Have fun on a budget in Coventry this summer
Summer is finally here, and it’s no secret that it can be an expensive business to keep kids entertained particularly during the summer holidays which are a whopping six weeks long!
To make life easier, we’ve put together a suggested list of free and reasonably priced activities that will keep the whole family entertained this summer.
Explore our history
The UK is known for some of the world’s best free museums and Coventry is no exception. In the heart of Coventry, you will find The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. Explore their ever-changing art exhibitions or delve into the city’s rich social history.
Celebrated as the UK’s favourite 20th-century building, Coventry Cathedral is known all over the world as a beautiful and unique venue. Designed by architect Sir Basil Spence following the bombing of the city in 1940, Coventry Cathedral Ruins and New Cathedral are both free. You can extend your day out by visiting the free Cathedral Blitz Museum or pay a small fee to climb the 180 stairs to the top of the Cathedral Tower.
If you live in Coventry, then there has been no better time to get up, get out and Go CV! Go CV card holders can access an array of free and discounted tickets to local attractions.
Picnic in the park
On a sunny afternoon, a picnic is a perfect escape from your daily routine. Coventry’s War Memorial Park attracts around 400,000 visitors every year, with many coming to enjoy a peaceful stroll, picnic, bike ride, Footgolf or game of tennis.
Assembly Festival Garden sits at the heart of Coventry city centre and while it is predominantly used as an art and theatre space, the Garden is also stocked with picnic tables and giant children’s games including Connect Four and Jenga.
If you would like to adventure outside the city centre , Coombe Abbey Park and Ryton Pools Country Park are perfect spots for the family to connect with nature and enjoy some green space. While both parks have small parking charges, they do offer a full day of family fun with multiple play parks and activities for the whole family.
Walks and trails
Want to explore the city, but don’t know where to start? Our free Young Explorer Trail is perfect for 4 to 11-year-olds and gives families the perfect opportunity to explore Coventry city centre and its fascinating history. The trail should take approximately 60 minutes to complete, but you could easily extend your stay and spend a little extra time in each venue. e
Fancy a challenge? Coventry Canals art trail makes an exciting walk and is well worth visiting. The walk starts at Coventry Canal Basin and ends at Hawkesbury Junction. Be sure to stop off at one of the many pubs along the route.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, or you are looking to escape the heat, Coventry’s West Orchards has a ‘roarsome’ Dinosaur trail. Explore the shopping centre to learn about your favourite Dinosaurs and enter their competition to win a fabulous prize!
Cost-effective events
Sports Fest will be back for its 10th anniversary, celebrating a wide range of sports and wellbeing activities that are suitable for all ages and abilities. The free, six-day event will be back in Broadgate from Tuesday 26 July – Sunday 31 July.
Coventry is home to one of the cheapest festivals in the UK. Based in the city’s historic War Memorial Park, Godiva Festival is a three-day event that offers great live music, family entertainment, international food and drink, a craft village, and a children’s fun fair! Family tickets start from just £15.
o find out what’s on in Coventry this summer, check out our website.
Music visit attractions
If you have a little money to spend, Coventry’s attractions are all reasonably priced. Drive into history with the newly re-opened St Mary’s Guildhall or Coventry Transport Museum. Why not cool off at The Wave Waterpark or spark your creativity in the UK’s first immersive digital art gallery, The Reel Store.
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