Coventry Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Coventry

    In medieval times, Coventry was a walled city. Charles II ordered the wall to be knocked down when he came to the throne in 1660 during the Civil War. The city’s industry has suffered a history of boom and slump. The industries that have flourished and declined include the sale of fleeces from the wool of Midlands sheep, ribbon weaving, the bicycle industry and car making. On...Read more November 14, 1940, Coventry suffered an 11-hour air raid, which destroyed the cathedral of St Michael’s as well as 43,000 homes. Around 1,200 people were killed in the bombing. Coventry Cathedral was rebuilt after the war and became a symbol of reconciliation. Read less

  • 2. Now in Coventry

    The city now has two universities – The University of Warwick and Coventry University. The Ricoh Arena is a major development in the city covering 40 acres. The multi purpose complex has state-of-the-art conference, banqueting, exhibition, hotel and sports facilities. It is also the home of Coventry City Football Club. Major redevelopment projects have taken place in the city...Read more in the 21st century, including the reconstruction of the Lower Precinct shopping area. Read less

  • 3. Events in Coventry

    Many events take place at the Ricoh Arena, including major football fixtures. The complex hosts business conferences and meetings as well as exhibitions and entertainment. Events on the city’s annual calendar include the Godiva Festival, Multicultural Festival and the Coventry Cycling Festival. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum has a changing programme of events and exhibiti...Read moreons. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Coventry

    The Priory Visitor Centre tells some of the city’s history and gives people a chance to see the remains of Coventry’s first cathedral. Visitors can also see The Priory Undercrofts, which are the remains of Coventry’s original Benedictine monastery. Coventry has always had a major role in the cycle and motor industry, and the Coventry Transport Museum tells this story with...Read more its unique collections and exhibits. Coventry Cathedral was built above the ruins of the medieval cathedral that was destroyed in the Second World War. There is a Blitz museum open on the site on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and visitors can climb St Michael’s Tower. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Coventry

    The Brandon Marsh Nature Centre has displays, hands-on activities and information about the nature reserve, as well as a tea shop and shop. Historic buildings to look at in the city include Black Swan Terrace, a house and garden that have been restored to resemble life for a weaver in 1560. All Saint’s Church is a 12th century church in Rectory Lane, and Cook Street and Swans...Read morewell Gates is one of only two of the city’s remaining medieval gates. Coombe Country Park and Nature reserve is 500 acres of historic parkland, including gardens, woodland and nature walks. The Coventry Canal Art trail is a five-and-a-half-mile walk along the canal with 39 pieces of art including sculptures, ironwork, murals and community projects. The Canal Basin of Coventry is a good spot from which to view the canal boats. Lady Herbert’s Garden incorporates parts of the old medieval city wall. The modern Garden of International Friendship lies adjacent to Lady Herbert’s. Read less

  • 6. Business in Coventry

    Coventry has 1,000 research and development companies, and partnerships between these and the universities have made the city a leader in innovation and technology. Business and science parks support this sector. The West Orchards shopping centre has all the high street names under one roof as well as a food court and car park. Lower Precinct Shopping Centre has shops for all b...Read moreudgets, cafes and a car park. The city centre also has the Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre and Broadgate shopping area. Coventry market is an indoor market offering food, fashion, electrical goods and more. Greyfriars Walk is on the south side of the city centre and has many independent retailers as well as big names. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Coventry

    Birmingham International Airport is just a 15-minute train journey away from Coventry. Coventry is close to the M6, M40, M42, M69 and M1, giving good access to and from the rest of the UK. Trains from London to Coventry run every 30 minutes and take about 80 minutes. Services are good to other major UK cities.

  • 8. Entertainment in Coventry

    The Ricoh Arena hosts many major live music events from The Kings of Leon and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to Take That and Oasis. The Belgrade Theatre has a varied programme of events, from family shows like The Jungle Book to Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. City College Theatre is a 1930s theatre offering a varied programme of events, and the Criterion is the city’s pr...Read moreemier amateur theatre. The Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry has over 2,000 events including music, drama, dance, comedy, literature, films and visual arts. Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Coventry

    Coventry Cathedral and its rich history have become a symbol of reconciliation across the world after the original building was destroyed by bombs in the Second World War. St Mary’s Guildhall, in the Cathedral Quarter of the city, is one of the country’s finest medieval guildhalls. It was built in the 1340s and attracts visitors from all over the world.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Coventry

    Frank Whittle, who is recognised as the inventor of the jet engine, was born in Coventry.

Close Window
Thumb

  • Loading...

Special Offers

Top Business Reviews

Coventry Events

  • 01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013

    Positive Images Multicultural Festival

    This festival runs for three weeks across venues in the city in June and July and aims to celebrate cultural diversity in Coventry. The celebration is organised by Coventry City Council and most events are free. The festival is launched with an afternoon of music and

  • 04 December 2012 - 31 December 2013

    Tuesday Town Walk in Stratford upon Avon

    Join the award winning entertaining Town Walk every Tuesday, all year! Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps from birthplace to grave to uncover the facts and stories about his life and family. See the Shakespeare Houses, Theatres, River Avon, 15th century timber framed

  • 30 November 2012 - 31 December 2013

    Friday 2pm Town Walk

    Join the award winning entertaining Town Walk every Friday, all year! Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps from birthplace to grave to uncover the facts and stories about his life and family. See the Shakespeare Houses, Theatres, River Avon, 15th century timber framed b

  • 01 September 2012 - 30 September 2012

    Godiva Festival

    Coventry was the birthplace of legend Lady Godiva, and this free festival celebrates that history. The festival takes place in War Memorial Park and has been running since 1998. A main element of the festival is the Godiva Procession, which was originally known as the

  • See more events
  • Add an event

Coventry Marketplace

Coventry Blog

Coventry News