If you’re looking to bring your family to a place with a vibrant atmosphere, gorgeous green spaces and world-class attractions, look no further than the city of Coventry, which was the UK’s City of Culture in 2021. A day out in Coventry doesn't need to break the bank, there are plenty of free family-friendly activities you can enjoy in Coventry. Here's a round-up of our favourite things to do for free in Coventry and some packing tips to help you enjoy your day out! Visit Coventry Rocks for things to do in Coventry.

Things to do for FREE in Coventry | Free Activities in Coventry

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Museums are a great place to learn history and appreciate art, both of which Coventry has its fair share of. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum has a diverse selection of exhibitions from visual art, industrial history, and archaeology that is sure to captivate any visitor. The museum also hosts various events, temporary displays, and workshops, offering you and your family a unique experience. Children can enjoy tours and craft classes that encourage creativity and curiosity. Admission to the museum is free, so you can enjoy an enriching experience without worrying about the costs.

War Memorial Park

When going out with your family in Coventry, you might want to visit a place with all sorts of facilities to explore. War Memorial Park is an excellent spot for a wide array of activities, and you can spend a whole day there without spending a pound. It attracts over 400,000 visitors annually who take leisurely strolls, peaceful bike rides, or delightful picnics on the grounds. You can also explore the play areas, the lush gardens, the pitch-and-putt golf course, the tennis courts, and many more. There’s no limit to the things you can do there; from playing active games to taking a rest, there’s never a dull moment in this park.

Coventry Cathedral

As soon as it was opened in 1962, Coventry Cathedral became a major tourist attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The Cathedral opens its doors to visitors all year round and everybody is welcome to attend for worship. The original St Michael’s Cathedral in Coventry was built between the late 14th century and early 15th century. It now stands ruined, bombed almost to destruction during the massive attack on the city by German bombers on the night of November 14th, 1940. The bombed out remains of the old church were kept intact next to the new one, as a reminder of the futility of war. Coventry Cathedral has long been recognised as a symbol of peace and reconcilliation.

Coombe Abbey Park

Coventry has many beautiful landscapes and wildlife, making these areas lovely places to bring your kids to foster their appreciation for nature. Coombe Abbey Park boasts 500 acres of gardens and woodland — home to different species of birds, like swans, ducks, and more. You can take a lakeside walk or enjoy the vast expanse of greenery. The park also offers play areas, a climbing forest, and a discovery centre. You can even feed the animals at designated locations and try pond dipping if you and your kids feel adventurous. Overall, Coombe Abbey Park has lots to offer your family at little to no cost.

Fargo Village

Coventry is home to FarGo Village - an artistically repurposed industrial space in the City Centre, designed exclusively for creative, independent businesses and like-minded visitors. FarGo Village is fiercely independent! There is a wide variety of fun and quirky businesses and eateries, not to mention the frequent pop-ups, markets and workshops!

Secret Quarry Garden

Coventry's Secret Quarry Garden is a wildlife haven created over 30 years ago in an old quarry, once full of rubbish and cars. Now it is a beautiful and interesting garden, with so much to explore. Stroll among the six acres of tranquil pools, streams, trees and flowering shrubs and spot the many birds, amphibians and animals that have made it their home.You will also find the Creepy Overgrown Maze, Bee Hives, and there are a lot of benches. This hidden gem is a real treat! Bring along a picnic or stop in at the café on site. This is a popular spot for hiding and finding painted rocks, too.

Warwick University Sculpture Park

Choose from a variety of sculpture trails to suit your interests and stamina! From dinosaur trails to following the hare, there are maps available to download or pickup for free and plenty of parking within easy reach of the trails. Complete the activities and read the information about each scupture or just take them all in. The Warwick University Sculpture Park is well worth a visit if you've got an hour or two to explore Warwick University Campus.

Astley Book Farm

Whether you are looking for your favourite author, a book for the kids or simply some 'me' time to browse and relax in one of the comfy leather chairs, Astley Book Farm and Coffee Shop is a wonderful place to be, come rain or shine! With around 75,000 books in stock there's bound to be something for everyone. The range includes antiquarian, rare and out-of-print books, a huge range of fiction, comprehensive non-fiction sections, Children's Hayloft and the Ten Bob Barn.

Allesley Park Fairy Village

Allesley Park is a picturesque outdoor space with rolling landscape and established trees. Visitors can marvel at the unspoilt expanse of green space while walking around the park on the tarmac footpaths, which is also a well used dog walking venue. Families with children can also enjoy using the well equipped and natural play area while also being able to have a picnic on the grass close by. The enchanting Fairy Village starts at the Walled Garden and stops by the path to Buckhold Drive. Tiny hand-painted doors appear on trees accompanied by miniature signs saying things like “Fairies meeting place” alongside little stepladders and plant pots. A brilliant place to explore with little ones.

2-Tone Village

Visit the 2-Tone Village in Coventry, where you can enjoy a day or a night out, experiencing some of the most iconic ventures Coventry has to offer. Look out for the special Walls of Fame displays & artwork throughout the village, and experience special Spring & Summer events with BBQ's & outdoor fun. There are regular and often random visits from celebrities from Music, TV & Radio. You never know who you might meet during your visit!

Family outing packing tips

Coventry is a lovely city to explore, but to maximise your time here it certainly pays to be prepared. Bringing along the right gear can make your day as comfortable for your tots as possible. iCandy’s double prams for growing families showcase how modern prams can carry both an infant and a toddler, making it easier for parents to manoeuvre them through doorways or public transport. You can bring your young children in their Peach 7 Pushchair and Carrycot to take them along smooth pathways hassle-free.

Aside from walks, a picnic is also a lovely way to spend time at some of Coventry’s parks, and the Amazon Basics picnic blanket is a great and affordable option to bring with you on a sunny afternoon. Your children would definitely enjoy lying about and playing in the grass.

Finally, the nature appreciation experience can be further enhanced for your children with a good pair of binoculars like the Learning Resources GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars which they can carry with them to spot birds and flowers they see during their visit. You can make your time at Coventry more meaningful by encouraging your kids to absorb the moment.

We hope you found lots of inspiration for things to do for FREE in Coventry! Don't forget there are heaps of activities and events on the Coventry Rocks website for you to browse at your leisure - just click this link!

You can also fine a fantastic collection of over 70 Parks and Walks, and inspiration for days out in Coventry 

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This article has been contributed to by John S. Holt of Wise Marketing.