Name: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
Rating: 5.0

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is one of the best things to do with kids in Coventry for families who enjoy art, history, and interactive learning. Located in the heart of the city centre next to the historic Coventry Cathedral, this award-winning venue provides an engaging environment where children can explore creative exhibits and local heritage.

Price starts from £3.60 for Adults(16+ years) and £1.20 for Children(5-15 years & under 4s free). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum offers a perfect mix of cultural discovery and play. From the legendary tale of Lady Godiva to hands-on archaeological displays, it is an ideal spot for a curious child to spend an afternoon in Warwickshire.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Galleries: Discover themed spaces that encourage sensory play and hands-on engagement for children of all ages.
Diverse Collections: Explore an extensive range of educational exhibits covering archaeology, natural history, and social history.
Family-Friendly Environment: Named a top family-friendly destination, the museum features dedicated buggy parking and accessible facilities.
Regular Workshops: Participate in craft sessions, storytelling, and themed activities designed to bring the museum's collections to life.
Cultural Hub: Immerse the family in both contemporary art and the fascinating medieval history of Coventry.

Top 5 Highlights

Dippy the Diplodocus: A life-size plaster cast of a dinosaur skeleton that dominates the main hall; it is an awe-inspiring sight that captures the imagination of every child who walks through the door.
Discover Godiva Gallery: An interactive space dedicated to the legend of Lady Godiva, where children can learn about the city’s most famous tale through visual storytelling.
Elements Gallery: A space focused on the natural world, featuring specimens that help young explorers understand the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
The Visual Arts Gallery: A rotating display of traditional and contemporary art that provides a colourful and thought-provoking experience for budding young artists.
Social History Gallery: This exhibit charts Coventry’s transformation over the centuries, filled with everyday objects that help children visualise how their ancestors lived.

Facilities

Café: An on-site café operated by Baxters Baristas offers drinks and light snacks.
Shop: Access a range of books, prints, and gifts via the Herbert Box Office.
Buggy Parking: Designated spaces are available to make navigating the galleries easier.
Accessibility: The museum features lift access and accessible toilets throughout the building.

Pro-Tips

Book Archives Early: While the museum is easy to enter, you must book in advance if you wish to visit the Coventry Archives.
Check the Calendar: Visit the official "What's On" section of the website before you travel to see if any specific free craft sessions are taking place.
Use the Park & Ride: If you are driving into Coventry, the city's Park & Ride service is a convenient alternative to navigating city centre traffic.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum is very toddler-friendly, offering plenty of open space to explore and specific galleries like "Elements" that feature bright, interesting displays perfect for younger children.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours at the Herbert, which is usually enough time to explore the major galleries and enjoy a quick break in the café.
Where is the best place to park? Since the museum is a city centre attraction, the most convenient parking options are the nearby Bishop Street or Belgrade Plaza car parks, both within easy walking distance.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

Parents frequently praise the museum for being highly accessible and welcoming to children, with staff often described as friendly and engaging.
The inclusion of Dippy the Dinosaur is a major hit, providing a "wow" factor that keeps children excited throughout the visit.
Families value the low cost of entry, noting that it is an excellent way to spend a few hours without breaking the budget.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Some visitors mention that the museum can get quite busy during school holidays, particularly in the dinosaur exhibition area.
A few guests have noted that the café can become crowded during peak times, leading to a wait for seating.
Some parents feel that while the interactive exhibits are great, they would like to see even more tactile play areas for the very youngest toddlers.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Lady Godiva by Marshall Claxton (1850): An iconic painting depicting the legend.
Charter of Incorporation (Coventry Charter): A significant piece of the city's civic history.
Letter from Queen Anne (Anne Boleyn): A rare historical document held in the archives.
Taxidermy Collection: Approximately 1,200 specimens of British birds and mammals.
Lepidoptera Collection: A vast archive of over 52,000 butterflies and moths.
Marine Shell Collection: Comprising around 22,000 specimens from the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The Porter and the Hare by Johan Zoffany (1768): A highlight of the fine art collection.
Portrait of George III by Thomas Lawrence (1792): An important historical portrait.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Coventry Cathedral: Located right next door, the ruins and the new cathedral offer a poignant and beautiful walk for families.
Broadgate: A short stroll away, this central square is home to the famous Lady Godiva clock.
Coventry Transport Museum: A must-see attraction nearby, featuring some of the world’s fastest cars and interactive science exhibits.

