The area that Coventry now occupies has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. The city is known for its association with Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the city streets in order to gain a remission of the oppressive taxation imposed by her husband on his tenants. Lore has it that the term 'Peeping Tom' is derived from this tale, describing a man named Tom who did not cover his eyes as she rode through the streets. Coventry has been an economically important city in the past, being a hub for the cloth trade in the Middle Ages and for the burgeoning automotive industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city's industrial prowess helped Britain's war efforts in the early 20th century; it also however made it an obvious target in the Second World War. A series of German bombing raids from 1940-42 (the Coventry Blitz) destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, although the single night of bombing in November 1940 dealt the largest damage, killing more than 500 people.

In the succeeding decades after the war, most of the old medieval dwellings were not rebuilt, being replaced instead by more modern constructions, often brutalist concrete structures. Subsequent to these, Coventry has undergone extensive remodelling most notably within the city centre, making it more pedestrian-friendly. Major regeneration projects have attempted to make the city a more attractive place, such as the Phoenix Initiative (completed in 2004) which was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.

In common with most of the UK, Coventry experiences cool winters and mild summers with moderate annual rainfall. Winter temperatures seldom drop below -10°C (14°F) and the summer months rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). Moderate but occasionally disruptive snowfall is possible in January or February. Daylight hours range from 4:45AM to 9:30PM in the summer, to 8:15AM and 3:45PM in the winter months.

• Visit Coventry website

Coventry is near the centre of the UK motorway network. The M6 passes the north of the city. The M1 is easily accessible via the A45 towards London and the M69 northbound. The M40 is accessed along the A46.

To enjoy the drive into Coventry approach along the A46, exiting at Kenilworth. Drive through central Kenilworth and past the Abbey Fields park before turning right towards Coventry. The broad tree-lined Kenilworth Road offers a beautiful boulevard into the city.

The city also provides a Park and Ride facility, see National Park and Ride Directory.

You can reach Coventry from London using Megabus which starts at roughly £13 return, but it arrives in Cannon Park, near Tesco, not the city centre. National Express has buses arrive at Pool Meadow Bus Station (see listing below), which can be cheaper at some times, though on average, Megabus proposes more options that are almost as cheap as the cheapest, yet less common National Express's equivalents.

One possible problem visitors to Coventry City centre may encounter is the infamous Coventry ring road. It can be very confusing to first time users, with its single on/off ramps. Speed is limited to 40 mph, but don't be surprised to see cars pass by at [sometimes] much higher speeds, racing to get off at the next junction! If you plan to come to Coventry (and want to visit the city centre), it's advisable to have someone who understands the ring road drive you around first.

• 52.400872-1.5140531 Coventry. on the main London Euston to Birmingham rail route. There are usually three trains from London Euston station every hour from platform 1. The journey takes about an hour and (as of December 2019) costs from £30 for an adult off peak return. Significantly cheaper advance single tickets (in each direction) may be found if booking far enough in advance, and Megatrain also offer tickets on a few of the emptier of these trains (generally Monday-Thursday only) for as little as £2.50 return, again if booked far enough in advance. Alternatively London Midland offer an hourly service from Euston that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, but has cheaper off peak and super off peak tickets compared to those valid on Avanti trains. Trains from central Birmingham are even more frequent, with a 25-minute journey time. Birmingham International, serving the NEC and Birmingham Airport, is 10 minutes away, on the line to Birmingham. Direct trains also serve Bournemouth (via Leamington) to the south, and Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland to the north. (updated Dec 2019)

• 52.453889-1.7480562 Birmingham Airport (BHX ^IATA). This is closer to Coventry than to central Birmingham. Take the free monorail to Birmingham International railway station for frequent trains to Coventry. Driving should not take much over 30 min, or a taxi might be £20. (updated Dec 2019)
• 52.3725-1.4797223 Coventry Airport (CVT  ^IATA). Has no commercial flights. As of 2021 it's still in use for private aviation but may close altogether, as there are proposals to turn the area into factory space. (updated Jul 2023)

• 52.4134-1.5121 Coventry Canal. Starts just outside the ring road, to the north of the city centre. After five miles it connects with the Oxford Canal at Hawkesbury Junction, then the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal at Marston Junction, just outside Bedworth. It next meets the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Fazeley Junction, near Tamworth. Finally, it joins the Trent and Mersey Canal at Fradley, 38 miles from Coventry and near Lichfield. Operating a boat in the canal requires a licence from the Canal and River trust. Boats are available for hire from various providers on the canal network. (updated May 2020)

There are a plethora of buses serving Coventry, all run by National Express, although first time users or those unfamiliar with city bus transport can find the number of different routes intimidating. Cost within the city boundaries is standardised at £2.10 per journey, apart from single journeys within the ring road, which are £1. Daysaver tickets for unlimited travel within the Coventry area for one day are £4 for adults and £3.10 for those under 16.

