A city of three spires
Coventry sits in the West Midlands, roughly halfway between Birmingham and the edge of Warwickshire. For centuries it was known as the city of three spires: the medieval spires of St Michael's, Holy Trinity and Christ Church still rise above the centre and make a handy landmark when you are finding your way around on foot.
The compact city centre sits inside the ring road, with Broadgate, the precincts and the cathedral quarter all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Beyond it are the neighbourhoods most people actually call home, from Earlsdon and Allesley in the west to Foleshill and Holbrooks in the north and Stoke, Wyken and Binley in the east.
Two cathedrals, one story
The medieval cathedral of St Michael was destroyed in the air raid of 14 November 1940. Rather than clear the site, the city kept the ruined walls and tower, and built a new cathedral alongside them, designed by Basil Spence and consecrated in 1962. Walking from the open ruins through the great porch into the new building is one of the most moving short walks in England.
That history shaped Coventry's long association with peace and reconciliation, which you will still notice in the cathedral's work and in the city's twin-town links.
Makers, motors and Godiva
Coventry has always made things - cloth and ribbons, then watches, bicycles and, most famously, motor cars. The Coventry Transport Museum tells that story and holds the largest publicly owned collection of British road vehicles. The jet engine pioneer Frank Whittle was born in Earlsdon, and you will find his name on streets and buildings across the city.
The legend of Lady Godiva is never far away either. Her statue stands in Broadgate, and the city's Godiva Festival carries her name. Check the organiser's current programme for its venue and ticket arrangements.
Getting around
Coventry station sits on the main line between London Euston and Birmingham, a short walk south of the centre. Buses connect the city centre with every neighbourhood; Transport for West Midlands publishes routes and ticket options for the whole region.
Coventry City Council runs a range of city centre car parks. Check its parking pages for current locations and charges rather than relying on old information.
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