New for 2026: Exhibitions & Events

The Herbert continues to refresh its programme for 2026 with exciting new experiences for families:
Dippy the Diplodocus: The famous dinosaur skeleton is on loan from the Natural History Museum and will be on display at the Herbert until February 2027.
MotoFest 2026: On 6–7 June 2026, the museum celebrates the city’s motoring heritage with special displays and activities for car-loving families.
Sensory Play Days: These ongoing sessions on 18–19 June 2026 are specifically designed to offer a calm and inclusive environment for younger children to engage with the museum’s spaces.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

DAY PASS:

Adult (Aged 16+): £3.60 Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & £5.40 Non Go CV.
Children (Aged 5–15): £1.20 Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & £2.50 Non Go CV.
Children (Aged 0–4): FREE Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & FREE Non Go CV.
Concessions (Seniors, Students, Museums Association): £2.40 Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & £3.60 Non Go CV.

ANNUAL PASS:

Adult (Aged 16+): £6.00 Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & £10.80 Non Go CV.
Children (Aged 5–15): N/A Go CV, N/A Go CV+, & £4.20 Non Go CV.
Children (Aged 0–4): FREE Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & FREE Non Go CV.
Concessions (Seniors, Students, Museums Association): £4.20 Go CV, FREE Go CV+, & £8.40 Non Go CV.

Pricing URL: https://www.theherbert.org/visiting/default.aspx

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Children's Parties:

Dippy the Dino Parties: £200 for 2 hours for up to 20 children.
Your party includes:

Exclusive use of party rooms for 2 hours
Facilitated Dino-themed activities
Basic decorations including bunting and table covers
‘ROAR-some Birthday’ selfie frame and photo opportunity with a walking Dippy
A Bluetooth speaker for music
Optional party bags and party food

Arty Party: £200-£250 for 2 hours subject to your chosen themes for up to 20 children, with optional catering and party bags available as additional costs| Weekends Only

Your Arty Party includes:

For ages 5-16 but all are welcome
Exclusive use of party rooms for 2 hours
A 90-minute facilitated art workshop
All materials for the workshop
Basic decorations including bunting and table covers
A Bluetooth speaker for music
Optional party bags and party food

For more information please visit: https://www.theherbert.org/childrens-parties.aspx

Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Sunday: 12.00pm - 4.00pm.
CLOSED: 24, 25 & 26 December and 1 January.

Address: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP, UK

Post Code: CV1 5QP

Council: Coventry

County: West Midlands

By Bus: All buses terminate in the city centre, and most buses stop at Pool Meadow bus station. The Herbert is approximately 5 minutes walk from Pool Meadow, and 10 minutes from most other stopping places in the city centre. There are signposts across the city directing people to the Herbert, and we are situated next to the Cathedral so are easy to find.
By Train: From Coventry station it is a 10 - 15 minute walk into the city centre. Buses and taxis are also available from the railway station.
By Bike: There are some bike storage racks outside of the museum and nearby on University Square. There is also rack storage at Coventry Train Station.
By Car: At Coventry inner ring-road, turn off at Junction 3 or 5 and follow the brown signs for the Herbert. There are several Pay & Display car parks available within walking distance. For directions using sat-nav or route planners use the postcode CV1 5QP. Alternatively, a park and ride service for the city centre is operated from War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road in the south of the City.
Parking: There are several Pay & Display car parks available within walking distance. For directions using sat-nav or route planners use the postcode CV1 5QP. Alternatively, a park and ride service for the city centre is operated from War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road in the south of the City.