, every day of the year, except Christmas Day and New Years Day. The light and open exhibition hall features some impressive machinery, making it a great day out for families and couples, alike.
Coventry Transport Museum
Address: Millennium Place, Hales St, Coventry CV1 1JD,
Website: Coventry Transport Museum
5. War Memorial Park
The War Memorial Park in Coventry is a large, grassy parkland area, in the centre of the city, built to commemorate the lives of soldiers from the city who fought in World War I. Established in 1927, the park is open to the public, every day. It features some wonderfully manicured garden areas, that are full of blossoms and blooms in the summer months.
The War Memorial Park is a great place to come on a sunny afternoon, especially if you bring a picnic. Throughout the year, there are a number of festivals hosted in the park, namely, the Godiva Festival, the Caribbean Festival and the Donkey Derby. The park has flat tarmac paths that make for a smooth running track.
War Memorial Park
Address: Kenilworth Rd, Coventry CV3 6PT
Website: War Memorial Park
6. Coventry Cathedral
The mark of a city in the UK, amongst many other things, is whether or not it has a cathedral. Coventry, in this sense, is a true British city, for it does in fact, house a cathedral. Coventry Cathedral’s formal name is the Cathedral Church of St Micheal and it is considered one of the oldest religious-based reconciliations centres, in the world.
The architecture of the Coventry Cathedral is something to behold, built in a modernist style, it is unlike many other British cathedrals. It is open for worshippers and visitors to enjoy and the cathedral holds event nights on a regular basis, so check out their website to see what’s on.
Coventry Cathedral
Address: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB
Website: Coventry Cathedral
Tip from Content Creator
I'm always in awe of the beautiful churches and cathedrals throughout the UK, and Coventry Cathedral did not disappoint either! This beauty was built around the 1400s and is all that remains of the original building after Coventry was heavily bombed during World War II. Here are a couple of tips for your visit:
- Wander around the cathedral's exterior and see its unique spire structure (the tallest structure in Coventry, standing at 90 m/295 ft).
- Don't miss the spectacular ceiling inside the cathedral!
7. Coombe Abbey Country Park
Coombe Abbey Country Park is a local’s favourite spot and a great place to do some Coventry sightseeing. On a weekend you will find many young families out enjoying the park’s lush green landscape. Just a short drive from the city centre sees you arrive at the park, welcomed by the ducks and swans, who spend their days cruising on the river. There is a paint your own pottery studio here, an information station and a small cafe.
Coombe Abbey Country Park
Address: Brinklow Rd, Binley, Coventry CV3 2AB
Website: Coombe Abbey Country Park
8. The Coventry Music Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For lovers of all things musical, be sure to visit the Coventry Music Museum. The museum tells the story of music development, through the ages, way back to Roman times! The museum features exhibits that commemorate the life and work of the most influential artists from rock ’n’ roll, including those from the 50s and the Beat scene of the 60s.
The Coventry Music Museum often hosts live music events, especially on the weekends. Look at their website before you visit to find out what’s happening when you’re in town! They are proud to support home-grown talent too, so you may end up seeing a band before they get famous!
The Coventry Music Museum
Address: 80 Walsgrave Rd, Coventry CV2 4ED
Website: The Coventry Music Museum
9. St. Mary's Guildhall
St. Mary’s Guildhall is now more of an events venue for weddings and private parties, than it is a historical monument. When it isn’t hired out for a private event, be sure to pop in and explore its interesting history. The stain glass windows here are arguably more impressive than those at the Coventry Cathedral! Take a wander around and try and find the elephant in the glass!
St. Mary's Guildhall
Address: Bayley Ln, Coventry CV1 5RN
Website: St. Mary’s Guildhall
10. Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
If you’re asking yourself what to do in Coventry that’s not in the city, then you’re in luck. It’s fair to say that Coventry isn’t the most vibrant of cities, so if you find yourself tiring of the concrete jungle take a trip to the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, to get some nature back into your system! The reserve features a small portion of the River Avon, which runs right through Warwickshire County. It hosts a visitor centre too, where you can plan out your walking route before you set off and find out about the flora and fauna that can be found in the reserve.
Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
Address: Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW,
Website: Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
11. Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House
Claiming to be ‘more folk than punk’, the Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House is one of Coventry’s newest ale houses and is changing the game, in the area. Fast becoming the go-to pint for locals, the Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House is a fun (and boozy) way to spend an afternoon! The tap house is open daily for tours and the brewers are only too happy to explain the brewing process to their visitors. Make sure you try a glass or two!
Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House
Address: FarGo Village, Far Gosford St, Coventry CV1 5ED
12. Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
Located on Jordon Well, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is a bright, open and inviting space, filled with wonderful art work and historical artefacts. As Coventry’s leading art gallery, this stop is a must visit for lovers of fine artwork and painting. The gallery regularly hosts events and temporary exhibitions, that are always varied and fascinating in their own way!
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
Address: Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP, UK
Website: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
13. Jet Simulator Experience (from USD 227.0)
If you have ever wanted to fly an airplane, but never had the guts, now is your chance to try! The Jet Simulator Experience at Coventry Airport is a great chance to test out your pilot skills. In this hour and a half experience, you will learn how to fly a Boeing 737 and 747 airplane, in a true to life simulator. After the experience is over, you’ll be invited to take a look at the centre’s collection of aircraft.
Fly a Real Jet Simulator Around the World at Coventry Airport
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Let's go to Cov!
Coventry, locally known simply as “Cov” has so much on offer! At first glance, it may seem like a bit of a concrete jungle, but whether you’re a music lover, art fanatic, engine enthusiast or a fan of a good, locally brewed ale, suffice it to say, your visit to Coventry will be great fun!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Coventry, UK
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