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

Coventry Cathedral & Tower Climb | Things to do in Coventry

The Cathedral is free to enter but visitor donations are crucial in enabling the Cathedral to continue offering free admission in the long term. Information about visiting the Cathedral is in the visitor information section of this website.

Cathedral Ruins

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.

New Cathedral

The decision to build the New Cathedral was made the day after the old one was destroyed in the blitz. Both old and new buildings are constructed from the same type of sandstone. The new cathedral’s design caused much controversy, but on opening to the public it rapidly became popular and is now a widely recognized symbol of reconciliation. This year marks 60 years of the New Cathedral.

Tower Climb

Climb the Cathedral Tower for the best view in Coventry! The Tower will ordinarily be open from 11am - 3pm Saturday but sometimes events in the Ruins or inclement weather conditions may mean reduced opening hours, so please check in advance by calling 02476 521232 or follow us on Facebook at Coventry Cathedral Tower for the latest updates. 

Tower Climb Tickets

• £5 for adults
• £4 for students (subject to possession of a valid student card at the time of the climb)
• £2.50 for U18’s. (Children are permitted to climb at their carer’s discretion and we do not recommend the climb for younger children due to the amount of steps and the nature of the climb. No climbers under the age of 8 will be permitted)
• 10% off adult tickets for Go CV members with a fully validated card

Blitz Experience Museum

Located in the corner of the Cathedral Ruins, the Blitz Museum is a treasure trove of 1940's memorabilia and artefacts. Visitors will learn more about the Coventry Blitz on 1940 in our period school room, and will then travel through a typical house of the time and learn more about life in this era from one of our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

Opening hours:

The Blitz Museum is normally open on every Saturday between late February and mid-October, as well as on weekdays during Coventry school holidays.

Arts and events

Our events programme seeks to celebrate our wonderful city - brick by brick we belong to Coventry! We have a bit of everything on from theatre and street food in the Ruins, live music, art exhibitions and family friendly crafts! Find out more about what's coming up here.

Shop

You will find a specially selected range of Cathedral themed books, souvenirs, cards, CD’s and other items which can be purchased at the Welcome Desk by the main entrance of the New Cathedral.

There is also a gift shop located in the base of the Cathedral Tower. You will find a range of Blitz themed items, retro toys, sweets, general Cathedral souvenirs, and even a squirrel shaped item or two!

Toilets

There are toilets located in the New Cathedral.

Parking

There is no parking available in side streets near the venue. The nearest public parking is:

• Cox Street CV1 5GA (5 min walk)
• Salt Lane CV1 2GY (6 min walk)
• Lower Ford Street CV1 5PS (10 min walk)

Image Credit to Debbie Hall.