Charterhouse (Coventry) - Image 1
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Charterhouse Coventry

4.4
·329 reviews·, United Kingdom

A restored 14th-century medieval monastery in Coventry, offering a journey through centuries of history, art, and tranquil gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Charterhouse (Coventry) - Image 1

Charterhouse Coventry

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A restored 14th-century medieval monastery in Coventry, offering a journey through centuries of history, art, and tranquil gardens.

4.4
(329 reviews)

"A wonderful building with helpful guides, brilliant tearoom, and lovely gardens."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your House Slot Early

Timed entry for the house is essential. Get your slot upon arrival to avoid disappointment, especially on busy days. :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds and avoiding slips. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Monastery History

Medieval Monastery History

Interior

Explore the restored 14th-century monastery, a survivor of Coventry's wartime bombing. Discover its rich past and stories of the monks who lived there.

Painted Wall Murals

Painted Wall Murals

Interior

Marvel at the surviving painted wall murals, particularly the striking black and white one, offering a glimpse into the building's artistic heritage.

Peaceful Walled Gardens

Peaceful Walled Gardens

Exterior

Wander through serene walled gardens, a tranquil escape in the heart of Coventry. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet contemplation.

Helios Solar Sculpture

Helios Solar Sculpture

Gardens

Experience Luke Jerram's stunning solar sculpture, Helios, offering a unique artistic encounter in the gardens during specific summer dates.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit Slot

Charterhouse Coventry operates on timed entry for house tours. Arrive early to secure your preferred slot, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment. NT members enjoy free admission but still need to book.

Mind Your Step

While the grounds are beautiful, some paths can be uneven. Be cautious when walking from the car park to the property to prevent slips or falls. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, after lunch
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer, during Helios exhibition
Why
Unique art installation
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

last day😢 #boardingschool #charterhouse #endofIBexams #ibexams2023 #IB #viral #privateschool #privateschoolcheck #chouse #tarquin #boardingschoolcheck
@oliviaahobbs
268.4K likes • 2.9M views

🎯 Book Your House Slot Early

Timed entry for the house is essential. Get your slot upon arrival to avoid disappointment, especially on busy days. :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds and avoiding slips. :athletic_shoe:

Are you convinced now? #gidicribs
@gidicribs
127.1K likes • 1.6M views
Exciting news! The @ntmidlands and @historiccoventrytrust have entered into a new partnership to care for The Charterhouse. The Grade I listed, 14th century former monastery will be the National Trust’s first property in Coventry.
coventrycitycouncil
157 likes • 4.7K views

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The on-site cafe offers delicious cakes and healthy food options. Great for a pre-visit refreshment or post-exploration treat. :coffee:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The peaceful walled gardens are a highlight. Bring a book or simply enjoy the tranquility. :seedling:

☀️ Did you know you can see the sun up close in #Coventry this summer? Step into the peaceful walled gardens of Charterhouse and experience Helios — the stunning solar sculpture by Luke Jerram Studio, on display 31 July–3 August & 7–10 August. 📍 Just a short walk from Coventry city centre, this is your chance to discover one of the city’s hidden gems — a beautifully restored 14th-century monaste...
visit_coventry
143 likes • 6.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your House Slot Early

Timed entry for the house is essential. Get your slot upon arrival to avoid disappointment, especially on busy days. :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds and avoiding slips. :athletic_shoe:

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The on-site cafe offers delicious cakes and healthy food options. Great for a pre-visit refreshment or post-exploration treat. :coffee:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The peaceful walled gardens are a highlight. Bring a book or simply enjoy the tranquility. :seedling:

🚗 Parking for NT Members

National Trust members get free parking. Non-members will need to pay for parking. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(329 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Charterhouse Coventry for its fascinating history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and the serene beauty of its walled gardens. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers enhance the experience, and the on-site cafe receives positive mentions for its food and cakes. While the site is new to the National Trust and still developing, it's considered a worthwhile visit for its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere.

