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.

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  • Hazel O’Connor backs Myton hospices nurse appeal

    Eighties singing star Hazel O’Connor has lent her support to a fund-raising appeal for more nurses at local hospices. The Myton hospices that are located in Rugby, Coventry and Warwick offer essential free care to 2,000 people every year and depend on £7 million worth of donations annually. One new nurse costs £30,000 a year and each nurse can care for an extra 43 patients. The appeal for more nurses is being run my BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and the …

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  • Dogs Trust workshops to help kids with autism

    The Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Honiley, Kenilworth in Warwickshire has been holding workshops for families with children who have been diagnosed with autism. The PAWS project (Parents Autism Workshops and Support), has been created to show how pet dogs can be trained to encourage and improve development for autistic children. The dogs can cheer up an upset or distraught child, interrupt unwanted behaviour and can help teach children responsibility if they are given the opportunity to help take care …

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  • Joan works every Christmas Day for 23 years to spread festive cheer to sick kids

    Joan Whitaker has made a name for herself as Coventry’s very own Christmas miracle. Joan has spent every Christmas day for 23 years bringing festive cheer to poorly children at University Hospital and has brought joy to hundreds of children over the years. Joan said: “Nobody wants to be stuck in hospital – especially not children at Christmas. Everyone outside it having a wonderful time and opening presents. But a lot of the children here worry that Santa won’t come …

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  • Polar explorer Mark Wood had ‘difficult Christmas’

    Mark Wood, a Coventry man attempting to become the first person to ski alone to both the North and South Poles, reported that Christmas was a difficult time for him. 45 year old Mark is 40 days into the 115-day challenge which he started in Antarctica in November. He is completing the mammoth task to raise awareness of climate change. He is currently 160 miles away from the South Pole. The temperatures have plunged to -27C and due to the …

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