Coventry Heritage Open Days

For those braving the elements today, may I recommend visiting the newly opened "Weaver's Cottage" in Upper Spon Street. It can be accessed on foot by walking to the end of Spon Street, then using the subway under the ring-road, follow the footpath the other side through to its junction with Windsor Street, then it's just inside Upper Spon Street on the right. You can't miss it, just look for the bunting! Or, by road head out of town towards The Butts, turn right into Windsor Street and Upper Spon Street is on your left. Be aware that parking may be difficult as it was yesterday when I tried. So I ended up returning this morning. Sadly there are no directions at all in the Heritage Open Day Brochure.

Well I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday and our few hours at the Heritage Days events. There wasn't enough time to see all I wanted to see! A big well done to all involved - they should certainly keep these going as a regular event as it serves the city and its past well. My lads especially loved riding on the Guy bus - even though it was a City of Birmingham one! Was very evocative seeing one trundling down Hales Street. We caught it from the Motor Museum and went up to the Electric Railway Museum by the Airport. We've been to the plane Museum many times and had seen the trains standing there without really realising it was a collection that would be open to the public. As most boys (and dads!) are train mad it was great to visit (especially as we'd seen the Tornado going through Coventry station earlier in the morning - see the other thread). Here's a couple of shots of our day - lived in Coventry most of my life and I'd never actually been inside St. John's before - what a beautiful place. To have buildings like this and others (think Grammar School / Whitefriars) that date from the 14th century is incredible (if not a little sad that they are not fully appreciated and that the rest of the city is not like it anymore) Apologies for the dark photo of the west window in St. John's.

Lovely pics, thank you

Thank you for the beautiful pictures of St Johns, I've never been inside, it looks really impressive. Must visit.

Thanks Neils Yard, I thought the last one with the stained glass was beautiful. We took the opportunity of visiting London Road Cemetery, it was so interesting and we were made really welcome, the Chapel was open with loads of material on display and refreshments. We must return, there is so much to observe, there's the beautiful trees and every few yards, familiar surnames. Forgot my notebook though The guides were so helpful and answered all our questions with such enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing your day with us

What I liked about the Heritage day this year is that it wasn't just about the past, but also the future, with things like Charterhouse and Far Gosford Street's Fargo Village development. Coventry's an odd city. Initial appearances are of a horrific 1960s eyesore, but anyone willing to park up and dig a little deeper can find a collection of fascinating stuff that cities of this size rarely have in the UK. I've seen the other places many times before, but I think Far Gosford Street is a real gem - especially now some of it's been restored and the gaps are being filled in. Just a shame about the predominance of fast food outlets.

Lovely photos Covmanuk for those of us who cannot visit. Many thanks.

Where were the first few from Covman?

Not sure if this is an official Heritage open Day but just noticed Charterhouse have an open day coming up on June 14th. I will be going as not been around before. Friends of Charterhouse

Just thought I'd post this reminder for the next series of Coventry Heritage Open Days is coming up - see here to explore some places within our lovely City.

No I only spotted it via a chance link on Facebook Tony. They don't advertise it well enough do they. I'll be definately doing Whitefriars if anyone else fancies it as its a pre-booker.