Coventry City Centre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 showing interior views and art

Coventry Cathedral

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 which includes interior views and heritage elements

Coventry Transport Museum

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 featuring 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

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 signage, heritage architecture and cbd

Cadbury World

Savour sweet delights and learn about the history of one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world.

Cadbury World

Activities

Warwick Castle Tickets

Warwick Castle Tickets

AU$48
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Warwick Castle Tickets
Discover Coventry: A Walk Through Coventry's Top Landmarks

Discover Coventry: A Walk Through Coventry's Top Landmarks

AU$38
per adult
Discover Coventry: A Walk Through Coventry's Top Landmarks
2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth

2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth

AU$50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth
The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

AU$23
per adult
The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour

Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour

AU$29
per adult
Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour
Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour

Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour

AU$38
per adult
Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour
See all activities in Birmingham

Our pick of the best Coventry City Centre Hotel Deals

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

4 out of 5
157 Corporation Street Coventry England
The price is AU$118 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$118
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! (1,000 reviews)
Quirky and relaxing - recommended

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street Birmingham England
The price is AU$126 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$126
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (1,150 reviews)
Our hotel stay was lovely staff very friendly and helpful, our room was on the 4th floor very quiet family room, beds very comfortable & pillows lovely sheets room clean good choice on teas coffees & hot chocolate with biscuits and mint chocolate coins. The TV channel choice was really good. Great ...

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

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

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

3 out of 5
Coventry Road, Bickenhill Solihull England
The price is AU$125 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$125
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,537 reviews)
Room was clean and good location

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

4 out of 5
Maxstoke Lane, Meriden Solihull England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$134 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$134
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! (1,116 reviews)
Stayed for Crufts, 4th/6th March. Returned first day from Arena at 3.45 pm and room had not been serviced. Tried to phone Reception to find out phone did not work! Had to go to Reception, told fresh towels would be sent within minutes. ONE HOUR later, returned to Reception to ask for Duty Manager. ...

Reviewed on 13 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 AU$102 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$102
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! (1,980 reviews)
Had a lovely stay here. Staff friendly, rooms spacious and beds comfortable. Breakfast had a great spread, too. I would return to stay here.

Reviewed on 14 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 AU$219 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$219
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! (1,134 reviews)
Clean room, staff are really friendly.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

The Grand Hotel Birmingham
See all 3,849 properties in Coventry City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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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 Resorts World Birmingham, 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 bp pulse LIVE or Resorts World Birmingham.

Sheldon
Narrowboats moored on the Birmingham Canal at Tipton in summertime

Shirley

4/5(1 area review)

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

Shirley
Night lights of Moseley.

Moseley

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

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