Now you might not think Coventry is really a place anyone would choose to go on a day out – and you would be right, to be honest. It’s an odd place that has always had an odd reputation. It’s currently in the middle of a transformation in the centre as the city becomes more of a student city. The university is growing in both size and reputation, and student living is definitely taking over. It’s a bit surreal for someone like me who only visits the city every couple of years (if that).
I grew up there and moved to Wales when I was ten. In the last ten years, I’ve visited sporadically because it’s a long train trip from here and I don’t always want to go.
We went this time around because we were in Birmingham anyway for Bethend’s Life In The UK test and I knew I wouldn’t get a chance to see my dad before Xmas because of work. So once we were done with the test we hopped on the train from Brum and stayed the night in a hotel in the centre before meeting up with my dad the next day.
We originally planned to go to Coombe Abbey – a country park and house on the outskirts of Coventry that is free and gorgeous and I love it. However, I had mistimed the buses and my dad doesn’t drive and with hindsight, it was probably for the best. My dad has Parkinson’s and it’s starting to affect his legs.
So instead we went to the Transport Museum, the Cathedral and The Herbert Gallery and Museum.
The Coventry Transport Museum
The Coventry Transport Museum is in the city centre and is free. I hadn’t been since my sister and I took my nephew when he was six. He’s fourteen now so it’s been a while. It’s not moved since I was a kid but has had a makeover and is set in what’s called Millenium Place next to an odd bright, a sculpture and what was a cool international clock in the ground but doesn’t actually work anymore.
Admission is free. They open at ten on a Sunday and we were there at five to. The first display you come across is a motorbike. As you head into the museum there are huge displays of bicycles. The museum is mostly about the history of transport production in the city. It has a great section on the world wars and a Blitz experience walkthrough. One thing Coventry is known for is the damage it took during the second world war.
My favourite stuff is still there. They have the tour bus from when Coventry City F.C won the F.A Cup in 1987. I was only five so I didn’t get to go to Wembley but my dad took me and my aunt to see the team parade on the bus. They also have both the Thrust SSC and the Thrust 2 that broke the land speed record.
My son enjoyed walking around the place. He liked any of the exhibits that made noise and any of the yellow cars. Also he had a ride on a little train that he liked. He’s never been on a ride like that before.
Coventry Cathedral
The city took a lot of damage during the blitz; there’s actually a little video about it in the transport museum and how it was rebuilt. Part of the rebuilding was a new Cathedral. The old and the new now sit side by side just up the road from the transport museum. The old cathedral is pretty much just a shell of what it was. The roof completely caved in – they had recently done some work to reinforce it and due to the extra weight it pretty much came down in one go. The spire is still standing and you can currently climb it. We didn’t – it’s a long climb and we had the pushchair.
The new Cathedral costs six quid to get into unless you’re attending a service. I’m not religious but I’ve been a couple of services there including midnight mass and it’s a pretty spectacular experience. It’s not something for my son to enjoy I will admit but I knew my wife would really like it. Plus I haven’t been for a long time.
It’s beautiful.
From the stained glass to the organs, the new cathedral is stunning. I’m not in any way religious but you don’t need to be to appreciate it. the entire building it a work of art. Even my dad likes the cathedral. My son spent the entire time shouting so he could hear his own echo but luckily there were no services so we weren’t really disturbing anyone.
Herbert Art Gallery And Museum
The Herbert is another Coventry institution that’s been around since I was a kid and I don’t think I’ve been there since I was a kid. It’s right across the courtyard from the Cathedral and free. Since then it’ undergone a huge refurbishment. It’s still in the same place but twice as big, twice as shiny and twice as awesome. They do a lot of stuff for little kids, and the museum is very interactive. Snappy really enjoyed running around the place and touching anything he was allowed to touch (and some things he wasn’t of course).
The museum is about life in Coventry, and how people would’ve lived their lives from the medieval times when Lady Godiva was still around to the present day. There’s a lot of places to sit too; my dad definitely appreciated that.
We didn’t go up into the art gallery section, my dad was pretty tired by that point and we needed to head to the train station at home by the time we’d done the museum bits. It’s definitely worth another visit though, it’s changed a lot since I was a kid and I was glad to go.
