Discover the best day trips from Coventry, and how to get affordable tickets for comfortable travel to your chosen destination. With charming cities like Birmingham and Oxford within easy reach, Coventry is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy several day trips to different localities during your holidays.
Here's a taste of where you can go on day trips from Coventry:
1. Birmingham
2. Oxford
3. Nottingham
4. Leicester
1. Shopping and cultural excursions in Birmingham
Birmingham's train station is just a few minutes walk away from The Bullring & Grand Central, the city's iconic shopping centre. With a vast choice of shops and restaurant, it's a fantastic place to grab lunch and enjoy some light shopping.
Birmingham also has a thriving cultural scene. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is located in a stunning historic building in the city centre. A huge array of famous paintings and artefacts are on show here, including the Staffordshire Hoard, which is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and treasure ever found to this day. If you are travelling with kids, also be sure to check out Cadbury World. This interactive museum shows how the famous Cadbury chocolates are made, and tours include chocolate tastings.
Getting there
Coventry Station is well-equipped and conveniently located in the heart of the small city. Trains from Coventry to Birmingham take about 20m, bringing you straight to Birmingham New Street station in the city centre.
2. Visit the picturesque university city of Oxford
Oxford is one of England's most famous university cities and a great place to get a feel for campus life. Visit famous buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera, a stunning neoclassical building that is now a part of the Bodleian Library. You can discover the elegant buildings and historic halls at your own leisure, or join a guided walking tour to get some extra historical background on the city.
In summer, punting is the traditional Oxford sport. This involves taking charge of your own boat and navigating the river with the help of a wooden pole. It's the perfect activity if you are visiting Oxford with a group of friends or as a couple. Finally, the Museum of Oxford tells the story of the city's history, from its Saxon origins to its present-day glory. Entrance to the museum is free of charge, and often includes inspiring temporary exhibitions.
Getting there
Trains from Coventry to Oxford take about 50m. Oxford Station is located slightly to the West of the city centre, but you will still be within easy walking distance of all major sights.
3. Soak up the olde English atmosphere of Nottingham
Nottingham is one of the UK's most popular cities for day trips, as it brings visitors back to early medieval days. After wandering through the historic city, take a break in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, reputed to be England's oldest functioning inn. Located in the town centre, it's a wonderful place to stop for a pub lunch or a pint. After your break here, a short walk brings you to Nottingham Castle and the Museum of Nottingham Life.
For further insights into local history, check out City of Caves. This vast network of underground tunnels was originally used as a medieval tannery, and later as an air raid shelter. Joint tickets for entry to the National Justice Museum are also available, the perfect opportunity to take a look at crime and punishment in centuries past, as well as challenges faced by the police and courts today.
Getting there
Trains from Coventry to Nottingham take about 1h 40m on the fastest routes. Nottingham Station is conveniently located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk away from Nottingham Castle.
4. Walking and cycling through historic Leicester
This city is particularly welcoming for pedestrians, as it offers a huge wealth of attractions that are easy to access on foot. A charming walk brings you from St Mary de Castro, a stunning 12th-century church to Leicester Castle, which is nearly 1,000 years old.
And there's still much more to see in Leicester. Science buffs and children enjoy The National Space Centre. Showcasing spacesuits and rockets, the museum explains all the ins and outs of life in zero gravity. Finally, Abbey Park offers a lush green space, perfect for cycling, walking your dog, or enjoying a picnic.
Getting there
Trains from Coventry to Leicester take as little as 50m or so. Leicester Station is located a comfortable 10-minute walk away from the city centre.
Day trips from Coventry bring you to some of England's greatest historic towns. Come rain or shine, a short train journey is your gateway to medieval castles, modern shopping centres, delightful parks, and museums. So what are you waiting for? Start your search for trains from Coventry in our Journey Planner at the top of the page now.