If you plan on travelling frequently by bus, travelcards are available.

• Adult Coventry Faresaver allows unlimited travel at any time around Coventry. 1 week costs £13.00 (available only from participating agents) and 4 weeks costs £45.25.
• Adult Coventry Off-Peak Faresaver are valid in the Coventry area all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Travel on weekdays (M-F) is limited to between 9:30AM and 3:30PM, and from 6PM onwards. 1 week costs £9.50 (available only from participating agents)
• 52.4104-1.5074 Pool Meadow Bus Station (not far from the cathedral; adjacent to the Transport Museum). Served by local and national routes. (updated May 2020)

Coventry's city centre is not very car-friendly. With the pedestrianisation of large tracts of the central business district, travelling in the confusing patchwork of roads winding around the pedestrian quarters can be very frustrating. The ringroad surrounding the city centre is a very quick method of getting around, but its frantic pace and multiple sudden exits make it notoriously difficult for visitors. There is ongoing construction work outside the town hall and Herbert Art Gallery which will further restrict accessibility by car, narrowing the road down from two lanes to one.

In contrast, the city's suburbs are much better suited for car transport, although as expected in a city, rush hours tend to be very busy.

Many firms operate within Coventry. Black cabs can be flagged down on the street but private hire taxis must be booked. Popular firms include:

• Allens Taxis, ☏ +44 24 7655-5555. Operating since 1938. (updated Dec 2017)
• Central Taxis, ☏ +44 24 7633-3333. Offers student rates. (updated Dec 2017)
• Yellow Taxis Coventry, ☏ +44 24 7610-0100. Like black cabs, but yellow. (updated Dec 2017)
• Taxi Coventry, 111 New Union St, Coventry CV1 2NT, ☏ +44 24 7762-0620, bookings@taxicoventry.com. 24 hours. Fixed price. (updated Nov 2022)

Central Coventry is fairly flat, and good for cycling. Cyclists may use the ring road, but are best advised not to do so; quieter side roads are available for the same journeys.

• 52.408333-1.5069442 Coventry Cathedral, Cathedral Quarter. The mediaeval Gothic Cathedral of St Michael was built as the parish church in the late 14th to early 15th century, but largely destroyed by the Luftwaffe on the night of 14 November 1940 in an incendiary bombing raid; only the tower, spire and outer walls remain. A new cathedral was built 1956-1962 next to the old (which now forms a memorial) to a design by Basil Spence. The new cathedral is noted for its striking post-war modern design, the large tapestry of Christ enthroned, its innovative stained glass windows and various items of sculpture. These include (on the façade) the striking St Michael's Victory over the Devil by Sir Jacob Epstein. Archaeological digs have uncovered the remains of the original monastic settlement founded by Lord Leofric in 1043, these have been incorporated into the priory gardens and an interpretive centre exhibits some notable finds. Free.  
• 52.37272-1.4965713 Lunt Roman Fort, Coventry Road, Baginton, ☏ +44 24 7630-3567. Based in the nearby village of Baginton, this is a partial reconstruction of a Roman fort that stood on the site from c. 60 - 80 CE, erected in response to Boudicca's revolt. Exhibits include a museum of Roman period life (based on finds excavated at the site between 1965 and 1973), a model of the fort and occasional full costume re-enactments of Roman military manoeuvres. Adults £2, concessions £1.  
• 52.408-1.516324 Spon Street, Central Coventry. A historic street that was once part of an important trade route from London to Shrewsbury and Holyhead. In the 18th century it was one of the world's major centres of watchmaking. Since the end of the Second World War the street has halved in length due to the construction of the city's ring road. Some historic buildings that survived the Coventry Blitz were relocated here in the 1960s. Today the street is home to 26 shops and forms a large concentration of the city's medieval structures.  
• 52.4077-1.50785 St Mary's Guildhall, Bayley Lane, ☏ +44 24 7683-3328, guildhall@coventry.gov.uk. March–October: Su-Th 10AM-4PM. A medieval guildhall built in the 14th century across the way from the Cathedral ruins. A notable visitor was Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here when she was detained in Coventry in 1569. The room she was traditionally thought to have stayed in is open. Also includes Godiva Café, a café-restaurant, open 11AM-4PM year-round. Free (donations welcome).  
• 52.40714-1.508046 Coventry City Council Building, Earl St, CV1 5RR, ☏ +44 8085 834 333. Grade II listed with statues. (updated Dec 2021)

