Things to see and do in Coventry

August 16, 2017

Coventry

5 Unmissable things to see and do in Coventry

Coventry is a large city in the West Midlands, home to medieval castles, historic market towns, Coventry Cathedral and much more. Why not visit Coventry Transport Museum, or go sightseeing around the city? There is so much to do and see in Coventry.

1. Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral is also known as St Michael’s Cathedral and is the seat of the Bishop of Coventry, West Midlands.

The cathedral is a great place to visit, where you can relax and spend time exploring both the cathedral and the ruins. It is popular with locals and people travelling from around England. It is home to a vibrant community, which offers a peaceful place of worship.

Why not explore Coventry and do some sightseeing? The cathedral has beautiful architecture to offer.

Opening times
Cathedral
Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 5 pm (Last entry for visitors is 4 pm)
Sundays – 12 noon to 4 pm (Last entry for visitors is 3 pm)
Cathedral Ruins
Open daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Address
1 Hill Top
Coventry
CV1 5FB
England
Contact details
024 7652 1200
www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/wpsite

2. Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry Transport Museum is a motor museum in the heart of Coventry. It is home to a large collection of British-made road transport. It is home to Coventry, as the city was previously the centre of the British car industry.

The museum holds the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world, with many stories about Coventry and its people in the biggest industry. Coventry Museum has recently had a £9.5m redevelopment and the huge museum offers a free day out for all visitors of all ages.

There are so many fascinating models to see and some of the most amazing vehicles ever invented. See what cars your parents and grandparents drove or explore the cars you would love to drive in the future – there is so much to see!

Coventry Car Museum isn’t just for car enthusiasts, it’s for people who love to tell a story, speed and thrill seekers. Don’t forget to check the events page before visiting, as there are many great events throughout the year.

If you love cars and motorsport, Coventry Car Museum is the place to be! There are also many interactive displays, features and thousands of exciting exhibits to discover. You can even try the new 4D land speed record simulator! Don’t forget to see the motorcycles that took their owners on adventures and the oldest Coventry-built car. There are so many memorable and luxury vehicle on display, from the last 150 years.

Opening times
Normal opening hours Monday - Sunday (including bank holidays) are: 10.00am - 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm)
Open every day of the year except 24 – 26 December and 1 January.
Prices
Free admission to the museum
4D Land Speed Record Simulator tickets:
Adults £5
Under 16/Concessions £3.50
Groups of 10 or more £3.50 per person
Family Ticket £15.50 (up to four people, including at least one adult and at least one child)
Height and other restrictions apply to the 4D simulator ride.
The 4D simulator ride is open from 10.00am - 4.30pm daily. We recommend buying tickets in advance for large groups.
Address
Millennium Place 16 Hales Street
Coventry
CV1 1JD
England
Contact details
024 7623 4270
www.transport-museum.com

3. Coventry Music Museum

The Coventry Music Museum first opened in November 2013 and like all large projects, there was a long and exciting journey ahead. It’s a great place to visit if you are into music and its history. It has also been reviewed as the best museum in the West Midlands by TripAdvisor.

Coventry art and gifts www.LoveYourLocation.co.uk

There are many exhibitions to discover including, the 60’s Sound Booth, the 70’s and 80’s and interactive displays such as the Time Museum, Coventry Hit Parade and more!

There are also many events that take place at the museum, so make sure to check what’s on before you visit.

The Coventry Music Museum makes a great day out. Why not sightsee around Coventry and pop into the museum? It’s great to go with friends or family.

Address
7 The Courtyard 74-80 Walsgrave Road
Unit 3
The 2-Tone Village Courtyard
Rear of 74-80 Walsgrave Road
Coventry
CV2 4ED
England
Contact details
07971 171441
www.covmm.co.uk/2016

4. Coombe Abbey Country Park

Coombe Abbey Country Park is a great place to take the family, especially if you fancy a walk around the park or for a quiet picnic in the gardens. Coombe Abbey offers 500 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland, lakeside walks and bird watching.

Coventry gift ideas www.LoveYourLocation.co.uk

The park has also won many awards for its excellence in management, conservation and visitor experience. It has also won awards from TripAdvisor, for high ratings in customer reviews.

There are a range of great facilities on site including, a visitor centre, discovery centre, restaurant, gift shop, toilets, pottery studio and more! Make sure to check which events are on before visiting, as there is a range of events to suit all ages.

Opening times
Main car park (including Blue Badge bays): 8.00am to 7.30pm
Additional Blue Badge parking at the Visitor Centre: 8.00am to 7.30pm
10.00am to 4.00pm
Please note the accessible toilet/baby changing unit closes with the Visitor Centre at 4pm. There is an additional accessible toilet on the outside of the Visitor Centre, however, you will need your own radar key to access this toilet.
Prices
Visit website for car park prices
Address
Brinklow Road
Binley
Coventry
CV3 2AB
England
Contact details
024 7645 3720
www.coventry.gov.uk/coombe

5. Midland Air Museum

Midland Air Museum displays a range of historic aircraft, both civil and military and many other engines and artefacts. It makes a great day out for all ages and even smaller children. There is so much to learn about, as well as specific galleries dedicated to jet engines and equipment.

At the Air Museum, they also offer Birthday parties which include a guided tour of the best display, as well as access to cockpits.

The museum represents many years of dedicated commitment from the staff, to help establish one of the country’s leading self-funded independent aviation museums.