"Great place to visit, very helpful guides informing my wife and I of the history of this wonderful building which had done well to survive the bombing of Coventry during the Second World War.
The tearoom was brilliant and it opened one before the house,so a good chance to wet your whistle before the main event,great parking facilities,free for National Trust Members,book shop as you would expect.
Gardens very nice, but I expect to get better and better with maturity.
We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely visit again to see how It's progressing,well worth the visit.👍"

Clive Wheat

"Visited 09/07 - lovely welcome from the staff and volunteers. There’s plenty of information to read about the property through time, and all about the monks who lived there.
Volunteers are well versed in the subject and on hand to answer questions.

The cafe is lovely, great coffee and a really good choice of healthy food for all tastes.
I had an omelette which is a rarity at National Trust… and of course there is an array of cake too! It was a beautiful day so I sat outside.

I really enjoyed looking around in the gardens.

Do be careful walking from the car park to the property. The ground is slightly uneven and I managed to fall and cut my knees, and elbow. The staff were excellent in helping me clean up and offered an ice pack. It was also noted in their accident book.

This property is very new to NT and there is still much to do to make it more special.
I had an enjoyable afternoon at Charterhouse Coventry."

Maria Smith

"Although an established local tourist attraction, from the beginning of the year this site is being managed by the National Trust. As a NT member, this was added to our places to visit and fortunately chose a beautiful sunny day. There are lovely colourful gardens outside and we enjoyed a leisurely walk around them, plus took advantage of the many seats to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Inside, the rooms are mainly empty but there are plenty of information boards, providing the history of the property and its origins. The star of the show is the old painted wall murals, especially the black and white one. There is a paid for car park (but free for NT members) and a non NT cafe on site, which does delicious cakes! There is an admission fee but free for NT members."

Elizabeth Baker

What People Like

Fascinating medieval history
Beautiful walled gardens
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Uneven garden paths
Still developing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Charterhouse Coventry is conveniently located a short walk from the city centre. Paid parking is available on-site, with free parking for National Trust members. Public transport options to Coventry city centre are also readily available. Instagram

Yes, there is a paid car park available for visitors. National Trust members can park for free. Reddit

Absolutely! Charterhouse is just a short walk from Coventry city centre, making it easily accessible for those exploring the city on foot. Instagram

Charterhouse is accessible via public transport to Coventry city centre. From there, it's a short walk to the site. Check local bus and train schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, the house has lift access to upper floors, and while paths outside still need some work, it is generally manoeuvrable for wheelchair users. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an admission fee for Charterhouse Coventry, but National Trust members get free entry. It's recommended to book your visit slot in advance. Reddit

Yes, timed entry slots are required for visiting the house. It's advisable to book your slot upon arrival, especially during peak times or weekends. Reddit

National Trust members receive free admission and free parking at Charterhouse Coventry. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official National Trust website or social media for the most current information. The cafe often opens before the house. Reddit

While timed entry is for the house, the peaceful gardens are a key part of the experience and can be enjoyed as part of your visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can explore the restored medieval monastery rooms, learn about its history through information boards, and admire the surviving painted wall murals, including a notable black and white one. Reddit

The gardens are described as peaceful, serene, and beautiful, featuring walled sections. They offer a lovely space for a leisurely walk and relaxation. InstagramReddit

Yes, helpful guides and knowledgeable volunteers are often on hand to inform visitors about the history of the building and its former inhabitants. Reddit

The gardens offer space for children to explore, and the historical aspects can be engaging. However, the focus is on historical preservation, so supervision is key. TikTok

Helios is a stunning solar sculpture by Luke Jerram Studio, displayed in the gardens during specific summer dates, offering a unique artistic experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site managed by Farmers Fayre, offering a good choice of healthy food, cakes, and coffee. Reddit+1

The cafe serves a variety of options, including delicious cakes, coffee, and healthy meals like omelettes. Reddit

