Major city · United Kingdom
Coventry
Spend 1–2 days in Coventry: one day for the cathedral, Herbert Art Gallery and old town, a second for the transport museum and a day trip to Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon.
Coventry is a mid-sized city in the West Midlands, about 90 minutes by train from London and 30 minutes from Birmingham. It is known for its rebuilt cathedral, the ruins of the medieval St. Michael's, the Coventry Transport Museum, and its role in the motor industry. Most visitors pass through on business or as a base for exploring Warwickshire, but the city rewards a full day or two for its history, museums, and the surrounding countryside.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–September (mild and dry, but watch for rain)
- avoid December (cold, short days, some attractions close over Christmas)
- Airport
- Birmingham (BHX)
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Coventry999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coventry, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyCoventry is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 999 fire and ambulance · 101 Non-emergency police
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBHX Birmingham Airport (About 25–30 min by train via Birmingham International, then a short walk to the terminal.).
- Getting aroundCoventry city centre is compact and walkable; most sights are within 15–20 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)£2.50–3.50 (≈ US$4–5)
- BeerBeer (pint in a pub)£4–5.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi ridecheck£8–12 (≈ US$11–16)
- Metro or bus rideBus single fare (centre)£2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (e.g., transport museum)2026 estimate, check£14 (≈ US$19)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£80 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per room£80 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £75 (≈ US$100) · High £120 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BHX Birmingham Airport (About 25–30 min by train via Birmingham International, then a short walk to the terminal.)
Map of Coventry
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Coventry
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Kenilworth · 8.0 km straight line
- Bedworth · 8.1 km straight line
- Meriden · 9.5 km straight line
- Leamington Spa · 13 km straight line
- Nuneaton · 13 km straight line
- Warwick · 15 km straight line
- Solihull · 17 km straight line
- Hinckley · 18 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coventry: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Coventry city centre is compact and walkable; most sights are within 15–20 minutes on foot. For longer trips, buses run from Pool Meadow and Fairfax Street to the suburbs and nearby towns. A taxi from the station to the centre costs about £5–8. For day trips, trains from Coventry station connect to Birmingham, Warwick, and London.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Warwick
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Train from Coventry station, about 20–30 min
Visit Warwick Castle and the old town; combine with a walk along the river. (check route and time)
Stratford-upon-Avon
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train from Coventry via Birmingham, about 1 h 15 min
Shakespeare's birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; a full day.
Birmingham
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Coventry, about 30 min
Museums, canals, and the Bullring shopping centre.
Kenilworth Castle
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus from Pool Meadow, about 30 min
Ruined castle with Elizabethan gardens; check opening times.
Draycote Water
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus to Rugby, then taxi, about 1 h 15 min
A reservoir with walking and cycling; best with a car.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City Centre (around the cathedral and transport museum)
Closest to the main sights, restaurants, and nightlife; walkable to the station.
Earlsdon
A leafy suburb about 1 mile west of the centre, with cafés, pubs, and a village feel.
Near the University of Warwick
About 3 miles south of the centre; good for campus visits and cheaper chain hotels.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £40–60 (≈ US$55–80) excl. accommodation (2026 estimate, check)
- Mid
- £60–100 (≈ US$80–140) excl. accommodation (2026 estimate, check)
- High
- £100 (≈ US$140)+ excl. accommodation (2026 estimate, check)
Trip budget
| Budget hotel double room1 × 1 night × £80 | £80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £75 | £150 |
| Train to Birmingham, return2 × £12 · check | £24 |
| Bus day pass2 × £5 · check | £10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £28 |
| Trip total≈ £156 per person per day, bed included | £312≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | £2.50–3.50 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Fish and chips (pub or takeaway) | £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Beer (pint in a pub) | £4–5.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| 5 km taxi ridecheck | £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Bus single fare (centre) | £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Museum entry (e.g., transport museum)2026 estimate, check | £14 (≈ US$19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The cathedral is a working church: check service times before visiting on Sundays.
- The transport museum is free, but donations are welcome; special exhibitions may charge.
- Some areas of the city centre can feel quiet after dark; stick to well-lit streets.
- Parking in the centre is expensive; use park-and-ride or the train if driving.
- St Mary's Guildhall opening hours vary; check before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Fire and ambulance
- 999
- Non-emergency police
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CoventryCoventry
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Emergency
- Police999
- Fire and ambulance999
- Non-emergency police101
Embassy
My embassy: —
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coventry. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–September (mild and dry, but watch for rain) · avoid December (cold, short days, some attractions close over Christmas) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NGO: last train from Birmingham Airport checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Cathedral Quarter, Transport Museum and old town, Spon Street, and the University of Warwick.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cathedral, transport museum, Herbert, St. Mary's Guildhall) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCoventry City Council
- officialVisit Coventry
- secondaryWikivoyage: Coventry, revision 5314412 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Coventry
Loading…
Was this useful?