Luggage storage Coventry

About Coventry

Located roughly halfway between the larger cities of London and Manchester, Coventry often falls under the shadow of its bigger neighbor Birmingham. However, with a population of over 300,000 and a long history of its own, Coventry is more than just a stop on the way to more well-known destinations.

Coventry's history goes back at least to Roman times, when a fort was established at nearby Baginton. In 1043, a monastery was founded by Leofric, the Earl of Mercia, and his more famous wife Lady Godiva. A thousand years later, this noblewoman is still famous around the world for her naked ride through Coventry's streets to protest her husband's taxes.

During the Middle Ages, Coventry became a center of the textile trade and was one of the largest cities in the entire country. This medieval wealth left the city with many historic buildings, and Coventry was once regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the country.

During the Industrial Revolution, Coventry became a center for watchmaking, bicycle manufacture, and, later, the automobile industry. Famous car brands such as Rover (best known for the Range Rover) and Jaguar were born in the city, and Jaguar still maintains a presence there.

Coventry's industrial importance made it a target for bombing during the Second World War. As a major source of munitions for the war, Coventry was heavily bombed in 1940, and the resulting firestorm destroyed almost all of the city's medieval buildings.

Following the war, the city was rebuilt, buoyed by its manufacturing base. In the last few decades, this manufacturing base has declined, and Coventry has reinvented itself as a university town and logistics hub. It was designated the UK City of Culture for 2021 to recognize its growing importance in the cultural scene.

Things to do in Coventry

Coventry is a midsize city, but most of its attractions can be found in or close to the city center. The city's modern heart gives few clues to its illustrious past, but echoes of Coventry's history can be found if you know where to look. There are also some more modern attractions that are well worth visiting.

• See a moving monument to war and reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral. This medieval church was heavily damaged during the war. Now, this preserved ruin in the center of the city is a reminder of the destruction Coventry went through. The new cathedral built next to the old one is also worth a visit for its unusual modern architecture.
• Discover Coventry's importance to the automobile industry at the Coventry Transport Museum. This museum is home to the largest collection of British cars in the world, and the jewels of its collection are the two fastest cars ever built, Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.
• Explore Coventry’s musical side at the Coventry Music Museum. Exhibits include a bench donated by John Lennon and memorabilia from the heyday of ska, a musical form with deep roots in Coventry’s immigrant population.
• See the way Coventry used to be on Spon Street. The few medieval buildings that survived the bombing of Coventry were relocated to the street to re-create the city’s lost medieval heart. Now, these ancient and beautiful buildings are home to many pubs, cafés, and restaurants, and the street makes a great place to spend some time enjoying yourself.
• Get a deeper insight into the local culture and history of the area at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. The artifacts on display here tell Coventry's story from the Bronze Age to the present, and the art gallery displays work by local artists both past and present.

Transit options in Coventry

• Coventry’s rail station is a short walk from the city center and provides rail links to other cities throughout the UK, including Birmingham, London, Manchester, and others.
• Birmingham International Airport is Coventry's closest major airport and can be reached via a 10-minute train ride or half-hour-long bus journey.
• Due to its location in the middle of the country, Coventry is a stop along many different long-distance bus routes, and the bus station in the city center serves buses from all over the UK.

Luggage storage in Coventry

Coventry is an easy city to get around, and most of its best attractions are just a short walk from one another. However, the walk will seem much longer if you carry more than you need to. Drop off any heavy bags at a Bounce luggage storage service in Coventry so you can travel light and enjoy this underrated city to the fullest.

Activities and attractions near Coventry

• Kenilworth Castle: Less than 10 miles from Coventry you’ll find the atmospheric ruins of Kenilworth Castle. Once a favorite location for Queen Elizabeth I to stay at, this red sandstone castle is a great place to take photos among the crumbling towers or wander through the Elizabethan garden. The castle and its gardens are quite large, so make sure to drop off any heavy bags at a luggage storage location before you visit.
• Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare fans shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the playwright's home at Stratford-upon-Avon. Only 20 miles from Coventry, this well-preserved medieval village preserves the home of the playwright and his burial place in the local church. The Royal Shakespeare Company operates a theater here devoted to performing his immortal plays. And even if Shakespeare isn't your thing, the town of Stratford itself is a charming place to explore. Note that large bags aren't allowed in the ancient buildings, so be sure to leave them at a luggage storage shop in Coventry before you visit.
• Birmingham: Officially the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham’s revitalized city center has endless options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. If you visit close to Christmas time, make sure to check out the UK’s largest Christmas market in Birmingham city center.