St John the Baptist Church, Coventry
Discover Coventry’s medieval gem, St John the Baptist Church, rich with royal history, Gothic architecture, and Civil War tales.
St John the Baptist Church in Coventry is a historic Anglican church founded in 1344 by Queen Isabella, widow of Edward II. Known for its medieval origins, royal patronage, and rich history including use as a prison during the English Civil War, it was restored as a parish church in 1734. The church features fine Perpendicular Gothic architecture, Victorian restorations by George Gilbert Scott, and intricate medieval carvings and stained glass.
A brief summary to St John the Baptist Church
- Fleet St, Coventry, CV1 3AY, GB
- +442476711687
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 10 am-12 am
- Sunday 10:30 am-1:15 am
Local tips
- Visit during quieter weekday mornings to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and detailed interior carvings.
- Take time to study the stained glass windows, especially those by C.E. Kempe and the WWI memorial window.
- Explore the church’s exterior to appreciate George Gilbert Scott’s Victorian restoration work.
- Look for the historical markers and plaques that tell the story of the church’s varied uses over centuries.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Coventry City Centre bus service from Coventry Railway Station, which runs frequently with a journey time of about 15-20 minutes. Buses stop near Fleet Street, within a short walk of the church. Single fares cost approximately £2-£3 GBP. Service frequency may reduce on weekends.
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Taxi
A taxi from Coventry Railway Station to St John the Baptist Church takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay between £8-£12 GBP. Taxis are readily available at the station and can be booked in advance.
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Walking
For those staying in Coventry city centre, the church is reachable on foot within 15-25 minutes via mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers but may be busy during peak hours.
St John the Baptist Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St John the Baptist Church
Medieval Origins and Royal Patronage
St John the Baptist Church was founded in 1344 by Queen Isabella, mother of Edward III and widow of Edward II, who granted land at Babbelak (now Bablake) to the Guild of St John the Baptist for a chapel. The east part of the church was consecrated in 1350. Royal patronage continued through Edward, the Black Prince, Isabella’s grandson, supporting the church’s expansion as Coventry prospered. By the late 14th and early 16th centuries, the college of priests increased in number, reflecting the church’s growing importance as a collegiate institution.Transformation and Turmoil through the Centuries
Following the Tudor Reformation and the dissolution of religious guilds, St John’s ceased regular worship by the mid-16th century. During the English Civil War in 1648, it was repurposed as a prison for Scottish Royalist soldiers captured at the Battle of Preston, giving rise to the phrase “sent to Coventry” due to the hostile treatment they received. The church was also used as stables, a dyer’s stretch yard, and a marketplace during this period of secular use, which inadvertently helped preserve the building.Restoration and Victorian Revival
In 1734, the church was restored and reestablished as a parish church. Significant Victorian restorations were undertaken in the mid to late 19th century by the renowned architect George Gilbert Scott, instigated by the energetic Rector George Cuffe. Scott’s work included adding battlemented parapets, exterior buttresses, and medieval-style interior fittings such as a pulpit and reredos. These restorations revived the church’s medieval character while introducing Victorian Gothic Revival elements.Architectural Features and Artistic Highlights
The church is an excellent example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, with a cruciform layout developed through various building phases. Notable features include 14th-century carvings on pillars and arcade arches, grotesques, and medieval alabaster carvings such as the Three Wise Men. The stained glass windows, including works by C.E. Kempe and Burlison & Grylls, depict religious scenes and memorials, including a poignant World War I memorial window.Historical Significance and Cultural Legacy
St John the Baptist Church stands as a testament to Coventry’s medieval heritage and its complex religious and social history. Its use as a prison during the Civil War and the phrase “sent to Coventry” link it to national history and folklore. The church survived damage from floods and wartime events, with ongoing restorations preserving its fabric and significance for future generations.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to St John’s can appreciate its tranquil yet evocative atmosphere, enhanced by the interplay of medieval stonework and Victorian craftsmanship. The church’s location on Fleet Street situates it within Coventry’s historic core, inviting exploration of its architectural details, stained glass artistry, and the stories embedded in its walls.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir Frank Whittle
0.5 km
Coventry's tribute to the jet engine pioneer who revolutionized aviation and transformed modern flight.
Council House
0.5 km
A majestic Edwardian Tudor Revival building at Coventry’s heart, blending civic function with rich historical symbolism and artistic heritage.
Bedworth Water Tower
7.9 km
A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.
Westmorland Drive
12.4 km
Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.
The Randolph Turpin Statue
15.0 km
Celebrate the legacy of British boxing champion Randolph Turpin with this striking bronze statue in Warwick’s historic Market Square.
Hob's Moat
18.7 km
Medieval moat and woodland escape preserving Solihull's Norman heritage
Earl Shilton Castle
23.6 km
Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.
Stratford Armouries
24.6 km
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Stratford-upon-Avon at Stratford Armouries, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours
25.6 km
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Digbeth Arena
25.9 km
Discover the heart of Birmingham's cultural scene at Digbeth Arena, a vibrant events venue for live music and artistic expression.
Factory Works
26.0 km
Discover Birmingham's Factory Works, a vibrant events venue in the historic Custard Factory, showcasing the best of local art and culture.
Custard Factory
26.1 km
Explore the Custard Factory - Birmingham's creative hub of art, culture, and unique shopping experiences.
Digbeth Art Space
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Discover the vibrant creativity at Digbeth Art Space, Birmingham's premier art gallery showcasing local talent and innovative exhibitions.
