I honestly never expected to be writing a day out in Coventry itinerary but I’ve found myself in Coventry a couple of times in recent years: once for the Commonwealth Games and again for a family event and I relaly struggled to find a guide like this online – so here’s my take on how to spend 1 day in Coventry!
It’s super easy to spend one day in Coventry thanks to the city’s well-connected location in the West Midlands, and yet a lot of people miss Coventry in favour of nearby Birmingham.
If you’re spending some time in the area and you’re looking for places to visit in the West Midlands, or perhaps you’re planning a day trip from Birmingham, 1 day out in Coventry is a great option to discover what the city has to offer and the best things to do in Coventry, England.
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Where is Coventry in England?
Coventry is a city in the West Midlands, located 30 minutes east of Birmingham along the River Sherbourne. The city is historically located in the county of Warwickshire and the city of Warwick is only 20 minutes away.
What is Coventry famous for?
Coventry has a long history of being a industrial hub in the UK. It was a vital city in England during the Middle Ages because of its textiles production. It later because a hugely important city during the industrial era of the 19th and 20th centuries, producing much of the countries bicycle and motor industry.
The city centre was almost completely destroyed by The Blitz during the war and much of the city was not fully rebuilt until the 50s and 60s leading to an economic slump in the area. This is also why many people associate the 50-60s building style with Coventry – which is not the prettiest!
Coventry because the UK City of Culture in 2021.
Things to do in Coventry when it’s raining
Of course the UK weather is unpredictable as always, so if you’re looking for what to do in Coventry in the rain, here’s a quick list for you to check out:
- Axe Throwing
- The Coventry Transport Museum
- The Wave Coventry
- St Mary’s Guildhall
- Coventry Music Museum
- Escape Reality – Coventry Escape Room
- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
- Cosy Club Coventry
Best things to do in Coventry in one day
Visit the Coventry Cathedral ruins and explore the historic area
Coventry is known as being one of the most bombed areas of England outside of London during the war. As such, much of the city was destroyed and has been replaced by more modern architecture which is why the city doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to architectural beauty!
But even in ruins, the Cathedral is spectacular to see – I think it’s even more unique to see it like this! You can wander through the ruins for free, read the information boards and learn about the history of the religious site.
Now the space is used for festivals, open air events and exhibitions which is a really beautiful way to repurpose the space and I was so pleasantly surprised by how beautiful it is!
Wander around streets outside the cathedral too and see the charming Bayley Lane with its cobbled street and timber framed houses – this was probably my favourite street and such a plesant surprise when a lot of the architecture in Coventry is not that appealing!
See the Coventry Doom
Just around the corner from the Coventry Cathedral ruins in the Holy Trinity Chruch which is home to the Coventry Doom…
It sounds ominous but a Doom was a type of painting popular in medieval churches in England and this one dates back to the 15th century but remained hidden until 1986 when a small fire in the church burnt off the dark paint that covered it for centuries.
It was restored and found to pre-date Da Vinci’s Last Supper! This doom depicts Christ and the gates of heaven and hell. Even if you’re not religious, it’s fascinating to see something that has been hidden from sight for so many years!
Stop by the Fords Hospital Alms House
This unique 16th century, timber framed building was originally built to house a merchant, five men and their wives. The building was bombed in the war and rebuilt with original timbers. But the unique courtyard in the centre is really fascinating and is what makes this a popular building for historians to study domestic architecture from the period.
The building isn’t always open to the public but you can still see the courtyard through the closed gate at the front which is how I was able to take this photo.
Visit the Herbert Art Gallery
This is a great activity if you’re looking for things to do in Coventry in the rain because it’s a gallery and museum with exhibits for all ages and interests.
When I visited Coventry I visited the Reel Store which has now unfortunately closed, but the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is a great alternative that covers Coventry history and beyond.
Now until February 2027, they’re home to Dippy the Diplodocus from the Natural History Museum in London and they’re also home to the Lost Library of Coventry and so many other amazing exhibits.
Check out what’s on and admission prices here.
Burn off some energy at Axe Throwing
What’s more fun than doing something unusual in a new city?
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Coventry, check out the Axe Throwing at Boom Battle Bar in the city centre.
Sessions last for 30-45 minutes depending on the day, which doesn’t sound like long but you’ll be exhausted afterwards!
You can book out a lane for you and your group and give your best throws!
You also have the option to enjoy a drink and bites to eat afterwards at the bar.
Axe throwing is one of those activities which you just never expect to enjoy as much as you do and I’m always one to recommend this as an activity, especially if you’re with friends. It’s a real adrenaline rush and a great fun experience with a group. Definitely one to add to your list for a day out in Coventry!
Full details and prices here.
Enjoy a drink at Dhillon’s Brewery Spire Bar
If you know me or you’ve read any of my guides before, you might notice that I’m a big craft beer fan.
And what’s cooler than a craft beer taproom? A taproom in an old church!
Dhillon’s Brewery Spire Bar is a super unique place to go for drinks in Coventry with a dramatic interior inside a church with a huge Spire.
Being situated in a square nearby a children’s play area, they also have loads of outdoor seating in wooden huts which are perfect for sitting out in the summer or the winter.
If you’re more of a cocktails fan, we highly recommend the Botantist in Coventry, the building is absolutely stunning and the interior decor is so unique, there’s even a stream flowing through the venue, a waterfall and bridges to cross the stream to reach the bar.
Note: The Botanist is now closed, the Cosy Club nextdoor is an alternative option in a unique venue.
Enjoy Korean BBQ
We discovered that there’s a huge diversity of places to eat in Coventry!
Being big fans of Korean food, we were so excited to see a Korean BBQ restaurant available.
If you’ve not experienced Korean BBQ before, you select a meat platter and you have a hot plate at your table where you cook the meat yourself.
The meat is great quality, in a Korean marinade and you get a bunch of sides too such as kimchi, Korean pancakes, eggs and rice.
Korean BBQ isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a whole dining experience and a super fun evening out with friends or your partner.
Summary: Best things to do in Coventry in 1 day
Coventry often gets forgotten in favour of nearby Birmingham or Warwick, but there’s really a lot to do in a walkable area of the city. Like the axe throwing, Coventry Cathedral ruins, and Korean BBQ, there are so many unique things to do in Coventry and places to see in Coventry that make it well worth a 1 day trip from Birmingham to Coventry.
Pin this for later to plan your future trip!