• 52.4096-1.5127 Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, ☏ +44 24 7655-3055, boxoffice@belgrade.co.uk. Box office: M-Sa 10:30AM-5:30PM. A live performance venue with a 1,158 seating capacity. It was the first civic theatre to be built after the Second World War and is now a Grade II listed building.  
• 52.379955-1.5613768 Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick campus, ☏ +44 24 7652-4524, arts.centre@warwick.ac.uk. M-Sa 8:30AM-11PM, Su 2-11PM. On the University of Warwick campus, it is the second largest arts complex in the UK, with regular leading theatre, film, music, comedy tours, dance events and more. There are also two bars, a café, and a bookshop with over 30,000 titles.  

• 52.4108-1.50929 Coventry Transport Museum, Millenium Place, Hales Street, ☏ +44 24 7623-4270. 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM). A museum hosting the largest collection of British road transport in the world with over 230 cars and commercial vehicles, 250 cycles and 90 motorcycles. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January. Adult £14, concession £10.50, junior (5 to 16 years) £7, special prices for families, free for Coventry residents.  
• 52.407159-1.50609810 Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordan Well, ☏ +44 24 7683-2386. Moderately large local museum with exhibits on local and natural history. Has exhibits related to Lady Godiva and the Coventry Blitz, among other things. Free (donations welcome).  
• 52.3739-1.479711 Midland Air Museum, Coventry Road, Baginton, ☏ +44 24 7630-3567. Star exhibits include the Avro Vulcan bomber and a heritage centre dedicated to the work of Coventry-born Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneer of the jet engine. Adult £7.75, concession £7.25, child £4, under 5 free. (updated May 2020)

• 52.4192-1.560612 Allesley Park, Allesley Hall Drive, Allesley Park, ☏ +44 24 7667-6580. A large park in the western suburbs which opened as a deer park in the 13th century. It has been awarded a Green Flag award, certifying its excellent credentials as a park. Facilities include a golf and crazy golf course, a children's play area and a walled garden. Free; golf: adults £7.50, senior and junior £3.50, crazy golf: £2.40.  
• 52.412-1.40913 Coombe Country Park, Brinklow Road, Binley, coombe.countrypark@coventry.gov.uk. 7:30AM-dusk, depending on time of year. A 500-acre site on the eastern extremities of Coventry, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the city centre. It contains woodland, gardens, scenic walks, birdwatching opportunities and a reasonably priced café, and is worth the trip out. Free entry (£3.40 for parking).  
• 52.4135-1.5414 Lake View Park, Lake View Road, Coundon. Open dawn to dusk. A scenic park used for wildlife conservation. Despite its name there is no lake in the park, although the river Sherbourne flows through it. Free. 
• 52.3901-1.5231115 War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road. 24 hours day, all year-round, visitor centre: 9AM-4PM. A park which opened in 1921 as a tribute to the city's fallen soldiers of the First World War. Receives over 400,000 visitors per year. Contains many sporting facilities including tennis courts, football pitches and a bowls green, as well as a cenotaph, themed gardens, an aviary, a children's play area and two cafés. Free entry, sports facilities: see website.  

• 52.406732-1.51820516 SkyDome Arena, Croft Road, ☏ +44 24 7663-0674, boxoffice@planet-ice.co.uk. A multipurpose centre for public ice-skating, ice dancing and home to the Coventry Blaze and Coventry Phoenix ice hockey teams. Also houses a multiplex cinema.  
• 52.3925-1.4016717 Brandon Stadium (Coventry Stadium), Rugby Road, Brandon, ☏ +44 24 7654-2395, info@coventrystox.com. A small stadium in the nearby village of Brandon, Warwickshire, hosting motorcycle speedway (the Coventry Bees) and greyhound racing.  
• 52.448056-1.49555618 Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, ☏ +44 84 4873 6500. A multi-purpose venue hosting sporting events, music concerts and business exhibitions. Home to the football club Coventry City and the rugby union side Wasps, the latter of which now owns the stadium. In 2022 the stadium hosted games in the Rugby League World Cup, postponed from 2021.  
• 52.406111-1.52583319 The Butts Park Arena, Butts Rd, ☏ +44 24 7623-1001, enquiries@coventryrfc.co.uk. A small stadium home to Coventry Rugby Football Club, Coventry Bears Rugby League, and the Coventry Jets American Football team. £14 adults, £10 concessions.  
• 52.3964-1.4320 The Ivor Preece Field, 105 Rugby Road, Binley Woods, ☏ +44 24 7654-1070. A very small stadium (250 seats) home to Broadstreet Rugby Football Club.  

