Godiva's Cathedral Quarter Walk

4.9 (20 reviews) 2 h 10 min Free cancellation

out of 5

20 reviews

4.9

Godiva's Cathedral Quarter Walk — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Godiva's Cathedral Quarter Walk, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Stroll the historical epicentre of Godiva's Coventry and learn about years of kings, queens, cathedrals, and castles on this walking tour.

Highlights include:

The legend of Godiva, her historical significance and why there may have been an agenda to whitewash her from history.

The loss of St Marys Cathedral in the dissolution of the Monasteries and how that changed Coventry forever.

Moonlight Sonata, the Blitz of the 14th of November 1940 and what authorities really knew before the attack.

The crucial part that Coventry was meant to play in the Gunpowder Plot.

The legacies of international peace and reconciliation which followed the destruction and rebuilding of St Michaels Cathedrals.

Six different theories as to where the name ‘Coventry’ came from.

Why Coventry has actually been a city forever, since “Time Immemorial”.

The short-lived history of Coventry Castle.

The story of the two time capsules of Coventry; St Marys Guildhall and Drapers Hall.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Seasonal Small Group Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 10 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English
Operated by: Sky Blue City Walks

Ages: Children (8–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: A guided historical walk

Itinerary

Lady Godiva Statue

15 min

While you might know about the 1000 year old legend of Lady Godiva, the woman behind the most famous tax protest in history, what do you know about he woman herself?
Golden Cross

10 min Admission not included

On Pepper Lane outside the Golden Cross your guide will explain the truth about the building which claims to be the oldest pub in Coventry, the literal treasure hunt which the streets are paved with and what sued to happen on those very cobbles.

Nearby, a mural will help explain some of the theories as where the name 'Coventry' comes from.
St. Mary's Guildhall

10 min Admission not included

See the outside of the Guildhall, a medieval time capsule and the last remaining part of Coventry Castle
Council House

10 min Admission not included

In front of the gothic council house, hear why Coventry has been a city since the beginning of time!
Drapers Hall

5 min Admission not included

Outside Drapers Hall, your guide will tell you about the 'Great Drapery' and why Coventry became an international trading centre as long ago as the twelfth century
Coventry Cathedral

25 min

See the ruined cathedral church of St Michael as your guide tells the tale of its' destruction in the 'Moonlight Sonata' air raid of Coventry during World War II. You'll also see Sir Basil Spences modern cathedral, with both structures being monuments to international peace and reconciliation.

Tours normally include a quick look inside the modern cathedral building, with a longer while spend inside the ruins, but on occasion, events take place in the Cathedrals which will mean entry is not possible.
Holy Trinity Church

5 min Admission not included

Your guide will talk briefly about the history of the 12th century church.
Priory Visitor Centre

15 min

Overlooking the ruins of Coventry's Original St Mary's Cathedral, you'll hear about it's beginnings with St Osburg, through the time of Godiva and Leofric and when it became a cathedral.

Then downstairs on the floor of what was one of -if not the- richest cathedrals you'll be told about some of the times when it was this country's parliament, and of course why, due to Henry VIII, it's not there any more.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is in Broadgate, between the statue and the clock. However, occasionally there are events or stalls in Broadgate. When this happens the meeting place will be under the clock on the south wall. Either way, just look for the man with the Sky Blue top hat, tailcoat and flag.

End point

The meeting point is in Broadgate, between the statue and the clock. However, occasionally there are events or stalls in Broadgate. When this happens the meeting place will be under the clock on the south wall. Either way, just look for the man with the Sky Blue top hat, tailcoat and flag.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The walk is just under a miles and should take two hours and ten minutes. It is mostly flat with some inclines and ramps and several areas of cobbled streets.