Cheap family days out in Coventry 2022
Has the rising cost of living left you wondering how to entertain your family this summer?
Are you looking for fun things to do in Coventry that don’t cost a fortune?
Keep reading because we’ve put together three ideas for family days out in Coventry that won’t break the bank.
Fun things to do in Coventry — for less
By using some of these low-cost local ideas, you could save money towards your living costs or stretch your holiday budget.
1. Coventry city centre museums
If it’s a wet day and you’re looking for indoor activities, Coventry has two fascinating museums within a short walking distance of each other.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has something for everyone. From fascinating archaeological relics and natural history exhibits to modern art and sculpture.
The gallery also hosts travelling exhibitions, so there’s always something new and interesting to see.
Check the website for upcoming special events, which include play days, storytelling and a range of exciting workshops to keep your little ones entertained.
Opening times
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 4.00pm. Sunday: 12.00pm to 4.00pm.
Parking and charges
There’s no parking on site, but you’ll find several pay and display car parks within easy walking distance.
Entry to the art gallery and museum is free, but for some exhibitions you may need to book tickets in advance. Check the website before your visit.
Special events and workshops must be booked in advance. These sessions are priced individually, so check the web page for details.
How to get there
Plan your journey on public transport by entering your postcodes on the Traveline website.
The postcode for Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is CV1 5QP.
Links
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum website.
What’s on at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Coventry Transport Museum has the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles anywhere in the world. There are 14 galleries to explore, showcasing some of the most interesting and exciting vehicles from the last 200 years — including the world’s two fastest cars.
The museum also hosts a range of events and workshops for children to inspire the next generation of engineers and planners.
Opening times
Daily: 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Last admission is at 3.00pm — because there’s lots to see and you need to allow enough time!
Parking and charges
There’s no parking on site, but you’ll find the Bishop Street pay and display car park behind the museum. The entrance to this car park is on Silver Street.
There is a charge to enter this museum, but tickets are valid for 365 days and you can visit as many times as you like during that time.
You’ll find the latest ticket prices on the website.
How to get there
Plan your journey on public transport by entering your postcodes on the Traveline website.
The postcode for Coventry Transport Museum is CV1 1JD.
Links
Coventry Transport Museum website.
What’s on at Coventry Transport Museum.
2. Walking tours
These walking tours are self guided using a smartphone app. The treasure hunt and scavenger hunt add a fun twist that will keep the kids entertained.
Coventry Hidden Gems – self-guided tour and treasure hunt
The Hidden Gems tour takes you on a self-guided tour and treasure hunt around Coventry. The tour is fun for all ages and great way to explore the lesser known parts of the city.
The tour is guided by GPS and you’ll need to download a smartphone app to take part.
Timings
The tour takes four hours and you’ll need to book a slot in advance.
Charges
You’ll need to pay for transport to the city centre — and for parking if you drive.
The tour itself costs £15 for a group of up 10 people sharing one device.
How to get there
All instructions are included in the app.
Links
Coventry Hidden Gems Tripadvisor page.
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Coventry
This digital scavenger hunt takes you on a fun walking adventure around Coventry.
To take part you’ll need to solve clues, find all the objects on your list and do fun challenges to earn points.
The tour requires a smartphone app and includes support from an interactive remote host you can message via chat.
Timings
The tour takes around two hours and you’ll need to book in advance.
Charges
You’ll need to pay for transport to and from the city centre and parking if you drive.
The tour costs from £8 per adult.
How to get there
All instructions are included in the app.
Links
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Coventry Tripadvisor page.
3. Parks and nature
Public parks are a great way to get outdoors. Go for a walk, play outside and enjoy nature.
Tocil Wood Nature Reserve
This ancient wood is at least 400 years old and has a mix of oak, sycamore, ash, hazel, elder and rowan trees. The trees provide plenty of shade, which could be welcome on a hot sunny day.
There are numerous paths to walk — and the terrain is flat but some areas can be muddy.
If you enjoy wildlife spotting, you might like to know that the nature reserve is home to more than 60 different species of birds. Stoats and weasels have also been seen here.
Opening times
The nature reserve is always open.
Parking and charges
There is no parking at the site. The closest car park is at Coventry University and there will be a charge.
The nature reserve is free to enter.
How to get there
Plan your journey on public transport by entering your postcodes on the Traveline website.
The postcode for Tocil Wood Nature Reserve is CV4 7AJ.
Links
Tocil Wood Nature Reserve web page.
War Memorial Park
War Memorial Park is a family friendly park just south of Coventry city centre. The park has lots of green space for walking, playing and picnicking.
Walk through themed gardens and see the ornamental rockery, visit the birds in the park’s aviary and have fun in the children’s play area. Kids can also enjoy Splash & Play, when available — check the website.
Just across the road is the Jungle Walk, where you can walk in the shade of the tall trees.
Opening times
The park is open 24/7 all year round, but some facilities have limited opening so check the website before your visit.
Parking and charges
Parking can be found on Kenilworth Road, Leamington Road and Coat of Arms Bridge Road.
These car parks are open from 6.00am to 10.00pm, unless otherwise stated, and the first three hours are free of charge.
How to get there
Plan your journey on public transport by entering your postcodes on the Traveline website.
The postcode for War Memorial Park is CV3 6PT.
Links
Allesley Park
Allesley Park is a public park just to the west of Coventry city centre.
The park has lots of green space for playing and picnicking, plus family friendly facilities including crazy golf, a fairy garden, and a children’s play area.
The tarmac footpath takes you on a 1.1-mile walk through the trees and gardens.
Opening times
The park and car park: 7.00am to 8.00pm.
Crazy Golf: 9.30am to 4:00pm (last club hire 3.30pm)
Toilets: 8.45am to 4.30pm.
Parking and charges
The car park and park entry are free.
Crazy golf is £3.00 per person.
How to get there
Plan your journey on public transport by entering your postcodes on the Traveline website.
The postcode for Allesley Park is CV5 9AD.
Links
Additional money-saving tips
Pack a picnic
Picnics outside in the sunshine are fun — even if it’s in your own garden, at a friend’s house or at the local park.
And if you’re heading out, taking your own food and drinks can be much cheaper than buying food from a café or van.
Save on public transport
If you’re taking the bus, ask the driver about family tickets and saver options that could save you money.
Buy treats in bulk
For example, buying a box of ice-creams from a supermarket on your day out is cheaper than buying individual ice-creams from an ice-cream van.
Looking for more ways to save money?
Clockwise Credit Union has a range of products and resources to help you save money, manage your money and find help with the cost of living crisis.
To find out more, visit our website or call the team on 0330 1755 792 (9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday).
