Coventry: Tourism, shopping and much more!
Similar to other UK cities, Coventry also enjoys a most interesting history – it was known as a large settlement for hundreds of years, even though it only officially became a city during the Middle Ages. Located in the West Midlands, Coventry is the most central city in England as it’s only 18 km south-west of the UK’s geographical centre in Leicestershire. The capital is a bit further, as driving the 153 km to London will take about 2.5 hours.
In terms of name meaning, there exists various stories as to how Coventry got its name. One of the most popular theories is that the city’s name originated from the word ‘Coventre’ (Covent refers to ‘convent’ while tre stands for ‘settlement’).
Although famous for its connection to football (no fewer than two professional teams represent the city), Coventry also houses three universities (Coventry University, the University of Warwick, and the smaller private Arden University).
Visitors to the city certainly have loads of choices in terms of entertainment, like the Coventry Transport Museum which has the biggest collection of publicly owned British cars, bikes, motorcycles, and over 1 million related artefacts. For something fresher, there’s Coombe Abbey Park, a 500-acre wonderland with enticing gardens, a sparkling lake, playgrounds, a fishery, and even a café offering tasty snacks for the entire family.
And if you’re seeking some proper shopping venues, you don’t need to drive to London…
Coventry: Map for shopping
With West Orchards Shopping Centre conveniently in the heart of the city (and easily accessible on foot from everywhere in Coventry’s centre), both locals and visitors have a one-stop shopping destination with 40+ stores and varied food options spread out on multiple floors. Drop by and see what possible specials or discounts you can enjoy at Bonmarché, M&S, WH Smith, and others.
Moving to the north of the city we find Arena Shopping Park, right next to the boundary with the Nuneaton and Bedworth district of Warwickshire. Catering for the entire family, Arena offers more than 20 big-name brands (including Anglia Home Furnishing, Glitterbugs and JYSK), a welcoming collection of cafes and restaurants, plus 1600 free parking spaces.
Only 6 km away from Coventry city centre is where Warwickshire Shopping Park awaits. Making this centre unique in the area is the fact that it has one branch of the popular PureGym chain, a scattering of beauty salons, plus various stores and eateries including Lavella Beauty & Wellbeing, ASDA Living, M&S Simply Food, and a few others.
Tired of city-centre shopping? Cannon Park is just outside of it and, although spacious, has a seemingly calmer ambience that seems perfect for its selection of fashion-, fitness-, food-, lifestyle- and gift brands. And with well-known stores like Happy Lemon, Wilko and Pala Jewellers, who wouldn’t want to drop by for a visit?
For something smaller, head on over to Central 6 Retail Park in the southwest of the city centre. Packed with variety, the centre is located mere minutes from Coventry train station, making it easier for you and your shopping bags (from stores like Homesense, Hobbycraft and American Golf) to get home.
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