Lifestyle

Coventry

In this section:

1. Lifestyle (current page)
2. Retail therapy
3. Green space
4. Cultural diversity
5. Historic Coventry

As can be expected from a modern, multi-cultural city, the list of leisure activities and eating places is long and varied, ranging from traditional pubs with real ale to Thai, Indian, Balti, Spanish, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Many local pubs and restaurants specialise in producing high quality food, sourced from local suppliers, farm shops and farmers markets.

Live entertainment is abundant, whether you are looking for theatre at the newly extended Belgrade Theatre, having recently been through a £12million refit including a second auditorium which provides flexible staging and seating allowing the theatre to expand its repertoire.  If the more alternative music scene is your thing, try Taylor Johns House or The Tin Angel.

Warwick Arts Centre, on the Warwick University campus is the largest arts centre outside London . It brings together a series of major arts spaces under one roof with a cinema, concert hall, art gallery and two theatres.  It has a repertoire that includes west end shows, classical music, concerts, comedy, cutting edge exhibitions and many family events.

Coventry's Skydome arena is a mix of trendy bars, clubs and the Planet Ice arena, for public ice-skating and home of the successful Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey team.

Coventry hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. The Godiva Festival, the country's biggest free festival takes place every July in the city's War Memorial Park and attracts many thousands to the eclectic music and entertainment mix, spread over three days.

Coventry is an ancient city with a proud history.  The most iconic, world-renowned St Michael's cathedral, constructed in the 1950s to replace the original cathedral which perished during bombing raids in the second world war.  The mix of the modern cathedral buildings and artwork with the mystical ruins creates a startling comparison and signifies the city's leading role in peace and reconciliation across the world.  A new historical addition is the ruins of the Priory cathedral of St Mary's, which was discovered as part of a development project a few years ago.  A city with three cathedrals, not many of those around!

Coventry Transport Museum houses the largest collection of British transport in the world and tells the story of Britain 's car and motorcycle history. The city's Herbert Art Gallery is a multi purpose facility and has recently reopened after a major redevelopment programme which has greatly expanded gallery space and extent of its services, securing its place as the cultural hub of the city.

Warwickshire

Outside the city, the mix of leisure activities is just as varied. Leamington is very popular for its nightlife with cosmopolitan bars and gastro pubs along with the Royal Spa Centre, a first class entertainment venue hosting a variety of events throughout the year.  Warwick has some great restaurants and old world tea shoppes.  Stratford boasts the ever popular RSC, Shakespeare's Houses and fantastic pre-show dining experiences.  Kenilworth has some great quality restaurants and pubs.

Also check out the programme at the award winning Bedworth Civic Hall for another live entertainment option.

Warwick Castle remains a popular attraction; with over 800,000 visitors every year taking advantage of its excellent attractions and facilities.  Whilst nearby Kenilworth Castle offers a totally different experience with walks, Tudor gardens and many themed events.

The famous town of Stratford Upon Avon , birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in history and culture.  Set on the banks of the River Avon with gardens, theatres and much more to enjoy.

Birmingham

To see your favourite bands, orchestra or ballet, take the short train journey to Birmingham for the National Indoor Arena, National Exhibition Centre, Symphony Hall and Town Hall.  What you can't see there simply isn't worth seeing.  Birmingham's nightlife is world class with over 500 restaurants from gourmet to Balti.   Birmingham has two Michelin starred restaurants, Simpson's and Jessica's, both in Edgbaston.  Birmingham's most famous dining experience is undoubtedly the Balti triangle, which has over 50 restaurants, huge portions for around a fiver and take you can even bring own drinks.   The canal side Brindley Place and Broad Street are the city's nightlife hub, full of stylish and chic bars and music from all backgrounds.

Birmingham's flagship theatre is the nation's favourite too. More seats are sold at the Birmingham Hippodrome than by any other British theatre each year, West End included. Still gleaming from a recent £35 million renovation, this dazzling 2,000-seat work of art regularly welcomes the cream of London's musicals.  It also hosts stunning seasons from the Welsh National Opera. And, of course, it's also home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet - formed in 1990 when the world famous Sadler's Well Royal Ballet moved to this wonderful new home.

At the top of Broad Street's bar scene, the Birmingham Rep forges ahead with challenging productions from innovative and daring writers.  In a spectacular Victorian building , Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and ancient and social history. One of Europe's leading contemporary art galleries, Ikon is stylish, progressive and recognised for its individuality. The Ikon exhibits the best international and British art in a changing programme of exhibitions and events and admission is free.