Coventry Cathedral
Priory St, Coventry, England
Among Coventry's best-known landmarks, Coventry Cathedral is a fine mix of old and new architecture. While much of the original medieval cathedral was destroyed by Nazi bombs during World War II, parts of it remain, along with a New Cathedral that operates as a house of worship to this day.
The basics
There's a lot to see at Coventry Cathedral, including the ruins of the original cathedral, the modern New Cathedral, and the Blitz Museum, a volunteer-run space that tells the story of the 1940 Blitz on Coventry. For a small fee, visitors can also climb to the top of the Cathedral Tower (on Saturdays) to take in city views. As the cathedral is among the city’s most important attractions, it’s featured on many Coventry tours, including private walking tours and self-guided tours.
Things to know before you go
Coventry Cathedral is a must-see for those interested in architecture and/or World War II history.
The cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and baby-changing facilities on the nave level of the Sir John Laing Centre.
Well-behaved dogs and cats are allowed in the cathedral, but they must be kept on leashes. Only service animals are allowed on tours.
The cathedral has a small gift shop that sells books and decorative items.
How to get there
Coventry Cathedral is hard to miss. It's located right in the heart of downtown Coventry, about a 10-minute walk from the train station and just a couple of minutes from the Pool Meadow long-distance bus station. The nearest place to park is on Salt Lane, a 2-minute walk away.
When to get there
The cathedral is usually open daily, but it's a good idea to check the calendar to make sure there aren't any schedule changes related to special services or holidays. You can also find information about events, such as concerts and programs for families, on the cathedral’s website. Note that the Blitz Museum is usually only open on weekends and the Cathedral Tower is only open on Saturdays.
The Cross of Nails
Coventry Cathedral's best-known symbol is its Cross of Nails, which has grown to signify reconciliation and forgiveness. Although the original cathedral was destroyed by the Nazis, three medieval nails were discovered in the rubble and then tied together to form a cross. Today, many people around the world use this symbol as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness.
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