• Christmas Lights Switch-On, city centre. This annual event is usually around mid-November, and features a line-up of music acts, presenters, fireworks, etc. There is also a parade, with businesses and schools providing floats that travel through the City Centre streets.
• 52.408-1.510421 Lady Godiva Statue, Broadgate. A statue, by William Reid Dick, commemorating the legend that Lady Godiva rode nude on horseback through the city in the 11th century to protest excessive taxes imposed by her husband, Leofric.  
• 52.410299-1.50872822 Whittle Arch, Millennium Place, Hales Street (adjacent to the transport museum). An impressive pair of arches spanning 60 m across Hales Street. They were built as part of a regeneration scheme in the area and named after the Coventry-born jet engine pioneer Sir Frank Whittle.  

• Coventry City FC. The "Sky Blues" were promoted in 2020 and now play soccer in the Championship, England's second tier. They play at Coventry Building Society Stadium (aka Ricoh Arena, see above) after a couple of spells ground-sharing elsewhere. (updated Aug 2021)
• 52.406111-1.5258333 Coventry United FC. A women's soccer team, playing in their third tier, at Butts Park Arena. They're not affiliated to City, but to Coventry United men's club, somewhere way down in the amateur leagues. (updated Jul 2023)

• Wasps RFC. They played in the Premiership, the top tier in England, and won it six times; but in Oct 2022 they went bust and were expelled. This came only a week after the similar collapse of Worcester, and in both cases there are hopes that a "phoenix team" might re-enter the RU leagues in 2023 / 24. But Wasps were among the most successful teams, so if they can fail financially, what is the outlook for the rest of English professional rugby? (updated Jul 2023)
• 52.406111-1.5258334 Coventry RFC. Play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Butts Park a mile west of the city centre. (updated Jul 2023)

• 52.40813-1.514291 The Lower Precinct, Lower Precinct, CV1 1NQ, ☏ +44 24 7663-4710, enquiries@lowerprecinct.com. M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 10AM-5PM. The lower precinct was completed in the 1950s as part of the redevelopment plan of Coventry after heavy wartime bombing. It is home to a variety of retail shops across two floors, ranging from Next to T.J.Hughes, as well as a coffee bar, the Caffe Nero. Also has a tiled mural by Gordon Cullen, depicting the history of the City and its post-war regeneration. 
• West Orchards, Smithford Way, CV1 1QX (Aim for junction 9 on the ring road, the centre is clearly marked on road signs from then on.), ☏ +44 24 7623-1133, info@westorchards.co.uk. A large indoor shopping centre with more than 40 retail shops largely dedicated to clothing and accessories. There is parking for 650 cars with electric charging outlets on the fifth floor, and a food court that seats more than 700. Although popular all-year-round, it can get particularly busy during the festive season. Parking costs from £1 for 1 hour to £6 for 5 hours. 

• Coventry Market, Queen Victoria Road, CV1 3HT, ☏ +44 24 7622-4927. Full of independent traders manning the 170 stalls that occupy this rotunda. The traders are mainly dedicated to selling fresh food, of which the fruit and vegetables are always high quality. The staff are friendly and personable, providing the market with a more human element which contrasts with the hustle and bustle found elsewhere. 
• Coventry Farmers' Market, Broadgate. 9AM-3PM. Held on the third Friday of every month, the Farmers' Market brings a bit of rural flavour into the city centre. There is usually a good range of produce on offer, as well as hot and cold takeaway snacks. Some of the items for sale can be a bit expensive however. 

