Are you planning summer holiday activities and considering an unforgettable short break this season? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Coventry is the perfect warm-weather destination. Bursting with exciting events, world-class Coventry attractions, and hidden gems, the city offers something for families, couples, and visitors of all ages. Thanks to the convenient, compact location of many inner-city spots, you can enjoy plenty of activities and experiences all in one day.
Whether you're planning a family day out, catching up with friends, or looking for a unique date idea, here is your go-to guide for making the most of summer when looking for things to do in Coventry.
Fun for the Whole Family
We know how important it is to keep kids entertained throughout the long school holidays. Here is a bumper list of great days out and activities that the whole family will love.
The Wave
When it’s scorching outside, cool off at The Wave, Coventry’s award-winning indoor waterpark. Boasting high-speed slides that cater to all thrill levels, a relaxing lazy river, and an exhilarating wave pool, it’s a guaranteed hit with children, teens, and parents alike. Plus, their toddler splash pad, The Reef, means even the smallest members of the family can safely splash around.
St Mary’s Guildhall
Step into the past at St Mary’s Guildhall, a stunning medieval building in the heart of the city's historic quarter. This award-winning venue brings local history to life with immersive digital exhibits, costumed guides, and hands-on activities for children. Once you’ve finished exploring, head to the Tales of Tea restaurant located in the undercroft to enjoy a stunning British afternoon tea. Events to attend this summer:
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Majestic Monarchs Summer Fun: Get ready for a right royal summer of fun! Step into history with the Majestic Monarchs experience (Adults: £9.58, Children: £6.69).
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Walk with Kings and Queens (19th July 2026): Take a spectacular guided walk which includes your standard admission ticket to the Guildhall.
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Pimm's & Paint (16th July 2026): A perfect creative evening out for the adults.
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Tales After Dark - Havana Theme (4th and 31st July 2026): Experience the Guildhall’s historical storytelling under the cover of darkness with a vibrant Cuban twist – think rum cocktails and themed small plates.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Keep the summer learning alive with a trip to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, which is hosting three incredible family-friendly exhibitions this season. Young explorers can dive into Curious Creatures, Stones and Bones, dig into the dawn of time with Unearth the Palaeoverse, and discover underwater secrets in Beneath the Waves. It’s an ideal rainy-day option or a brilliant way to escape the midday sun.
Lunt Roman Fort
History comes alive just outside the city centre at Lunt Roman Fort! Mark your calendars for Saturday 8th August and Sunday 9th August 2026 for the spectacular Lunt Roman Festival. Families can watch thrilling battle re-enactments, explore the ancient timber fort, and fully immerse themselves in the military lifestyle of Roman Britain.
University of Warwick
Somewhat of a hidden gem for parents, the University of Warwick campus is home to a myriad of unique activities:
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Warwick Arts Centre: Drop in for family-friendly movies, studio shows, and hands-on summer workshops designed for families to create and play together. Don't forget to check out the kids' menu at Benugo Bar & Kitchen!
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Comedy Sessions: Need a laugh without the hassle of finding childcare? You can also join hilarious comedy sessions where you can relax and enjoy some of the UK’s best comedians. The shows are designed for parents, offering full buggy parking, baby changing facilities, and a fully stocked bar. Whether you need a cuppa or a G&T, you can enjoy the show in a relaxed environment where feeding and baby-heckling are perfectly welcome!
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Esports & Climbing: Dive into virtual reality and gaming tournaments at the Esports Centre, or let off some steam at the indoor Climbing and Bouldering Centre located at the Sports and Wellness Hub.
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Outdoor Trails: On gorgeous sunny days, explore 700 acres of outdoor space by following one of four walking trails. Discover grassy glades and woodland sculptures sure to tire out small legs and inspire big imaginations.
Go Ape Coventry
Located in the beautiful grounds of Coombe Abbey Country Park, Go Ape is a thrilling treetop adventure packed with zip lines, rope bridges, and high-rise thrills. Tackling the canopy is a great way to challenge the kids (and grown-ups), conquer fears, and enjoy nature from a completely new perspective.
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New Grounds Puzzle Challenge: Think you have what it takes to beat the clock? Try their new ground-based adventure where ten puzzles are hidden around the grounds of Coombe Abbey. Your challenge is to find and solve them all to crack a four-digit code, open the lock boxes, and reveal the next clue, all in under an hour!
Special Offer – 15% off outdoor experiences at Go Ape Coventry! Swing through the trees and conquer the canopy for less this summer. Book your next high-ropes adventure online at Go Ape Coventry using our exclusive promo code: VCV15APE.
Planet Ice
Need a literal way to chill out? Planet Ice at the Skydome is the perfect place to escape the heat. Whether you're a skating pro or a complete beginner, the rink offers public skating sessions, disco nights, and holiday lessons. Warm up afterward with a luxury hot chocolate from the café.
