Yesterday in glorious sunshine we set off slowly for Coventry basin. It was a lovely day to cruise, and we were in no rush. Only one boat had gone past us toward the basin, and we passed two going the opposite way away from the basin.
Sculpture along the towpath
Looking back at canalside properties
We passed the Ricoh arena.
We arrived in the basin around lunchtime, and there was only one boat moored on our arrival so plenty of space. By the time evening came there were seven other boats. The hire fleet boats are moored on the other side and it looks like they are all there. There are a few shops here, but still some units being offered for let. Still a pleasant place to moor with a 48hr stay. Before lunch we went to Wickes, which is just around the corner, as we wanted 2 sheets of perspex to do the bedroom windows for the winter as double glazing. The plastic double glazing is working though doesn’t stay as tight as the instructions say it should.
After lunch we walked into the town centre to get our bearings.
Lady Godiva statue
Lady Godiva is the heroine of these parts, and this statue takes pride of place in the town centre. There is also an exhibit about her in the museum. Legend has it that she rode through the town naked so her wealthy husband wouldn’t raise taxes. Another interesting area is Medieval Spon street. These buildings were restored and put here (sometimes from other parts of the city) to show the towns medieval history.
Spon street building
These buildings are now used as shops
Another Spon street building
Coventry was heavily bombed during WW2 so it is amazing these buildings survived. It is also a city of modern buildings because it needed restoration after the war. The saddest building was the medieval cathedral
Medieval cathedral ruins
the altar area of the ruined cathedral
The newer more modern cathedral that is built next door to the old. Completed in 1962
Medieval cottage that is in an alleyway next to the cathedral.
Today we set off with the intention of viewing the museums as it has been dull and overcast after rain through the night. The Coventry Transport museum is now housed in a smart modern building, and is the largest collection of transport in the world. It is free to get in (though a donation is appreciated), and we spent nearly two hours there looking around. An excellent museum chronicling the start of the motor industry in Coventry until it’s demise. All sorts of old bikes,cars,tractors,buses etc. Too many pictures taken to put on the blog but a few here to show what is on offer. A must for anyone visiting this area. We were very impressed.
Even a section on modern developments and the future of the land speed record.
There is another free museum nearby that tells of Coventry’s history. Ribbon making was the city’s claim to fame, which then died out in the mid 1800’s. The bicycle industry was then started which then led onto cars and motorised transport.
We will have to move tomorrow as will have had our 48hr stay. But certainly would consider visiting again.
Hawkesbury junction to Coventry basin 5.26miles 2hrs 40mins 0 locks