Other Attractions
There’s a lot of shopping in Coventry; West Orchards is the shopping centre and part of the city centre was revamped so it’s sheltered. The statue of Lady Godiva and the Peeping Tom clock are in the centre too – the clock runs on the hours and you’ll be able to see little Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom. A little further out there is the Belgrave theatre and just a short walk beyond that the SkyDome houses an ice rink and cinema. Coombe Abbey is on the outskirts of Coventry and there are plenty of parks, pubs and restaurants including the War Memorial Park.
Have you ever been to Coventry? Let me know what you enjoyed the most.
I have never been to Coventry but its great to hear there are so many fun things to do there!
There’s really are some great things to do that are free.
It has been years since I went to Coventry, it is interesting to hear they are looking to transform the city centre. Perhaps I should go back some time!
You won’t recognise it. I go every few years and every time it’s a different place!
I’ve never been to Coventry, from reading your post it looks like a part of the country I need to explore!
I didn’t actually realise there was much to do in Coventey. One of my friends lives there so I only really ever go to visit her x
Well now you know there’s plenty to do if you need some entertainment.
Looks like a fab place to visit! I never did make it Coventry the one and only time I was down in Wales. Will have to do so one day!
Coventry isn’t in Wales. It’s next to Birmingham!
That cathedral looks incredible! I love the stained glass effect. I really want to visit Coventry now for a weekend away,
The Cathedral is beautiful. I really recommend it.
Looks like you had fun. Think I would be heading for the West Orchards shopping mall x
We went through it but it’s mostly just shops you get in any city and I like the unique places.
coventry cathedral looks so pretty! glad you had a good day!
We had great fun thanks 🙂
I do have friends from Coventry, but never actually been myself. It is nice to see there is so much you can do and enjoy in the city. I heard that Coventry has won The City of Culture award this year.
They did, we saw the posters while we were there and I didn’t think they would get. Glad I was wrong!
Looks like there is so much to do in Coventry I went on a school trip to the Cathedral but I haven’t been back since.
We did the school trip to the cathedral when I still lived there. I recommend another visit.
My MIL lives in Coventry and I have never ventured to any of these places.Now I know about them I am going to try and visit them when we go again.
Definitely. I bet your mil hasn’t been to these places for years either. My dad hadn’t!
that cathedral is beautiful! coventry never really popped into mind especially when I had studied in Birmingham for 3 years!
Looks like a wonderful day out, Ive never been to Coventry before. The cathedral looks lovely
It’s an absolutely stunning place.
You certainly packed a lot into your day out in Conventry! I haven’t been for years but maybe worth a visit again soon 🙂
I couldn’t believe how much we did and it wasn’t even a full day!
I would only think of going to Coventry to visit friends at Warwick uni so thanks for sharing what other things there are to do 😀
Definitely head on over, it’s not far from Warwick at all!
I have yet to visit Coventry yet. It seems like a great place to go for a visit. I’d love to see the Cathedral.
Definitely, check it out the next time you’re in the area!
i have never been to Coventry but it sounds lovely and I would love to visit the Museum.
Looks like a fun day! I’ve never been to Coventry but I would love to go there on a day out.
#KCACOLS
I have only ever been to Coventry bus station, it it looks like there is a lot for kids and families to do.
Ah never been to Coventry but it looks like it has some great things on offer.
Thanks for the tour! I’ve never been to Conventry but was always intrigued by it. This is supposed to be where Lady Godiva rode her horse naked through the streets. 🙂 And then there is the English expression about sending people to Coventry if you wanted to give them the silent treatment. It looks like a nice place to visit.
I must admit all I knew about Coventry was that there was lots of damage during the war. It sounds like it’s well worth a day trip though! #KCACOLS
It looks like a lovely time and your little looks very happy! Living in Philadelphia, we have never been, but it looks like loads of fun for all! Smiles and memories… all good. Happiest of holidays to you and your beautiful family! #KCACOLS xoxo
Looks like you had a lovely day out, the cathedral looks beautiful. I’ve never been to Coventry. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.