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2-for-1 Half-Term Disco Offer: Celebrate the summer holidays with friends, family, or loved ones with this fantastic 2-for-1 deal! Perfect for all ages, you can enjoy a vibrant, energetic atmosphere on the ice together for half the price. Please note: This is an online-only promotion. Be sure to book ahead online to guarantee your place on the ice!
Coventry Transport Museum
Discover the story of British innovation and transport at the Coventry Transport Museum, home to the world’s fastest cars and loads of interactive displays. Look out for their regular holiday Tinker | Make | Play workshops, where children can use real tools and resources to test their engineering and creative skills.
British Motor Museum
Just a short drive out of the city, motoring fans won't want to miss Forza Horizon 6: The Experience at the British Motor Museum. This stunning temporary exhibition lets you get up close to iconic real-world cars that inspired the game, try your hand on top-tier racing simulators, and complete a museum-wide passport challenge.
FarGo Village Summer Markets
Keep an eye on FarGo Village's summer calendar for their vibrant Summer Makers Market, officially returning on 18th–19th July 2026. It’s the ultimate place to browse handmade gifts, local crafts, and incredible street food. With independent shops housed in creative shipping containers, air-conditioned comfort in The Box, and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s ideal for a relaxed family afternoon.
Spend Time as a Couple or With Friends
Want somewhere special to spend time together? Coventry has plenty of daytime culture and evening vibes to keep your summer plans fresh and full of memorable moments.
Explore & Stay at Coombe Abbey Hotel
Make the most of your trip by taking the time to explore the breathtaking, historic grounds of the Abbey itself. Wander through the beautifully manicured formal gardens and expansive woodlands.
After working up an appetite, head inside the magnificent 12th-century Coombe Abbey Hotel to indulge in a luxurious British afternoon tea, complete with warm scones, elegant pastries, and fine loose-leaf teas. Want to truly stretch out the summer magic? Turn your day trip into an unforgettable getaway by booking an overnight stay in one of their uniquely styled, feature-rich historical bedrooms - it's easily one of the most magical places to stay in Coventry.
Ansty Hall Outdoor Cinema & Getaways
Looking for a quintessential summer evening with friends or a partner? Ansty Hall is hosting spectacular outdoor cinema events from Friday 17th July to Tuesday 2nd September 2026. Make a proper holiday out of it with their 'Kids Stay Free' summer promotion, starting from £150 per room. It includes a delicious breakfast for up to four people, giving you a luxurious base to explore historic castles and country parks nearby.
Live Theatre at Belgrade Theatre
Take a break from the sunshine and head indoors to experience some of the region's finest theatrical talents. This July and August, the Belgrade Theatre has a spectacular lineup, including the highly anticipated After Party Preview co-production (Thu 30 July to Sat 1 Aug 2026), the family-favourite The Tiger Who Came to Tea (20–21 July), and the See it First 2026 programme showcasing brilliant local writers and performers (18–25 July).
Rooftop Drinks at Generators
For intimate date nights or catching up with mates, head straight to Generators Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Located atop the stylish Telegraph Hotel, it’s the ultimate spot to soak up the sun, sip a craft cocktail, and dine on delicious small plates while overlooking the city skyline.
Historic Vibes at Dhillon’s Spire Bar
Housed in a breathtaking, converted medieval church spire, Dhillon’s Spire Bar is one of Coventry’s most unique architectural hangouts. Known for its creative drinks, chilled tunes, stunning stained glass, and gothic atmospheric charm, it delivers ambience in spades. Their outdoor seating area is especially magical on a warm summer evening. If you're looking for a wider festival vibe, don't miss Dhillon’s Brewery on 17th July for their Jammin' For Jamaica Charity Festival!
Coventry Music Museum
Celebrate the city's rich musical heritage at this small, quirky venue bursting with personality. From 2-Tone and ska to The Specials and modern indie rock, this museum showcases Coventry's massive contribution to British music history. Complete with interactive music booths and highly knowledgeable volunteers, it's a brilliant spot for music lovers.
Summer Evenings & Live Events
Coventry's nightlife is packed with variety this season. Music fans can catch Jah Makin’ it Happen – A Reggae Musical at the Albany Theatre on 17th July, or dance to classic school anthems at the Sky Blue Tavern's Tiffany's Reunion (Back to Skool Edition) on 18th & 19th July. For a more mature pace, secure a slot on the Vineyard Wine Walk and Talk at Blabers Hall on 2nd August for an exclusive 18+ tasting tour.
Late-Night Beats at 147 Nightclub
Not ready for the party to stop when the sun goes down? For late-night fun, 147 Nightclub keeps the energy high. With a mix of chart-toppers, R&B, and dance tracks across multiple rooms, it's a popular staple for letting your hair down and dancing the night away with friends.
Make This Summer One to Remember
From high-flying treetop challenges and ancient history to sun-drenched rooftop bars and spectacular theatrical events, Coventry has everything you need to make every summer day special. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend break, or you're a local looking to rediscover your city, grab your favourite people and start making memories that will last a lifetime.