The best walks and hikes around Coventry

A modern city centre

Walks around Coventry’s bustling city centre are a treat for the senses, where culture vultures, art lovers and foodies are well served. The city was heavily bombed during the Blitz, with the city centre suffering severely. After a long process of rebuilding, today classic and modern architecture combine beautifully. 

Nowhere is this more evident than at Coventry’s famous New Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark. When the dust settled following a devastating bombing raid on 14th November 1940, all that was left of the old cathedral was its spire and shell. Today, these remains stand proud in the open air and join on to the glorious New Cathedral, a symbol of hope and peace in the heart of the city. 

Exploring the city’s parks

While the cathedral is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices the city made during the Second World War, Coventry’s beautiful War Memorial Park is a moving tribute to those who passed away during the First World War. Situated to the south of the city centre, this 120-acre (49 ha) greenspace is centred around an impressive, 90-foot (27 m) monument and contains large areas of open parkland.

Some of the best hiking routes around Coventry can be found to the west of the city, at Coombe Country Park. Built on the grounds of a former Cistercian abbey, the parkland here was designed by the famous Capability Brown. Its 500 acres (202 ha) are home to a lovely lake, forested areas and picturesque gardens.

On the banks of the Sherbourne and the Sowe

There are a number of pleasant riverside hikes around Coventry. The River Sherbourne flows through the heart of the city, while the River Sowe meanders along its eastern edge. Both offer splendid, easygoing walks, where you can discover yet more parkland and nature reserves. Another option for a peaceful amble right from the city centre is the Coventry Canal which, like many in the Midlands, was designed by the great engineer James Brindley during the 18th century.

The Sowe Valley Footpath is a pleasure to follow and can take you to Wyken Slough Local Nature Reserve’s wetlands and grasslands, which are a treat for birders. Also along the Sowe is the Stoke Floods Nature Reserve and its central lake, an important site for overwintering birds.