Coventry

Coventry’s main attraction is St Michael’s Cathedral, one of the newest in the world. Positioned next to the remains of the old building which was bombed to destruction during the Second World War, St Michael’s houses many interesting artifacts, including a cross made from nails from the ruined building, and Graham Sutherland’s world famous “Christ in Glory” tapestry.

A city rich in a history related to transport boasts the Midland Air Museum, as well as its own Transport Museum, featuring a record-breaking collection of cars, and a more mainstream museum and art gallery.

A reconstructed Roman fort just outside the city is worth a visit, and there is also a police museum at the city’s main Police Station for those who enjoy the more sinister side of a city’s past.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool, and well established football club form part of the sporting side of the city, whilst the Coventry Jazz Festival, and the Godiva Festival showcase the excellent musical side of Coventry and are well worth a visit for the relaxed tourist. There are several theatres around the city, and events also take place in the open, such as at the War Memorial Park and Butts Park Arena.

Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD (024) 7623 4270
Containing 300 cycles, 120 motorcycles and 250 cars and commercial vehicles; Coventry Transport Museum houses one of the largest road transport collections in the world.
Most of the collection is relevant to Coventry, as the city has had nearly 600 companies making various types of transport since the 19th Century.

Coventry Cathedral, Old Cathedral Ruins, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5AB (024) 7652 1257
One of the most famous Cathedrals in the UK, Coventry Cathedral has endured a turbulent history, having been rebuilt several times.

On 14 November 1940, however, the cathedral suffered its most devastating period when it burned, together with rest of the city, after a night of bombing by the German Luftwaffe. A decision was taken the next day to rebuild it and the result is what you see today.

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP (024) 7683 2386
Containing nine permanent galleries, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum allows visitors to explore the city’s cultural and creative past.

Named after a local industrialist, the building was constructed in 1957 and recently underwent a £20m redevelopment.

Boasting a further four temporary exhibition spaces, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has been voted the ‘Best Family Friendly Museum in Britain’ by the Guardian Family Friendly Awards 2010.