Wow!! The Coventry Cathedral ruins are spectacular. In a way, the bombing highlighted the splendor of 13th century architecture and when walking around, I kept getting reminded of the Cologne Cathedral, which was built in the same century. I'm so glad the cathedral wasn't torn down, like a lot of destroyed buildings after the war were, but instead this area was left alone, to stand testament to the horrors suffered by this city and its people during WWII. Compared to the old Cathedral, I am not a massive fan of the modernist architecture building of the new cathedral but it sure is much more comfy! I was super lucky to be in town while the "Knife Angel" sculpture was on display in front of the Cathedral in April 2019. I was with a very witty colleague, Adam, and his comment on the sculpture was, "Anyone have a fork?" :-) :-) :-) Similarly when he saw the Archangel Michael & the Devil sculpture in the front of the Cathedral, Adam turned to our group and with his quick wit said, "Smell my foot. No, I insist! I really want you to smell my feet!!" :-) :-) :-) The cathedral is really an interesting place to come and check out, and for me, more than any other landmark, it really personifies Coventry City. Yelp 151/ 2019 read more

See all

Coventry Cathedral, the bombed-out church that fell prey to the first carpet bombing of WWII, is an impressive and sobering reminder of the futility of war. As such, it's a mandatory place to visit [I hesitate to call it an "attraction"] in Coventry for a brief time of quiet introspection. The remains have been beautifully preserved, augmented with several works of art that pay tribute to the bombing, but also to the spirit of reconciliation after the war. It's moot to weigh this early carpet bombing against the ones committed by the Allies in the aftermath, them being much more destructive - "He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind." The house, in this case, being Europe. And we did learn the lesson - or did we? Anyway, it's a must for any visit to this city. read more

See all

Coventry Cathedral was burnt down in German air raids on 14/15th November 1940 and a new cathedral reconstructed beside the shell in the 1950s. It was consecrated by the Queen in 1962, a service I was fortunate enough to attend. The new cathedral was designed by Basil Spence, and the Queen laid the foundation stone in March 1956. Graham Sutherland's tapestry of Christ in Glory in the Tetramorph dominates the East End, while John Hutton's screen of Saints and Angels allows the light from the fomer cathedral ruins into the Lady Chapel. John Piper's Baptistry window is said to be 'probably the greatest piece of stained glass since the Reformation'. Epstein's St Michael and the Devil guards the cathedral steps. Other contributors include Elizabeth Frink (for the lectern) and Ralph Beyer (for the stone lettering) and the whole is extraordinarily moving and beautiful. read more

See all

This cathedral is a wonderful place for tourists. Be sure to join a tour group. The history of the cathedral is both sad and hopeful. The guides are likely to have been children during the blitz or whose parents survived the blitz. The cathedral is unique in its mission and in how it rebuilt incorporating the charred remains. read more

Coventry Cathedral - The charred shell of the original cathedral is conducive to meditation. - Churches Near Me - Coventry, XWM

See all

This is a beautiful ruin of what once stood of a magnificent cathedral!!! Due to The Blitz which destroyed most of Coventry from the war, this now stands as a memorial of what once was and could have still been. There is a Crypt under the ruins which is open certain days of the week and showcases pre war era artifacts. Around the cathedral stands art from the locals and historical Coventry pieces. There is a massive tower that has a quant little gift shop at the bottom. When open, you can pay a small amount there to climb the stairs to the very top of the tower and experience breathtaking views! This is a Must Do Attraction when visiting Coventry! Next to the cathedral is the New Coventry Cathedral. Which has its own museum, etc. The ruins are not always open, but you can peer through the iron gates and take a peek no matter what time of day. I highly recommend visiting the Coventry Cathedral Ruins!!! read more

Coventry Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Coventry, XWM

See all

The cathdral in Coventry are a must see when visiting the city, they hold so much history and interesting facts. There are often concerts and talks held in the new cathedral on interesting topics. The old cathedral is very interesting and almost erie. the atmosphere is great. read more

Coventry cathedral has a lot of history relating to it especially the war. The city has been recognised for this. The cathedral although part ruined is absolutely great to look at. It survived from being completley destroyed from bombs during the war. Its roof although destroyed was the only real damage done. The walls and spire are still in great condition. No wnext to this old cathedral rises a new one, not by any means taking the old one's place but merley taking over its role. This houses the tapestry which is massive and also worth a visit. read more

The three stars are for the ruins , the modern cathedral is truely grotesque and whats worse they think they think its a good idea to charge 9 quid for entry . read more

Don't miss the amazing Rising Cafe in the basement. Great food, brilliant staff and modest prices.

