By John Siddle
There are so many brilliant things to do in Coventry and Warwickshire, but here are the top 10.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Head back in time and start your Shakespeare quest at the house where the famous playwright was born back in 1564 and spent most of his childhood days. Enjoy the restored Tudor rooms, live presentations from engaging Shakespearean characters and interesting exhibitions before exploring his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Visit the 16th century restored house where William Shakespeare was born
Coventry Cathedral
This unique tourist attraction blends the historic with the modern. In 1962, a new cathedral was built in Coventry’s city centre alongside the ruins of the previous cathedral which was destroyed during World War II. It’s where you’ll also find the third tallest cathedral spire in England. Stop to enjoy one of the regular organ concerts or take in the archive photographs to see the before and after shots, before treating yourself to a cup of tea and a freshly-baked cake in the cafe.
Coventry Transport Museum
Calling all petrol heads – this is the spot for you. In the heart of the city you’ll find the Coventry Transport Museum, home to Britain’s largest collection of vehicles. The best thing; it’s free to enter! To honour the city’s proud manufacturing heritage, the museum has undergone a recent £9.5m facelift. The museum is a great spot to spend a few hours lost in all things vehicular – from supersonic car to World War II tanks.
Coombe Country Park
Set in 500 acres of stunning countryside, Coombe Country Park, Coventry, has something for everyone. From woodlands walks, children’s play areas, course fishing, and even one of the largest heronries in the UK, making this the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Royal Pump Rooms
A great day out in beautiful Leamington Spa isn’t complete without a look at the Royal Pump Room and Baths, which first opened in 1814. Just don’t expect to get your bathing suit on. The building that originally contained the country’s finest spa baths was redeveloped in the late 90s to become a centre for culture and tourism. Located opposite the equally-impressive Jephson Gardens, the Pump Rooms now contains an art gallery, library, visitor information centre, tea room and museum.
The Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa is an 18th-century grade-2 listed building
Holy Trinity Chapel
Perhaps a little morbid but for Shakespeare fans Holy Trinity chapel in Stratford is must-visit to see the final resting place of the iconic Bard – and visit the church where he was baptised and worshipped. The Holy Trinity church on the banks of the River Avon dates back to 1210 and is a gem on the Shakespeare tourist trail. This place has the title of the most visited parish church in England.
Make a splash
The Wave waterpark makes a splash in the heart of Coventry all year round. It boasts six epic slides that are precision-engineered to fill thrillseekers with excitement, plus a whopping Wave Pool churning 20 million litres of water every day and a relaxing Lazy River. Younger swimmers will enjoy the splash pad with jets, mini slides and tipping buckets along with a friendly cafe. There’s also a luxurious spa, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a 25m-swimming pool, cycling studio and squash courts to enjoy.
Sleep like a Knight for a night
You can now experience a medieval sleepover in a unique themed lodged within the Knights Village of Warwick Castle. An overnight lodge package includes a night’s stay in picturesque woodland, a two-day entrance ticket to the castle and evening medieval entertainment. The castle regularly tops the tourist must-do list with the world’s largest working catapult, unrivalled panoramic views from the towers and impressive birds of prey displays.
Experience a night back in time at Warwick Castle
Plantasia
With six mazes (the largest collection in the country), a garden centre, tree top trails and animals, this place is guaranteed to be a hit with both young and old at heart. Enjoy nature trails, lakeside walks, tree-top treks and a stunning deer park, as well as a wide variety of refreshments, a gift shop and on-site parking. A-maze-ing!
Charlecote Mill
Charlecote Mill is one of the only surviving working watermills in the UK, and is well worth a visit. The mill retains all the charms and atmosphere of a mill run in Victorian times and most of the processes haven’t changed in 200 years!
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