What’s on in Coventry this month

An independent bookshop and cafe with overflowing bookshelves and large comfy sofas (well, what did you expect?). The Big Comfy Bookshop is all about bringing the local community together. Come along and hang out, or enjoy one of their events – Michael the owner puts on regular acoustic and poetry nights. 

Find yourself hurtled back to the Middle Ages at this living museum which includes a weaver’s cottage transformed to its 15th century reality (although we imagine they’ve not recreated the smells). It’s part of a row of six terraced houses in Coventry’s historic centre. Don’t forget to visit the medieval garden at the back of the house too.

Calling all musos – if you’ve not yet been to Coventry’s much-loved music museum what the hell have you been doing? Founded by local music historian Pete Chambers, this is a unique labour of love run by volunteers. Almost half of the museum is dedicated to 2 tone, the ska/punk genre which has its roots in the West Midlands. 

Escape Coventry’s urban bits with a visit to this former quarry covering an impressive 220 acres. Today it’s a European Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to an array of birdlife and animals (kingfishers, cuckoos, otters and visiting osprey). There are walking routes through the reserve, some on boardwalks and some wheelchair-accessible.