Experience the best of Coventry

Coventry stands in the West Midlands of England, a city that grew rich on the wool trade in the Middle Ages and later on cycles, watches and cars. On the night of 14 November 1940 German bombing destroyed most of the medieval cathedral and much of the centre. The ruined walls and tower of the old cathedral were left standing beside the new cathedral designed by Basil Spence, consecrated in 1962, which holds Graham Sutherland's huge woven Christ in Glory and a glass window by John Piper.

The old city survives in places: Spon Street keeps timber-framed medieval houses, and St Mary's Guildhall dates from the fourteenth century. The legend of Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the streets in protest at taxes, is remembered by a statue in Broadgate. The Coventry Transport Museum has a large collection of British-made vehicles, including the record-breaking cars Thrust2 and ThrustSSC. Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon are all close by.

Coventry godcakes, triangular pastries filled with mincemeat, were once given by godparents at New Year, and the city's large South Asian community has brought many curry houses. The weather is mild, drier than the west of Britain.