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

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Charterhouse Coventry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A restored 14th-century medieval monastery in Coventry, offering a journey through centuries of history, art, and tranquil gardens.
"A wonderful building with helpful guides, brilliant tearoom, and lovely gardens."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
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
Gardens
Experience Luke Jerram's stunning solar sculpture, Helios, offering a unique artistic encounter in the gardens during specific summer dates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit Slot
Mind Your Step
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is a paid car park available for visitors. National Trust members can park for free.
Absolutely! Charterhouse is just a short walk from Coventry city centre, making it easily accessible for those exploring the city on foot.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
National Trust members receive free admission and free parking at Charterhouse Coventry.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
The gardens are described as peaceful, serene, and beautiful, featuring walled sections. They offer a lovely space for a leisurely walk and relaxation.
Yes, helpful guides and knowledgeable volunteers are often on hand to inform visitors about the history of the building and its former inhabitants.
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.
Helios is a stunning solar sculpture by Luke Jerram Studio, displayed in the gardens during specific summer dates, offering a unique artistic experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site managed by Farmers Fayre, offering a good choice of healthy food, cakes, and coffee.
The cafe serves a variety of options, including delicious cakes, coffee, and healthy meals like omelettes.
Yes, on beautiful days, you can sit outside and enjoy your food and drinks from the cafe.
The cafe often opens earlier than the house, providing an opportunity to enjoy refreshments before your tour.
The cafe offers a good choice of healthy food for all tastes, suggesting some flexibility for different dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the historic building and gardens, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
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.
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.
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.
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
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Charterhouse Story
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. 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.
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. 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.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Comfortable footwear is a must, as some of the paths around the grounds can be uneven. 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.
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit