Coventry City Centre Travel Guide

Birmingham

The Council House, Coventry with the 90-metre spire of the war-ruined 14th-century St Michael's Cathedral visible behind. This building, built 1913-17, is a Grade II Listed Building in England.
The Council House, Coventry with the 90-metre spire of the war-ruined 14th-century St Michael's Cathedral visible behind. This building, built 1913-17, is a Grade II Listed Building in England.
The Cathedral was built between 1956 and 1962 and was designed by Sir Basil Spence, following the destruction of the old mediaeval Cathedral in 1940 through enemy bombing. It was decided to build the new Cathedral adjacent to the old one, which was left in its semi-ruined state with its undamaged 14th century tower. It would in fact be the third Cathedral in Coventry, as this had been a religious site for nearly 1000 years. There was a competition for the design which was won by the Scottish architect Basil Spence. The unorthodox design was intended to be "a casket of jewels" and contains many works from famous artists. The Cathedral was consecrated on 25 May 1962. The Cathedral was built at right angles to the old one, and therefore aligns north-south. It is built in red Hollington sandstone with green slate cladding and a concrete roof. There is a nave of seven bays, although the aisles are full height, with slender piers tapering at the base. They rise to a concrete ribbed canopy with timber between the ribs. There is no clerestory. The nave walls are angled in a sawtooth fashion with tall stained-glass windows. The nave and chancel are as one. The (liturgical) west end has a fully glazed wall with engraved figures of saints and angels by John Hutton. The (liturgical) east wall has no window, but is dominated by a large tapestry of Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland. There are two chapels, one to the north east (The Chapel of Christ the Servant) and one to the south west (The Chapel of Unity). The baptistery area to the south east has a full height slightly curved window with closely spaced mullions containing nearly 200 small windows. It was designed by John Piper and painted by Patrick Reyntiens. The font is made with a boulder from near Bethlehem. On the exterior wall is a sculpture by Epstein of Saint Michael and Lucifer. The low roof is crowned by a metal fleche topped by a cross. The organ is by Harrison and Harrison, divided in galleries either side of the altar. There is an open western (southern) porch linking the two cathedrals. There are also lower levels to the Cathedral with further display and administration rooms. There is also an attached cafe. Pic by Jenny
The ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed in German bombing raids in World War II.
Council House, Coventry and Council House Square, 30 November 2014

Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Coventry City Centre

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry

4 out of 5
157 Corporation Street Coventry England
The price is ₹6,979 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
₹6,979
₹8,375 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Coventry. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
Room was very nice and the staff was very accomodating. Very nice place to stay with lots of shopping and dining nearby

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Telegraph Hotel - Coventry
The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

3 out of 5
Coventry Road, Bickenhill Solihull England
The price is ₹7,035 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
₹7,035
₹8,441 total
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,484 reviews)
Comfortable bed, clean bathroom, nice towels, good iron, good heating and nice staff

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
19 Holiday Street Birmingham England
The price is ₹6,182 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
₹6,182
₹7,419 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,904 reviews)
Very nice

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG
Malmaison Birmingham

Malmaison Birmingham

4 out of 5
1 Wharfside Birmingham England
The price is ₹8,016 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
₹8,016
₹9,620 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,082 reviews)
Spotless room

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Malmaison Birmingham
ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport

ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport

3 out of 5
Bickenhill Lane Birmingham England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,043 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
₹6,043
₹7,251 total
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,025 reviews)
Rooms were newly refurbished - good location, friendly staff, would definitely stay again

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street Birmingham England
The price is ₹7,624 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
₹7,624
₹9,911 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,109 reviews)
Brilliant family room

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.



Coventry City Centre Travel Guide

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