St. Mary’s Guildhall
Bayley Lane, Coventry, England
One of the few old buildings in central Coventry to have survived the Nazi air raids of 1940, St. Mary’s Guildhall is a 14th-century heritage-listed building that contains some important artifacts. Visitors can admire the stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, 16th-century Coventry Tapestry, 19th-century Lady Godiva statue, and a collection of historic royal portraits.
The basics
Prior to World War II, central Coventry was notable for its medieval and Tudor architecture. Although little remains of that now, St. Mary’s Guildhall is preserved as a standout example of the city’s heritage, located within the Cathedral Quarter. Some walking tours—including self-guided tours and scavenger hunts—pass the guildhall and other historic highlights in Coventry, including the cathedral and Spon Street. If you’d like to go inside the guildhall, then visit independently.
Things to know before you go
Entry to the guildhall is ticketed. Under-4s are free and Coventry residents get discounted entry.
Buying tickets online in advance is recommended, especially in summer.
Most of the guildhall is accessible, with lifts and ramps connecting the different levels. Limited accessible parking is available beside the building.
How to get there
St. Mary’s Guildhall is in the center of Coventry city, near Coventry Cathedral, so it’s easy to find. Coventry Station is about a 15-minutes walk away, while numerous bus lines stop nearby. The nearest public parking lots are the Salt Lane multi-storey and Grove Street surface car parks. Coventry is about 109 miles (177 kilometers) from London.
When to get there
The guildhall is open daily between mid-morning and late-afternoon, with last entry permitted an hour before closure. Special seasonal and holiday events are often held; a schedule can be found on the guildhall’s website. The hall and the restaurant are sometimes closed for private functions, so check the website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Check out historic Spon Street
About a 10-minutes walk west of the Cathedral Quarter is Spon Street, the last remaining part of Coventry with medieval and Tudor timber buildings. About half of the street’s original buildings remain here, while others have been relocated from other parts of the city for preservation. Inside you’ll find private businesses, including restaurants, pubs, and specialty museums.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!