Yes, on beautiful days, you can sit outside and enjoy your food and drinks from the cafe. Reddit

The cafe often opens earlier than the house, providing an opportunity to enjoy refreshments before your tour. Reddit

The cafe offers a good choice of healthy food for all tastes, suggesting some flexibility for different dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the historic building and gardens, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. Instagram

The painted wall murals inside, the serene walled gardens, and the exterior architecture are all highly photogenic. The Helios sculpture also offers unique photo opportunities. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid flash photography inside historic buildings to protect delicate artwork and to be considerate of others. Instagram

Visitors often capture the historical architecture, the tranquil garden scenes, and details of the restored interiors. Lo-fi style videos have also been produced here. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the venue directly before flying a drone.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Charterhouse Coventry offers a blend of history and open space that can appeal to families. The peaceful walled gardens provide a safe and pleasant area for children to explore and burn off energy. Instagram While the historical interiors might be more engaging for older children, the stories of the monks and the surviving murals can spark curiosity. Reddit Consider visiting during the summer when the Helios solar sculpture might be on display, offering a unique visual attraction. Instagram Remember to wear sturdy shoes for the garden paths and be mindful of the timed entry for the house tours. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history, Charterhouse Coventry is a must-visit. As a Grade I listed medieval monastery, it offers a rare glimpse into centuries of architectural and social history. Instagram The restoration project has meticulously preserved its heritage, allowing visitors to appreciate its survival through significant historical events, including wartime bombing. Instagram Pay close attention to the surviving painted wall murals, which are a significant artistic and historical feature. Reddit The knowledgeable guides and volunteers are a fantastic resource, eager to share in-depth details about the site's past. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities

Charterhouse Coventry is an ideal destination for a day trip, easily accessible from cities like Birmingham and London. Its location in the heart of Coventry means it can be combined with other city attractions. Instagram The timed entry for the house means you can plan your visit efficiently, allowing ample time to explore the interiors and the beautiful gardens. Reddit The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for lunch or a coffee break, making it a self-contained and enjoyable day out. Reddit Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger weekend crowds. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Charterhouse Story

Charterhouse Coventry is a Grade I listed, 14th-century former monastery with a remarkable survival story. It has witnessed centuries of history, including the devastating bombing of Coventry during World War II, yet it stands today as a testament to resilience. Instagram+1 The National Trust has taken on the stewardship of this significant site, undertaking an incredible restoration project to unlock its doors for the first time in 600 years. Instagram+1

Visitors can step inside to explore the restored rooms, many of which are intentionally kept minimalist to highlight the architecture and historical features. The surviving painted wall murals are a particular highlight, offering a vivid connection to the past. Reddit Knowledgeable guides and volunteers are on hand to share the fascinating history of the monks who once inhabited this space, bringing the stories of Charterhouse to life. Reddit

Beyond the interior, the peaceful walled gardens provide a tranquil escape. These green spaces are maturing beautifully and offer a serene environment for reflection or a leisurely stroll. InstagramReddit During specific summer periods, the gardens also host unique art installations like Luke Jerram's Helios solar sculpture, adding another layer of cultural experience to a visit. Instagram

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

Planning your visit to Charterhouse Coventry is straightforward, but a few key tips can enhance your experience. Timed entry slots are in operation for the house itself, so it's advisable to secure your preferred time upon arrival, especially if visiting on a busy weekend. Reddit While National Trust members enjoy free admission and parking, booking a slot is still necessary. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is a must, as some of the paths around the grounds can be uneven. Reddit This is particularly important when walking from the car park to the main building. The site is generally manageable for wheelchair users, with lift access available within the house for upper floors. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the on-site cafe, managed by Farmers Fayre. It's a great spot to refuel with delicious cakes, coffee, or a healthy meal. Reddit+1 Many visitors enjoy sitting outside on pleasant days. The cafe often opens before the house, making it a perfect place to start or end your visit.

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