Things to Do in Coventry

An indoor market with a mix of grocers, butchers, fishmongers, bakers, and stalls selling clothes, electronics, and household goods. Lively and authentic — a good place to see local life and get cheap lunch.

🕐 Mon-Sat 07:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-16:00

💡 The fishmonger (Chandler's) is excellent for fresh fish at good prices. For lunch, try the jerk chicken stall or Mr P's pie shop. Market opens early (7am) but quieter by 10am.

A 14th-century guildhall with a medieval hall, stained glass, and a vaulted undercroft. The Great Hall has a stunning timber ceiling and the Coventry Tapestry. Used for civic events and filming (The Crown was shot here).

🕐 Thurs-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00-15:00 (closed Mon-Wed)

💡 Entry is free but you often need to book a free timed ticket on their website, especially at weekends. Check the undercroft — it's sometimes closed for events.

Two cathedrals side by side: the ruined medieval St. Michael's (bombed in WWII) and the striking modern replacement with Graham Sutherland's tapestry and John Piper's baptistry window. The ruins are open air, the new cathedral has a free entry zone.

🕐 Cathedral ruins always open; New Cathedral Mon-Sat 09:30-17:00, Sun 12:00-16:00 (last admission 30 mins before close)

💡 Don't skip the charred cross of nails — a symbol of reconciliation. The new cathedral charges for some exhibitions, but the main nave and ruins cost nothing.

One of the UK's largest collections of road transport, from cycles and motorbikes to cars and buses. Highlights include ThrustSSC and Thrust2 — the world's fastest cars. Interactive displays explain Coventry's motor industry history.

🕐 Daily 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)

💡 Go early on weekdays to avoid school groups. The museum is free but charges for special exhibitions — check their site. The café does decent tea and cake.

A large Victorian park with a war memorial, boating lake, bandstand, mini golf, tennis courts, and a café. Good for a picnic, a walk, or letting kids run around. Peaceful and well-maintained.

🕐 Open 24 hours (park gates locked at dusk)

💡 Park at the Kenilworth Road car park (free) near the river. The café does reasonable bacon sandwiches. If you want peace, avoid weekends when it's busy with families and dog walkers.