Name: Coventry Cathedral
Rating: 5.0

Coventry Cathedral

Priory Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5FB, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Coventry Cathedral is one of the most powerful and meaningful historic sites in the UK, standing at the heart of the city with over 1,000 years of history. It tells the story of Coventry’s past, from its Saxon beginnings to the devastation of the Second World War and the city’s commitment to peace and reconciliation today. The Cathedral campus combines dramatic ruins with striking modern architecture, making it a unique place to visit.

Visitors are encouraged to begin their journey in the Cathedral Ruins, the remains of the medieval Cathedral of St Michael, destroyed during the Coventry Blitz of 1940. From there, you can explore the New Cathedral, a modernist masterpiece featuring famous artworks such as the Tapestry of Christ in Glory, the Baptistery Window, and the Chapel of Unity. Other highlights include the Blitz Museum, which recreates life in wartime Coventry, and the Cathedral Tower Climb, offering panoramic views across the city.

Entry to the Cathedral Ruins and New Cathedral is free, allowing everyone to explore the site. The Blitz Museum is also free to enter, with donations welcomed to support its upkeep. For the Tower Climb, tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 for students, and £2.50 for under 18s, giving access to one of the best viewpoints in Coventry.

Coventry Cathedral is more than a place of worship—it is a centre for art, history, and community events throughout the year. With exhibitions, concerts, family activities, and cultural events regularly taking place, there is always something new to discover. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply taking a peaceful moment in the city, Coventry Cathedral offers a memorable and meaningful experience for all visitors.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Ruins: Start your journey in the remains of Coventry's medieval Cathedral. The original Cathedral of St Michael was built between the late 14th and 15th centuries and was destroyed in the 1940 blitz on Coventry. When you come to see us, it's best to see the Ruins first (ideally entering from Cuckoo Lane) and only then to explore the New Cathedral. In both cases, you'll understand and enjoy them much more, if you know what to look for and what it means.
New Cathedral: Step inside the New Cathedral, our magnificent ‘casket of jewels’. Standing in unity next to the old cathedral, radiating both continuity and creativity. The New Cathedral is almost shockingly modern - and designed to reveal its charms only slowly. On entering via the "West" window (it actually faces south), your attention will be drawn towards the huge tapestry, filling the wall at the opposite end of the nave. The tapestry is usually bathed in light, yet almost no windows are visible: just tall, grey walls.
Tower Climb: Climb the Cathedral Tower for the best view in Coventry! 180 steps to magnificent views of Coventry and the surrounding area. Coventry Cathedral tower climb rewards you with a breath-taking 360˚ view from the rooftop of this Gothic masterpiece, the third highest cathedral in the UK - soaring over 100 metres high.
Blitz Museum: Explore what life was like in wartime Coventry... Transport yourself back to 1940's Coventry in our Blitz Museum. Located in the corner of the Cathedral Ruins, the Blitz Museum is a treasure trove of 1940's memorabilia and artefacts. Visitors will learn more about the Coventry Blitz on 14th November 1940 in our period school room, and will then travel through a typical house of the time and learn more about life in this era from one of our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.
Events: Art and creativity, community and reconciliation are at the heart of Coventry Cathedral. Our programme seeks to celebrate our wonderful city - brick by brick we belong to Coventry! Rather than simply a Church of England building, the new Cathedral was set up from the start to be a place for all people to gather together, hosting experimental art, drama and music. You'll find an array of exhibitions, family crafts, films, concerts and community events across the year! Visit the website for more information.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: Unfortunately we have no on-site catering facilities. However - as we are located in the heart of the city there are plenty of options within a short walk of the Cathedral.
Toilets: Toilets are available at Nave level, in the Sir John Laing Centre. Baby changing facilities and accessible toilets are also available in the Sir John Laing Centre.
Gift Shop: Bask in the magnificence of our awe-inspiring Baptistery window as you browse our wide range of books and souvenirs which provide the perfect way to remember your visit. We also stock a range of gifts which are exclusive to the Cathedral and can't be purchased anywhere else.

What to see

The Ruins
Tower Climb and Shop
The New Cathedral
Tapestry of Christ in Glory
Chapel of Unity
Chapel of Christ in Gethsemane
Baptistery Window
West Screen
Chapel of Christ the Servant
The Nave
John Laing Centre
Chapter House
St. Michael's House
Millennium Chapel
St. Michael's Gallery
Unity Lawn
Queen's Steps
Lady Chapel
Provost Vestry
Cathedral Organ
Live & Dye Garden
Blitz Museum

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Tower Climb Tickets

Adults: £5
Students: £4
Under 18: £2.50

The Blitz Museum is free to enter but we very much encourage donations to support the upkeep and work by our dedicated volunteers.

Pricing URL: https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/visit/visit-coventry-cathedral

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Mon-Sat: 10:00am–4:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm–3:30pm

Address: Priory Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5FB, England

Post Code: CV1 5FB

Council: Coventry

County: West Midlands

Located in the heart of Coventry, finding the Cathedral could not be easier. We are just a 10 - 15 min walk from the railway station, about 200m from the Pool Meadow coach station and 300m from the multi-story car park at Salt Lane, CV1 2GY. There are lots of cycle parking points nearby too.
There is only limited disabled parking on the Cathedral site (next to the Chapel of Unity on St Michael’s Avenue). The nearest public car parks to the Cathedral are a 5-minute walk away in Cox Street CV1 5GA (short stay) or a 6 minute walk away in Salt Lane or a 10 minute walk away in Lower Ford Street CV1 5PS (long stay). Up-to-date information about parking in Coventry is available from the City Council website here.