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 & Blitz Museum  & 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. 

Tower Climb

Climb the Cathedral Tower for the best view in Coventry! 180 steps to magnificent views of Coventry and the surrounding area. Coventry Cathedral tower climb rewards you with a breath-taking 360˚ view from the rooftop of this Gothic masterpiece, the third highest cathedral in the UK - soaring over 100 metres high.

Opening times

Opening times are 11-3pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Please note that weather conditions can affect opening times.

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

Find out more.

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 will aim to be open every Saturday 11am - 3pm and Sunday 12pm - 3pm during the warmer months, with extra days during summer holidays.

Find out more.

Free admission

The Blitz Museum is manned entirely by our dedicated volunteers who give up their free time in order to support it, so visitors should arrive in good time to visit before the Museum closes. Please note because this is ran by volunteers timings may alter at short notice.

Events at Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral regularly host family friendly events and they're usually free of charge. Click here to see what's on at Coventry Cathedral.

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:

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

Image Credit to Debbie Hall.