london to coventry
I couldn’t be more excited than to share with you my first travel within a travel.
Why Coventry? What’s in Coventry? My coworkers and counterparts in London asked me the same thing (most of them hadn’t even been to Coventry themselves!). The reason for my visit was simple—I have family there, and I was excited to meet them for the first time! As an African (and maybe it’s similar in your culture), family is incredibly important. Even if you don’t know each other well, connecting with them is a must. It’s such a big part of life that even though my original plan was just to explore England and France, my family in Germany asked me to “swing by for some time.” Gotta love it, right? Anyway, off we went to Coventry!
When I arrived, my family greeted me with so much warmth. It felt like I’d known them my whole life, even though we were meeting for the first time. They made me feel right at home, and we quickly got into exploring the city together.
we decided to travel via bus- which was a 2 hour ride over & it was super smooth & cute to view the country/ villages along the way up! there were so many sheep! unfortunately, i slept for most of the trip so i didn't capture any pictures 🥲.
look how cute this street is- i felt like i was living in a movie!
The next day, we went sightseeing, and our first stop was the Coventry Cathedral of Saint Michael, originally built in the 14th century. Walking through its ruins, you could feel the weight of the events that took place not so long ago. During World War II, on November 14, 1940, 500 German bombs from the Luftwaffe targeted Coventry. Back then, Coventry was like the European Detroit—known for its automotive industry and innovation. The German air force aimed to destroy Coventry’s gas, water, and electricity supplies, leading to a third of the city’s factories being damaged or destroyed and the loss of 568 lives. Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the city’s resilience.
Afterward, we visited the new Coventry Cathedral, built alongside the ruins in the 1960s. It’s such a powerful contrast—the old ruins and the modern architecture standing side by side. Inside, you can see remnants like the cross of nails, a symbol of Coventry’s commitment to peace and renewal. It’s truly a place where history and hope meet.
afterwards we decided to take a stroll in the city center to see what the fus was all about.
Another thing I noticed about Coventry (and the UK in general) is how different their sense of community feels compared to the States. Instead of strip malls along busy roads, Coventry has a charming city center where you walk through cobblestone streets to shop, grab a coffee, or sit at a café and people-watch. It’s like walking through a small town, and the energy feels so warm and connected. We stopped by a local bakery for some pastries—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and oh-so-buttery. Honestly, I could get used to this kind of slow, cozy living.
Overall, Coventry is a beautiful place, and the next time someone asks, “Why Coventry?” I’ll say, “Why not?” From the rich history to the friendly faces in a peaceful environment, it’s the perfect escape from the noise of bigger cities. I’m so happy to know I have family here—a place I can visit whenever I want to stroll through quiet streets, soak up history, and catch up with loved ones.
If you’re ever in Coventry, I recommend stopping by the cathedral for a glimpse into its past, and don’t miss the local cafes and shops in the city center. Have you ever visited a place for family and ended up discovering something unexpected? Let me know in the comments!
Tata for now,
-xoxo
Mutanu