Midland Air Museum is located near Baginton Village on Rowlet Road, near Coventry Airport.

Opening times
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 - 16:30
Sundays: 10:00 - 17:00
Bank holidays :10:00 - 16:30
Prices
Adult: £7.00
Child (5+): £3.50
Infant: FREE
OAP/Student: £6.50
Family (2+2): £19.00
Address
44 Coventry Street
Rowley Road
Baginton
Coventry
CV3 4FR
England
Contact details
024 7630 1033
www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk

Top 5 kid’s activities

There's plenty to entertain the kids in Coventry, whether they fancy a day out at Coventry Leisure Centre or an adventure through Brandon Marsh Nature Centre!

1. Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre

Kids will love a day out at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, where they can play and have fun in the water while getting exercise! It’s a great place to take the kids during the school holidays, or even during the weekend. Coventry Sport and Leisure Centre is popular for family members of all ages.

During the school holidays, The Splash pool is very popular which provides lots of fun for kids and offers many fun filled water features. Who wouldn’t want to go on the Waterfall Slide, Whirlpool Rapid and the Mushroom Fountain? There is so much to keep the kids entertained.

After a fun morning or afternoon at the leisure centre, why don’t you head out to Coventry centre and explore the shops and restaurants? There are many places to eat and shop in Coventry.

Opening hours
06:45 - 22:00
Internal features availability may vary.
Pricing
Jungle Junction: from £3.50
Under 2s: £1.15
Swim
Adult: £4.10
Junior: £3
Family: £9.95
Address
Fairfax Street
Coventry
West Midlands
CV1 5RY
England
Contact details
024 7625 2525
www.coventrysports.co.uk

2. Curious about Coventry

Curious about Coventry is perfect for the whole family, as it gives you an exciting glimpse into what makes it such an interesting city. You will learn all about Coventry, while walking around the city and the tours usually take around 1 – 2 hours each. The tours are suitable all year round, but are more popular during the summer.

You will discover all about Coventry’s famous Theatre, where you will learn all about its medieval history. At the end of the tour, you will pass two of Coventry’s cathedrals, built in 1940.

Children will love walking and taking pictures, whilst learning all about the city. It makes a great morning out, so why not visit one of Coventry’s popular restaurants afterwards? There is so much to do and see in Coventry.

Opening hours
Our walks are self guided, so can be done whenever you like and in your own time!
Pricing
£5.99 for a instant download (print at home or view on device)
£6.50 plus P&P for a pre printed booklet (sent to you).
One printed booklet/instant download is recommended for up to four people.
Address
Start at Belgrade Theatre
Belgrade Square
Coventry
West Midlands
CV1 1GS
England
Contact details
0115 9502151
www.curiousabout.co.uk/coventry

3. Planet Ice

Planet Ice in Coventry is one of the ‘coolest’ ice skating rinks for families, offering family sessions, children’s party sessions as well as open skate sessions. There are many options to choose from and you can even pick the character of the season when you visit! The Kids will love it!

If your children are a beginner, they can pick up some expert lessons, or if they are a little more experienced, they can try figure skating, ice dancing, hockey and more! There is so much to do at Planet Ice, making it the perfect day out for kids.

There are also many discounts for families, especially if you sign up for an Ice Card. If you plan on visiting during the school holidays, make sure to check which events and activities are on.

Opening hours
Daily opening on a varied session timetable generally running 10am to between 4pm and 10pm.
Pricing
From £5.50 including skate hire but sessions.
Up to £2.50 admission unless you have an Ice card.
£3 for 30 minutes for Penguins. Family tickets available on request
Address
Planet Ice Arena
Croft Road
Coventry
West Midlands
CV1 3AZ
England
Contact details
02476 630693
www.planet-ice.co.uk/arena/Coventry

4. Allesley Park

Allesley Park has a refurbished play area, offering a great range of play equipment for a variety of physical and interactive activities for all ages. It is a great place to visit with the kids if you’re in Coventry.

The facilities include climbing areas, play areas, footballs, crazy golf and a walled garden. There are also many events such as live band concerts, which take place during the summer.

Opening hours
The park pavilion, golf course and crazy golf are open from 9am to 4pm. Last club hire is at 3pm (equipment to be returned by 4pm).
Pricing
Park entry free of charge
Full round
Adult £6.50
Junior £3.20
Senior £3.20
PTLL £3.20 Crazy golf (including equipment £2.40
Address
Allesley Hall Drive
Allesley
Coventry
West Midlands
CV5 9AD
England
Contact details
024 7667 6580
www.coventry.gov.uk/directory_record/273/allesley_park

5. Brandon Marsh Nature Centre

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre is the perfect place for families in Coventry. You can pick up information about the nature reserve, where children can go and explore the nature and animals.

The centre has lots of events which take place, suiting the whole family – so make sure to check before you visit! Around the centre, you will find an Orchard, Maze, insect homes, a sensory garden and bird watching hides. The kids will love running around the maze and watching the nature around the centre.

If you fancy relaxing while the children are out and exploring, why don’t you visit the Tea Room and Shop?

Opening hours
Weekdays: 9am to 4:30pm
Weekends: 10am to 4pm Bank Holiday: 10am to 4pm
Pricing
£2.50 for adults
£1 per child
Under 4s enter free!
£1.50 concessions £6 per family
Address
Brandon Lane
Coventry
West Midlands
CV3 3GW
England
Contact details
024 7630 2912
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/brandon-marsh