Spon Street
Coventry, England
While much of Coventry was destroyed by Nazi bombings in World War II, historic Spon Street remains as a reminder of the city’s centuries of history. Here you’ll find a concentration of timber-framed medieval and Tudor buildings that house a variety of independent shops, restaurants, pubs, historic workshops, and niche museums.
The basics
To see what much of Coventry would have looked like before the air raids in November 1940, a visit to Spon Street is a must. Spon Street is an atmospheric and interesting place, even though the street isn’t as long as it once was, thanks to a bypass built in the 1960s, and around half of its medieval buildings were transported from other parts of the city.
Many travelers visit Spon Street independently as it’s easy to find. History-focused walking tours are also offered—including self-guided tours and scavenger hunts—that include Spon Street alongside other Coventry highlights, including Coventry Cathedral and St. Mary’s Guildhall.
Things to know before you go
Make sure to stop for a pint at the 16th-century pub, The Old Windmill.
A range of international food is available on Spon Street, not just traditional English “pub grub” as you might expect.
Coventry isn’t a major tourist destination so temper your expectations of Spon Street. Some travelers report feeling disappointed at the condition of the historic buildings.
How to get there
Spon Street runs roughly east-west from St. John the Baptist Church on Fleet Street (which becomes Spon Street), to Ringway, the busy ring road that truncated Spon Street in the 1960s. There’s a parking garage at the intersection with Watch Close. Spon Street is about a 10-minutes walk west of Coventry Cathedral, and signs point the way for pedestrians. Coventry is about 109 miles (177 kilometers) from London.
When to get there
You can visit Spon Street at any time, but to browse the shops, eateries, and museums, come during business hours. Some travelers have reported not feeling safe here at night. The Midlands experiences mild summers and cold winters, so few people visit in the colder months, although there are enough indoor attractions if you do visit on a chillier day.
Check out Coventry Cathedral
Large parts of Coventry were destroyed during World War II, including the 15th-century Coventry Cathedral. After the war, instead of demolishing the cathedral’s shell, a new modernist cathedral building was built beside the ruins of the old one. Both can be seen there today and are among the city’s historic highlights.
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