Coventry: An Overview
Coventry is a lively, creative, University City in the West Midlands. It offers outstanding transport links, connecting workers, students, and families with the rest of the UK.
Rich in history, the city is perhaps best known for its links with Lady Godiva, innovations in transport history and the remains of the original Coventry Cathedral, which still stands tall in the city centre.
As the ninth-largest city in the UK, modern Coventry also has plenty to entertain, from history and culture to cafes and nightlife. Recently named UK City of Culture of 2021, Coventry is home to a vibrant arts and music scene, alongside museums, shopping, plenty of parks and gardens and even a roman fortress. The city is also a host venue for several events in the 2022 Commonwealth games.
Homes in Coventry
Coventry has a variety of homes for sale or rent, including new-build family homes, traditional terraces, starter-home, or house shares. Student accommodation is available in convenient locations for campus life and city centre amenitie. Visiting students and teachers will also find shorter-term options available.
Schools and Education
Coventry has a full roster of private and state-funded education options taking you through from nursery to adult education and university. Education options also include faith and special needs schooling.
Coventry University has its main campus in the city, offering a diverse and multi-cultural student experience, with students from 130 plus countries. Warwick University also has an impressive campus site, offering undergraduate courses in anything from accountancy and biomedical science to theatre and performance studies. With wide-ranging study and recreational facilities across both universities, they will deliver exciting university experiences.
Transport Options
Being in the middle can have its advantages, and Coventry makes the most of it with transport connections in every direction. Exploring Coventry is easy on foot, or you can opt to take a bus, which connects the main train and bus terminus with the universities, and surrounding towns.
Those wanting to venture further afield, will find easy access to the M1, M45, or M40. Regular train services run from the main Coventry Station to Birmingham New Street, London Euston, and Manchester, with connections to other areas such as Blackpool, Edinburgh, and Wigan. Birmingham Airport is just 16 minutes via the A45, while East Midlands Airport is 45 minutes away, both connecting you with popular holiday destinations and cities abroad.
Healthcare
Coventry has a range of private and NHS GPs, pharmacy services, opticians, and dentists for all your day to day healthcare needs. The area also has a number of care homes for respite, residential and nursing care, for the elderly or those with ongoing health needs. The city is also well served by BMI The Meriden Private Hospital, and NHS University Hospital Coventry and Warwick.
Things To Do
Whether you are looking to spend the afternoon shopping, treat yourself to a night out, or get out with the family to one of Coventry’s many parks and open spaces, this West Midlands city is not short on options.
Support independent businesses with a visit to FarGo Village a hive of activity for creative enterprise and delicious street food. For other shopping, options check out Lower Precinct and West Orchards shopping centre.
For something a little more challenging you could attempt an escape room, or head to The Wave and check out their high-speed slides, splash zone, lazy river and wave pool.
Sport and Leisure
For a fairly compact city, Coventry has plenty of opportunities to get out and about and stay active with friends and family, whatever your interests are. The city is well served with fitness centres and gyms for swimming, dance classes, and many activities in between.
If you prefer to stay outdoors then you’ll find bowling greens, crazy golf, tennis, and a good number of mountain bike routes for all ages and abilities. Let’s Ride Local have mapped out routes that range from a 1 mile ‘Longford Loop’ to a 20 mile Coombe Abbey & Countryside ride.
Coventry History
There are so many tales to tell when it comes to Coventry, it’s hard to know where to start. From its strong musical heritage featuring The Specials and Hazel O’Connor, to the city’s links with Lady Godiva and William Shakespeare, there is always something new to uncover.
Coventry also has a proud trading history, with historic records showing success in ribbon weaving, watchmaking and cloth trade. One of Coventry’s most famous residents, James Starley, also made the news as the inventor of the Penny Farthing and helped Coventry become the centre of the bicycle industry. If you’d like to find out more why not visit one of these attractions?
- Coventry History Centre
- The National Motorcycle Museum
- Herbert Art Gallery & Musuem
- The Weavers House