Coventry accommodation from AU$81

History

Coventry is believed to have been settled since the Bronze Age and while you're here, you can visit many ruins from vastly different time periods in history. There is a Roman fort, a Saxon nunnery and a few medieval sites amongst the 400 or so Heritage listed buildings. Unfortunately, many historically significant buildings were destroyed during WWII.

Coventry has played an important role in innovation ever since the Middle Ages when it was famous for silk weaving and textile trade. After this, it was known for its clock and watch industry between the 17th and 19th centuries, then the invention of the first modern bicycle, followed by the production of Britain's first motor car and finally the engineering of the first British jet-powered aeroplane.

Things to do

A great place to start your adventure is at St. Michael's Cathedral. The site of the cathedral has been a place of worship since 1043 but it has seen three separate cathedrals built upon it. The first went into disrepair after the 1539 dissolution of monasteries. The second was destroyed during World War II and the third was built shortly after the war.

Check out Britain's largest collection of motor vehicles at the Heritage Motor Centre. Then learn about the huge role that this city played in the world's transport industry at the Coventry Transport Museum. History buffs may also be interested in visiting the Midland Air Museum, Coventry Watch Museum and Market Hall Museum.

Culture vultures will love wandering around the BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio Station, as well as the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. In the evening, you can enjoy a night out at the Belgrade or Criterion Theatre.

Shopping and dining

Get your retail fix at the West Orchards and Lower Precinct shopping centres. Or grab a bargain at the indoor Coventry Market, open every day.

There are restaurants, cafes and eateries to suit all palates and budgets, and the local nightlife is just as diverse. You can kick back in a funky contemporary bar or relax in a medieval tavern and there are lots of live music venues too.

There's one local specialty that you must try before leaving: God Cake. God Cakes were invented in the 1300s and were given by godchildren to their godparents at the beginning of the year. They are triangular pastries filled with mincemeat and were originally created as a way to get rid of leftover mincemeat from Christmas. Now they are often eaten at Easter time and the three points on the pastry are believed to symbolise the holy trinity but you'll be able to find them in a local bakery anytime of the year.

Getting here and around

Birmingham is about 20 minutes from Coventry, so grab a seat on one of these cheap flights to Birmingham. Once you've arrived, you can easily get around by bus, train or car.

So wot are you waiting for? Book your flights and Coventry accommodation with us now and discover the history of the heart of England.