Coventry: The hidden gems in lively West Midlands city that are often overlooked - from Fargo Village, Charterhouse to Coombe Abbey 'secret' side

I live in Coventry and find that there are some spots in the city that are not appreciated as much as they should be, especially by tourists. Listed below are some proper hidden gems in Coventry.

These are the places that locals love but most visitors completely overlook. They are the spots that give you the real, authentic side of the city away from the cathedral, Transport Museum, and the usual tourist trail.

Charterhouse (Coventry’s Carthusian Monastery)

A stunning 14th-century monastery hidden just outside the ring road by the River Sherbourne. Only reopened to the public in 2023 after centuries of being private and derelict. Beautiful frescoes, medieval walls, peaceful riverside gardens, and almost nobody there. Free entry, guided tours available.

London Road Cemetery

One of the finest Victorian cemeteries in the UK - think grand Gothic chapels, tree-lined avenues, and graves of Coventry’s industrial giants (including members of the Triumph and Jaguar families). In spring it’s carpeted with wildflowers and daffodils. It feels like a secret park.

Spon Street medieval buildings

Everyone walks past the modern bits, but tucked among them are some of the best-preserved medieval timber-framed houses in England (some moved here from other parts of the city after the Blitz).

Priory Gardens and the Priory Visitor Centre

The atmospheric ruins of Coventry’s original cathedral (destroyed by Henry VIII). Beautifully landscaped gardens with fragments of the old priory church, plus a free little visitor centre telling the story. Right in the city centre but feels totally forgotten.

The Weaver’s House (Spon End)

A perfectly preserved 1455 weaver’s cottage - the oldest domestic building in Coventry still in its original location. Run by volunteers, open a few Saturdays a month. You literally step into a medieval home with a living herb garden out back.

Coombe Abbey Country Park – the “secret” side

Everyone knows the hotel and the country park, but walk east from the formal gardens and you hit ancient woodland, a heronry, wildflower meadows, and the most peaceful stretches of the park almost nobody visits.

Holy Trinity Church spire viewpoint

Climb the tower of Holy Trinity (the “other” surviving medieval church next to the cathedral ruins) for 360° views over the city. You can look straight down into the bombed cathedral and across rooftops most people never see. Only open selected weekends, £5.

Fargo Village (but the back units!)

Fargo itself is getting known, but wander to the far end and you’ll find tiny independent makers including a violin workshop, letterpress printers, ceramic studios, and the best vegan doughnuts in the Midlands. Feels like a mini Berlin creative quarter.

War Memorial Park – the rockery & hidden aviaries

The main park is popular, but almost nobody appreciates the old hidden aviary with a variety of different birds. Perfect peaceful lunch spot.

The Tin Music & Arts (in the old coal vaults under the canal)

A tiny gig venue and arts space literally built into the Victorian canal vaults on Coal Vaults Lane. Intimate gigs, open-mic nights, and an incredibly atmospheric bar. One of the coolest underground (literally) spots in the city.