Coventry cathedral is bursting with history. You can learn a lot about the blitz and the world war here. There is plenty to photograph and a lot of pictures to capture. The ruins invite you to look around. You can look at the remains of the old blown up cathedral or the new well old but second cathedral. This is a landmaerk for Coventry. You can enjoy a tour with very factual tour guides. They answer every and any questions you may have. They live for the cathedral. My favourite part is the stain glass windows. They are beautiful and you can see the hard work thats gone into them. It's definately worth a visit to the cathedral. Although kids can get bored. read more

The whole area inside what I grew up calling the old cathedral is evocative of peace and harmony and love for humanity. An ethos born of the fire and fury rained upon it one night in the second world war. Its always amazing to me that just a short stroll from the hubbub and mayhem of the precint shopping area, you can find this oasis of thought provoking tranquility. This true enshrinement of Coventry, a phoenix that indeed rise from the ashes. Gaze on the cross of nails and ponder the feelings behind the words Father Forgive. Look upon the Richard Branson sponsered Statue of Reconciiation a copy of which resides in the peace garden in Hiroshima donated by the people of Coventry. As you leave to complete your day think about the meaning of the CS Lewis words that the provost quoted in the first service after the bombing raid And the angels of God hold their breath to see which way we choose to go. The answer is found in the words scratched into the cathedral wall Father Forgive. read more

A historic place within the City! Great place to see some of the old Coventry. Regardless of being religious or not a nice piece of architecture and remnance of the war. read more

Valid as an art gallery as much as a place of worship, Coventry Cathedral is well worth a visit. Designed by Basil Spence, the 'new' cathedral, as it is known, was built to replace the 'old' cathedral, which was bombed during the Blitz. Everyone who was anyone in the art world in the 1960s contributed to the cathedral; highlights include the sculpture of St Michael and the Devil on the wall outside, the baptistry windows by John Piper, and Graham Sutherland's tapestry of Christ in Glory, the biggest in the world. The new and old Cathedrals are artfully linked, and the old Cathedral stands as a monument to the war, beautiful and haunting. The cathedral has become the centre of peace and reconciliation, and as part of this the Chapel of Unity was designed as a place where people of different faiths can meet and worship together. There are often fantastic displays in the Chapel of Unity. Also must-sees (and separately reviewed on this site) are St Michael's Tower and the Cross of Nails. There is no entry fee as such, and the cathedral 'invites' you to donate around £3 per person. It's none too subtle, but considering the cost of upkeep, I think it's fair that tourists, as opposed to worshippers, should be asked to contribute. read more

The cathedral is absolutely beautiful and religious or not you should definitely visit if you're in the area. The stain glass windows don't look like much on the outside but if you go in to look, they are breath taking. The older side of the cathedral, which was bombed in WWII is still open to visit and is worth having a look at. read more

See all

Coventry seems to specialize in the construction of ugly buildings. The new cathedral is no exception. Viewed from the front as a minister you can see the stained glass windows along the sides and perhaps percieve some of the bulding's majesty, but trying to worship there is like trying to worship in a cross between an air craft hanger and a concrete nuclear bunker. Probably the most awful (in the popular sense) cathedral in the UK. read more

this is a place that tourists coming to the midlands have to visit - there is a lot of history here with how it got bombed in world war 2 and then they restored it. the area just outside the cathedral has just been done up too so it looks really nice and cars or buses aren't allowed through anymore, has tidied the place right up. the cathedral itself is really impressive and they do tours. read more