
St Mary's Guildhall
Step back in time at St. Mary's Guildhall, a 700-year-old medieval gem in Coventry, offering stunning architecture and interactive history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

St Mary's Guildhall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at St. Mary's Guildhall, a 700-year-old medieval gem in Coventry, offering stunning architecture and interactive history.
"A wonderful place to explore Coventry's rich history—highly recommended!"

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and share fascinating insights you'd otherwise miss. Highly recommended!
📱 Use the Tablet Guide
Enhance your visit with the included tablet guide for a deeper dive into the history and details of the Guildhall.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Architecture
Throughout the Guildhall
Marvel at the stunning medieval architecture, intricate tapestries, and stained glass windows that tell stories of centuries past.

Interactive Digital Tours
Various rooms
Experience history brought to life with immersive digital tours and augmented reality, making the past engaging for all ages.

Tales of Tea Cafe
Ground floor
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea or meal in a charming cafe set within the historic walls of the Guildhall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are a Must
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and share fascinating insights you'd otherwise miss. Highly recommended!
📱 Use the Tablet Guide
Enhance your visit with the included tablet guide for a deeper dive into the history and details of the Guildhall.
☕ Enjoy Afternoon Tea
The 'Tales of Tea' cafe offers a lovely experience within the historic setting.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
Look out for hands-on activities and dress-up options perfect for keeping children engaged.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are a Must
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and share fascinating insights you'd otherwise miss. Highly recommended!
📱 Use the Tablet Guide
Enhance your visit with the included tablet guide for a deeper dive into the history and details of the Guildhall.
☕ Enjoy Afternoon Tea
The 'Tales of Tea' cafe offers a lovely experience within the historic setting.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
Look out for hands-on activities and dress-up options perfect for keeping children engaged.
📅 Check for Events
The Guildhall hosts unique events like fantasy balls and historical reenactments. Book early!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Guildhall for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and engaging visitor experience. The knowledgeable guides and interactive elements, including digital tours and children's activities, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While the venue is also a popular event space, its historical significance and the quality of the visitor experience make it a highly recommended stop in Coventry.
"Wonderful visit, where learnt a lot about the guildhall's 700 year history and evolution between being the guild, government, Royal connections, soup kitchen, to World War II impacts. There is also historical artwork, architecture, and hands on kids activity to help them remain engaged.
The signs are excellent throughout, with an additional option to use their included tablet guide. Volunteers are also very kind and informative. We spent about an hour in the ten rooms.
Toilets near the front are also quite nice and clean."
Becky T
"A great venue for a wedding! We were the wedding DJs at St Marys Guildhall on Saturday for Marianne & Sam. Our rustic DJ booth looked right at home here and we had a great night! Big shout out to all the staff for being so helpful. We highly recommend!!"
Signature Moments
"St Mary’s Guildhall may be small, but it is full of beauty and intricate details. The highlight of our visit was the fantastic tour of the main hall and upstairs area. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the stunning tapestry, stained glass, and hidden details we would have otherwise missed. We didn’t catch her name, but we truly appreciate her enthusiasm and expertise!
There were also activities and dress-up options perfect for children, making it a great stop for families. We were fortunate to receive free entry through our stay at Coombe Abbey Hotel, which made the experience even better. A wonderful place to explore Coventry’s rich history—highly recommended!"
Barb T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Guildhall is centrally located in Coventry's cathedral quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, there are several car parks within walking distance.
Yes, Coventry city centre is well-served by buses, and St. Mary's Guildhall is a short walk from many stops. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options.
There are several public car parks in Coventry city centre, including those near the cathedral and market. These are typically a short walk from the Guildhall.
Absolutely! St. Mary's Guildhall is a key historical attraction and can easily be combined with visits to Coventry Cathedral, the Herbert Art Gallery, and Fargo Village for a full day out.
Yes, it's located in the heart of Coventry's historic quarter, making it straightforward to locate, especially if you're exploring the cathedral area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official St. Mary's Guildhall website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees can apply, but sometimes free entry is available through special offers or hotel packages. Special events like the 'Mulled Wine and Tour' experience have a set price.
For general visits, booking might not be essential, but it's always a good idea, especially during peak times. For special events like the 'Crimson Court Soirée', advance booking is crucial as tickets sell out quickly.
Some visitors have mentioned receiving free entry through hotel stays. Keep an eye out for local promotions or special offers that might be available.
While guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience, you can explore parts of the Guildhall independently. The tablet guide can also supplement your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore its rich medieval architecture, stunning tapestries, and stained glass. Interactive digital tours and hands-on activities for children are also available.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! There are hands-on activities and dress-up options designed to keep children engaged and learning about history.
This is a special themed event, often described as a fantasy ball or villain ball, held at St. Mary's Guildhall, attracting fans of fantasy literature and immersive experiences.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit, especially during events.
Most visitors spend around an hour exploring the ten rooms, but this can vary depending on your interest level and whether you take a guided tour or participate in activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the 'Tales of Tea' cafe is located within the Guildhall, offering afternoon tea and other refreshments. It's a popular spot for a break during your visit.
Tales of Tea is known for its delightful afternoon tea, making it a perfect spot to experience a traditional British treat within a historic setting.
It's advisable to check if reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods or if you're planning to visit for afternoon tea.
Coventry city centre offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, from casual eateries to more formal dining, located within easy walking distance of the Guildhall.
Yes, the cafe is a great place to grab a coffee, a light bite, or enjoy a full afternoon tea, catering to various needs during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Great Hall with its stunning tapestries and stained glass, the intricate architectural details, and the charming courtyard (if accessible) offer fantastic photo opportunities.
While personal photography is usually allowed, flash photography might be restricted to protect delicate artifacts and artwork. Always check for signage or ask staff.
The augmented reality tours offer a unique way to visualize the past, and some visitors enjoy dressing up in historical costumes for fun photos.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for capturing the interior details. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the Great Hall.
Photography rules may differ during private events or weddings. It's best to inquire with the event organizers or venue staff beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples and Wedding Planners
📚 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of St. Mary's Guildhall
Visitors can trace this evolution through the Guildhall's architecture and the stories shared by knowledgeable guides. The stunning medieval artwork, including intricate tapestries and stained glass, offers a visual narrative of its past. The interactive digital tours and augmented reality experiences further enhance this journey, allowing guests to step back in time and witness historical scenes brought to life. This blend of tangible history and modern interpretation makes St. Mary's Guildhall a captivating destination for anyone interested in understanding Coventry's heritage.
Experiencing St. Mary's Guildhall: Tours and Activities
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, an included tablet guide offers detailed information about each room and its significance. The Guildhall also excels in making history accessible to younger visitors. Hands-on activities and dress-up options are available, ensuring that children remain captivated and learn about the past in a fun, interactive way. This commitment to diverse engagement makes it a well-rounded destination for individuals, couples, and families alike.
Events and Celebrations at St. Mary's Guildhall
The Guildhall also hosts distinctive public events that draw significant interest. The 'Crimson Court Soirée,' for instance, is a popular fantasy-themed ball that attracts a dedicated following, showcasing the venue's versatility. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the Guildhall in a different light, often involving immersive themes and entertainment, making them highly anticipated occasions for attendees.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit