castles and cathedrals of coventry & warwickshire
Day One
Begin the day in Coventry city centre. Start at the world famous Cathedral of St Michael, the site of Coventry's ‘new' cathedral. See examples of world-class works of art, including: Graham Sutherland's tapestry, John Piper's baptistry window and Epstein's bronze statue of St Michael defeating the devil. In sharp contrast, the mediaeval ruins of its predecessor stand next door. Destroyed in the Blitz of 1940, they are now seen as a worldwide symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Visit the Visitor Information Centre for those sought-after souvenirs and Benedict's coffee shop for light refreshments. Group tours of the cathedral are available although pre-booking is required.
Walk further into the Cathedral Quarter to find Priory Gardens, part of Coventry's Phoenix initiative. Nearly two years of archaeology on the site uncovered many of the remains of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary, Coventry's first cathedral, including superb decorative stone and glass. The Priory Visitor Centre and its Undercroft, winner of a string of design awards, houses some of the incredible finds from the excavations and recreates life as it was 500 years ago.
Lunch and refreshments are available within the city centre. After lunch, return to the Cathedral Quarter and visit Holy Trinity Church. Built in 1139, it houses one of the finest surviving examples of a mediaeval judgment day "Doom" painting. Dating back to 1435, the painting has been carefully and pain-stakingly restored.
Finish your day at the mediaeval Guildhall of St Mary. Built in 1342, visitors can explore the Armoury, Mary Queen of Scots room and view the Great Tapestry (completed in 1499). The hall has many literary connections including George Eliot and Shakespeare.
Day Two
Travel to the town of Warwick to explore 1000 years of history at Warwick Castle. See the mediaeval household come to life in ‘Kingmaker' as it prepares for battle in 1471. The Great Hall and staterooms are home to outstanding collections of paintings, tapestries and furnishings.
There are also 60 acres of gardens and grounds to explore with refreshments and hot/cold meals available. Visitors should allow at least 3-4 hours to see the castle in full.
The final stop on your tour is in Kenilworth to visit Kenilworth Castle. Owned and maintained by English Heritage, the castle is the largest and finest castle ruin in England and has many royal associations including Elizabeth I. An audio tour is included in your entry fee and refreshments are available in the tea room.
