Coventry City Centre Travel Guide

Birmingham

The Council House, Coventry with the 90-metre spire of the war-ruined 14th-century St Michael's Cathedral visible behind. This building, built 1913-17, is a Grade II Listed Building in England.
The Cathedral was built between 1956 and 1962 and was designed by Sir Basil Spence, following the destruction of the old mediaeval Cathedral in 1940 through enemy bombing. It was decided to build the new Cathedral adjacent to the old one, which was left in its semi-ruined state with its undamaged 14th century tower. It would in fact be the third Cathedral in Coventry, as this had been a religious site for nearly 1000 years. There was a competition for the design which was won by the Scottish architect Basil Spence. The unorthodox design was intended to be "a casket of jewels" and contains many works from famous artists. The Cathedral was consecrated on 25 May 1962. The Cathedral was built at right angles to the old one, and therefore aligns north-south. It is built in red Hollington sandstone with green slate cladding and a concrete roof. There is a nave of seven bays, although the aisles are full height, with slender piers tapering at the base. They rise to a concrete ribbed canopy with timber between the ribs. There is no clerestory. The nave walls are angled in a sawtooth fashion with tall stained-glass windows. The nave and chancel are as one. The (liturgical) west end has a fully glazed wall with engraved figures of saints and angels by John Hutton. The (liturgical) east wall has no window, but is dominated by a large tapestry of Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland. There are two chapels, one to the north east (The Chapel of Christ the Servant) and one to the south west (The Chapel of Unity). The baptistery area to the south east has a full height slightly curved window with closely spaced mullions containing nearly 200 small windows. It was designed by John Piper and painted by Patrick Reyntiens. The font is made with a boulder from near Bethlehem. On the exterior wall is a sculpture by Epstein of Saint Michael and Lucifer. The low roof is crowned by a metal fleche topped by a cross. The organ is by Harrison and Harrison, divided in galleries either side of the altar. There is an open western (southern) porch linking the two cathedrals. There are also lower levels to the Cathedral with further display and administration rooms. There is also an attached cafe. Pic by Jenny
Photo by Jules & Jenny (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
The ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed in German bombing raids in World War II.
Photo by Schwerdf (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0)
Council House, Coventry and Council House Square, 30 November 2014
The Cathedral was built between 1956 and 1962 and was designed by Sir Basil Spence, following the destruction of the old mediaeval Cathedral in 1940 through enemy bombing. It was decided to build the new Cathedral adjacent to the old one, which was left in its semi-ruined state with its undamaged 14th century tower. It would in fact be the third Cathedral in Coventry, as this had been a religious site for nearly 1000 years. There was a competition for the design which was won by the Scottish architect Basil Spence. The unorthodox design was intended to be "a casket of jewels" and contains many works from famous artists. The Cathedral was consecrated on 25 May 1962. The Cathedral was built at right angles to the old one, and therefore aligns north-south. It is built in red Hollington sandstone with green slate cladding and a concrete roof. There is a nave of seven bays, although the aisles are full height, with slender piers tapering at the base. They rise to a concrete ribbed canopy with timber between the ribs. There is no clerestory. The nave walls are angled in a sawtooth fashion with tall stained-glass windows. The nave and chancel are as one. The (liturgical) west end has a fully glazed wall with engraved figures of saints and angels by John Hutton. The (liturgical) east wall has no window, but is dominated by a large tapestry of Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland. There are two chapels, one to the north east (The Chapel of Christ the Servant) and one to the south west (The Chapel of Unity). The baptistery area to the south east has a full height slightly curved window with closely spaced mullions containing nearly 200 small windows. It was designed by John Piper and painted by Patrick Reyntiens. The font is made with a boulder from near Bethlehem. On the exterior wall is a sculpture by Epstein of Saint Michael and Lucifer. The low roof is crowned by a metal fleche topped by a cross. The organ is by Harrison and Harrison, divided in galleries either side of the altar. There is an open western (southern) porch linking the two cathedrals. There are also lower levels to the Cathedral with further display and administration rooms. There is also an attached cafe.
Photo by Jules & Jenny (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Coventry which includes interior views and art

Coventry Cathedral

4.5/5(13 reviews)

The ruins of an ancient Gothic monument and the grandeur of a modern architectural landmark combine at this fascinating site.

Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Transport Museum showing heritage elements and interior views

Coventry Transport Museum

4.5/5(2 reviews)

See a collection of vintage vehicles, experience the thrill of the world’s fastest car and discover the importance of the automobile industry to Coventry.

Coventry Transport Museum
St Michael Cathedral church, Coventry, England, UK

St Michael's Cathedral

St Michael's Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Coventry, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

St Michael's Cathedral
Lady Godiva Statue showing a statue or sculpture

Lady Godiva Statue

Ponder the centuries-old legend about a local noblewoman when you view this equestrian statue located in a central Coventry shopping precinct.

Lady Godiva Statue
Sat outside NEC Birmingham

National Exhibition Centre

4.5/5(550 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in National Exhibition Centre during your trip to Birmingham. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this walkable area.

National Exhibition Centre
Cadbury World featuring heritage architecture, cbd and signage

Cadbury World

4/5(159 reviews)

Learn about the history of one of the world’s biggest chocolate manufacturers and sample various products at this interactive chocolate and entertainment center.

Cadbury World

Things to do

Oken house and tea rooms

Warwick History Walk 1000 Years of English Stories

฿467
per adult
Warwick History Walk 1000 Years of English Stories
Archery session - suitable for anyone aged 10yrs+

1 Hour Archery Session in Warwick

฿1,674
per adult
1 Hour Archery Session in Warwick
Clay Shooting Experience in Warwickshire

Clay Shooting Experience in Warwickshire

฿1,465
per adult
Clay Shooting Experience in Warwickshire
2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth

2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth

฿1,088
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth
Warwick Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

Warwick Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

฿404
per adult
Warwick Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour

Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour

฿628
per adult
Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour
See all activities in Birmingham

Top hotels in Coventry City Centre

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

4 out of 5
157 Corporation Street Coventry England
The price is ฿2,509 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
฿2,509
฿3,011 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Coventry. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
Beautifully and sensitively renovated building, with a Fantastic mid century design. Clean airy rooms, good coffee! Will stay again!

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry
The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

3 out of 5
Coventry Road, Bickenhill Solihull England
The price is ฿3,236 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿3,236
฿3,884 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,541 reviews)
Hotel is very tired, I was under the impression that I had booked a superior room however there was nothing superior about the room I stayed in, cracked toilet, cracked tiles just generally shabby.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street Birmingham England
Fully refundable
The price is ฿2,820 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
฿2,820
฿3,666 total
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,159 reviews)
Clean rooms

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG
Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

4 out of 5
Maxstoke Lane, Meriden Solihull England
The price is ฿3,055 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿3,055
฿3,666 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,128 reviews)
A lovely stay to catch up with some old friends, we particularly enjoyed the afternoon tea.

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
19 Holiday Street Birmingham England
The price is ฿2,327 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿2,327
฿2,793 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,995 reviews)
Sufficient stay and great value for money

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG
The Grand Hotel Birmingham

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

4 out of 5
Colmore Row Birmingham England
The price is ฿4,222 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿4,222
฿5,066 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,144 reviews)
Lovely sized rooms. Only downside was the bar stopped serving food at 7pm.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

The Grand Hotel Birmingham
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Other neighbourhoods around Coventry City Centre

The stone marker to show the former location of the Triumph Motorcycles factory.

Meriden

Restaurants, forests and golf courses are some highlights of Meriden. You might stop by Heart of England Events Centre or National Motorcycle Museum while you're in the area.

Meriden
views from the towpath worcester and birmingham canal worestersh

Marston Green

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Marston Green is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like bp pulse LIVE and Pendigo Lake, and jump on the metro at Air Rail Link Tram Stop to get around the city.

Marston Green
St Thomas More Church, Sheldon, Birmingham, England. This impressive Roman Catholic church is situated on the corner of Sheaf Lane and Three Horseshoes Lane.

Sheldon

Sheldon is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Birmingham area, you might plan a trip to Elmdon Park or bp pulse LIVE.

Sheldon
Narrowboats moored on the Birmingham Canal at Tipton in summertime

Shirley

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Shirley might not have many top sights, but The Shire Country Park and Edgbaston Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shirley
Night lights of Moseley.

Moseley

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The bars and lake views are just a few features travellers like about Moseley. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Moseley Bog and Midlands Arts Centre are a few top places to visit.

Moseley
Digbeth showing outdoor art

Digbeth

Bars, shopping and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Digbeth. Check out Hurst Street or Shopping District while you're exploring the area.

Digbeth

Coventry City Centre Travel Guide