Things to do in Coventry, West Midlands
Coventry is a city of modern urban planning, yet its history stretches back to the eleventh century.
Visitors to Coventry can see the equestrian statue of Lady Godiva in Broadgate, overlooked by an effigy of peeping Tom in Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre.
Coventry’s early economy derived from cloth manufacturing and leather, later came metal, clock and watch making.
During the Civil War Coventry took sides with the Parliamentarians against Charles I. Royalist prisoners were held in the town and it is thought the phrase, "sent to Coventry" originates from this time.
Cash’s ribbon weaving and Singer sewing machines were founded in the city. James Starley produced the first "bone-shaker" in 1868. In 1896 the first motorcar was produced in the city, manufactured by Daimler.
On 14th November 1940, Coventry was targeted by German Luftwaffe bombers, which devastated the city centre, destroying the Cathedral of St. Michael, leaving only the medieval tower and spire standing.
This is the reason why the city of Coventry with its ancient history, has few historic buildings, but has instead a well-planned post war city centre, with an inspirational Cathedral.
Some of Coventry's early buildings which survived, and are of historic interest include: Holy Trinity Church, Priory Cottages, 11 Priory Row, Ford Hospital, old Bablake School and Saint John the Baptist Church.
Take a walk along Spon Street, which is a living museum of the city's heritage.
There is also an interactive display covering one thousand years of Coventry’s history. The Museum of British Road Transport, houses the largest collection of vehicles in the world, ranging from a Pennyfarthing to Thrust 2, former holder of the land speed record.
There are several clubs with live music, a choice of pubs traditional and new, café-bars, restaurants and brasseries, all within the city centre.
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Days Out in Coventry
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Lunt Roman Fort (<1 Mile)*
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Coventry Cathedral (<1 Mile)*
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St Marys Guildhall (<1 Mile)*
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Herbert Art Gallery and Museum (<1 Mile)*
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Coventry Transport Museum (<1 Mile)*
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Ryton Gardens - the home of Garden Organic (2 Miles)*
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Coombe Country Park (3 Miles)*
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Kenilworth Castle (6 Miles)*
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Arbury Hall (6 Miles)*
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Royal Pump Rooms Leamington Spa (8 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Coventry
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Bedworth (5 Miles)*
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Kenilworth (5 Miles)*
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Bubbenhall (5 Miles)*
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Barston (7 Miles)*
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Royal Leamington Spa (8 Miles)*
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Nuneaton (8 Miles)*
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Warwick (9 Miles)*
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Kingswood (10 Miles)*
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Bishops Tachbrook (11 Miles)*
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Aston Flamville (12 Miles)*
Also near Coventry |
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