• 52.394463-1.521341 The Park Bistro, 14 Kenilworth Rd, War Memorial Park, ☏ +44 24 7622-8448. Daily 9AM-4PM. Locally-owned, offering a relaxed atmosphere and coffee and refreshments at low prices. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.407391-1.5111982 Snax in the City, 20 Hertford Street, CV1 1LF, ☏ +44 24 7655-5958. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. A city centre greasy spoon café with big portions. Pleasantly staffed, they offer a wide choice of hot and cold meals for either eating-in or taking out. The value of the food is the strongest aspect; in respect of this, some of the food may appear distinctly average. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.409293-1.5129453 Bagel Brunch, 37 W Orch Wy. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.407961-1.4943744 Caspian Pizza Coventry, 112 Far Gosford St. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.408125-1.4939435 Pig in the Middle, 73 Far Gosford St. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.406043-1.4950636 Coopers Fish Bar, 140 Gulson Rd. (updated Feb 2023)
• 52.40815-1.5260887 Spon End Fish Shop, 105 Spon End. (updated Feb 2023)

• 52.398907-1.53253214 Ristorante Da Vinci, 50 Earlsdon St. (updated Feb 2023)

• JJ's
• Lava/Ignite. Large City Centre club in Skydome complex 
• Kasbah, Primrose Hill Street, CV1 5LY (taxi may be your best bet due to downmarket locality, but walkable from bus station), ☏ +44 24 7655-4473, info@kasbahnightclub.com. Formerly the Colosseum. Dingy indie rock club which attracts some fairly well known live acts. 

Coventry's bar scene is mostly concentrated along reconstructed medieval Spon Street on the western edge of the city centre. This includes the adjacent Skydome complex which includes popular nightclubs.

• 52.40821-1.5178581 The Old Windmill, Spon Street. Cosy traditional English pub with good crowds and numerous cask ales. (updated May 2020)

In the centre of the city you will find the usual pub chains as well as some bars close to Millennium Place.

• 52.407-1.508682 The Earl of Mercia, Earl St, CV1 5RE (Opposite Coventry City Council), ☏ +44 24 7643-3990. JD Wetherspoon (updated Dec 2021)
• 52.40905-1.509473 The Flying Standard, 2–10 Trinity Street, CV1 1FL, ☏ +44 24 7655-5723. Su–Th 9AM–midnight; F Sa 9AM-1AM. Franchise of the ubiquitous Wetherspoons chain is set in a spectacular timbered building  
• 52.40777-1.508784 Golden Cross, 8 Hay Ln, CV1 5RF (Near Coventry Cathedral). One of the oldest pubs in Coventry and one of the longest-established alcohol-serving venues in England, first mentioned as an inn in 1661, although subsequently greatly modified. Good food and beer. (updated May 2020)
• Flamingo, Priory Place. bar & grill
• The Yard, a gay club in the Bull Yard.
• Inspire

Towards the eastern side of the city centre close to the University campus buildings can be found another concentration of pubs and bars that are popular with students centred close to Jordan Well and Gosford Street.

• 52.40662-1.503455 The Oak Inn, 119 Gosford St, CV1 5DL, ☏ +44 24 7622-7951. (updated Dec 2021)
• 52.40657-1.503996 The Phoenix, 122 Gosford St, CV1 5DL, ☏ +44 24 7652-0387. (updated Dec 2021)

There is a limited gay scene in Coventry: the city is not very gay-friendly and lacks any real gay nightlife. For a much better scene, head out to Birmingham's Gay Village.

• 52.43045-1.4877 Signal Box, 1 Meto Lakha Close, CV6 5QS (by the canal). 9AM-11PM. (updated Jan 2023)
• 52.4364-1.488258 The Royal, Old Church Rd, CV6 7DU (by the canal), ☏ +44 7810 145 677. (updated Jan 2023)
• 52.45332-1.485159 The Longford Engine, 270 Bedworth Rd, Longford, CV6 6BP (by the canal), ☏ +44 24 7636-6139. (updated Jan 2023)

• 52.40697-1.4712410 The Biggin Hall, 214 Binley Rd, CV3 1HG, ☏ +44 24 7644-2109. (updated Dec 2021)
• 52.41105-1.4754411 Rose & Crown, 262 Walsgrave Rd, CV2 4BN, ☏ +44 24 7645-5193. 11AM-11PM. (updated Dec 2021)

For a more sedate experience, try Craven Street, set amongst Victorian-era watchmaker's cottages in the suburb of Chapelfields, has several traditional pubs.

• 52.40599-1.533812 The Chestnut Tree, Craven St, CV5 8DT, ☏ +44 24 7671-4940. (updated Dec 2021)