The Floodgate
26.2 km
Discover The Floodgate in Birmingham for a unique blend of drinks, indoor sports, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Digbeth Branch Canal
26.2 km
Discover the peaceful allure of Digbeth Branch Canal in Birmingham, a perfect spot for leisurely walks and vibrant street art amidst urban beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Belgrade Theatre
0.1 km
Britain's first post-war civic theatre, where modern architecture meets cultural ambition in Coventry's rebuilt city centre.
Coventry Market
0.2 km
Coventry Market: A historic and vibrant city centre market offering fresh produce, international flavors, and artisan goods since 1958.
Lady Godiva
0.3 km
Discover the iconic Lady Godiva statue in Coventry, a bronze tribute to courage, compassion, and the city’s resilient spirit.
Bull Yard
0.4 km
Bull Yard is Coventry’s vibrant pedestrian precinct blending post-war heritage with lively retail, dining, and cultural experiences in the city centre.
Old grammar school
0.4 km
Step into Coventry’s medieval past at the beautifully restored Old Grammar School, a heritage landmark beside the Transport Museum.
Fords Hospital Alms House
0.4 km
Discover Coventry’s beautifully preserved Tudor almshouse, a serene 16th-century timber-framed refuge with rich history and enduring charm.
Holy Trinity Coventry
0.4 km
Discover Coventry’s medieval marvel with its soaring spire, stunning Doom painting, and rich history preserved through centuries.
New Buildings
0.4 km
Discover Coventry’s New Buildings area, where modern architecture meets rich heritage in England’s vibrant West Midlands city.
Priory Visitor Centre
0.5 km
Explore Coventry’s medieval roots and the beautifully preserved priory Undercrofts at this vibrant city centre heritage hub.
Golden Cross
0.5 km
Discover the Golden Cross in Coventry, a charming pub offering a delightful gluten-free dining experience and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Coventry Transport Museum
0.5 km
Explore the world’s largest public collection of British vehicles and experience Coventry’s rich transport heritage up close.
Millennium Place
0.5 km
Explore Coventry’s rich automotive heritage and marvel at record-breaking vehicles in a vibrant city-centre museum at Millennium Place.
St Mary's Guildhall
0.5 km
Explore Coventry’s medieval jewel where kings ruled, queens were imprisoned, and history lives through stunning tapestries and grand halls.
Coventry Cathedral
0.6 km
Where medieval ruins meet modern art—a powerful symbol of war’s cost and the enduring hope for peace and reconciliation.
Lady Herbert's Gardens
0.6 km
A serene city-centre garden blending medieval heritage with floral beauty, created as a heartfelt memorial in 1930s Coventry.
Essential places to dine
Oak Room Restaurant
6.9 km
Award-winning fine dining in a historic 17th-century manor with classic British dishes, flambé specialties, and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
The Cross
7.8 km
Michelin-starred fine dining in a historic Kenilworth inn, blending classic British flavors with modern elegance and local ingredients.
The Quicken Tree
8.7 km
A cozy British restaurant in Coventry offering hearty meals, quirky decor, and a family-friendly atmosphere near scenic lakes and woodlands.
Saxon Mill Warwick
12.6 km
Historic riverside gastropub in Warwick blending traditional mill charm with modern British cuisine and scenic views.
La Coppola Ristorante & Oyster Bar
12.9 km
Authentic Italian and seafood dining in an elegant, welcoming setting at the heart of Leamington Spa’s Parade.
Hayashi Japanese Restaurant
13.0 km
Authentic Japanese flavors served fresh in a family-friendly, modern setting at the heart of Leamington Spa.
Oscars French Steakhouse and Bistro
13.0 km
Experience authentic French bistro charm and superb British steaks in the heart of Leamington Spa at Oscars French Steakhouse and Bistro.
Habano Restaurant & Wine Bar
13.1 km
A vibrant Pan-Latin dining experience with fresh Cuban and Spanish flavors, friendly service, and a lively wine bar in the heart of Leamington Spa.
The Star & Garter
13.1 km
A stylish gastropub in Leamington Spa blending traditional charm with modern dining and lively social vibes.
Giggling Squid - Leamington Spa
13.2 km
Experience vibrant Thai flavors and stylish sharing plates in the heart of Leamington Spa’s Royal Priors Shopping Centre.
Villa Capri Ristorante Italiano & Cocktail Lounge
13.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails in a vibrant Capri-inspired setting in the heart of Leamington Spa.
Côte Leamington Spa
13.3 km
Experience modern French cuisine and warm brasserie charm in the heart of Leamington Spa’s historic town centre.
The Stag at Offchurch
13.5 km
Historic 16th-century thatched pub offering refined British and European dining in the scenic village of Offchurch near Leamington Spa.
Eleven
13.8 km
An intimate, family-run French bistro in Leamington Spa offering classic dishes and warm hospitality in a cozy setting.
The Moorings at Myton
14.2 km
A charming canal-side gastropub in Royal Leamington Spa, serving locally sourced English classics in a family- and dog-friendly setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Warwickshire Shopping Park
5.7 km
Coventry's diverse shopping destination with major retailers, dining, and modern amenities.
Ropewalk Shopping Centre
12.9 km
A vibrant, accessible shopping hub in Nuneaton offering diverse stores, eateries, and community events in a modern indoor setting.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
13.0 km
Discover quirky gifts, creative homewares, and joyful party supplies at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Leamington Spa’s vibrant town centre.
Revolve
13.0 km
Discover exclusive ladies’ fashion and wedding wear with personalized service at Revolve, Leamington Spa’s stylish boutique on Warwick Street.
Life of Mou
13.2 km
Discover Life of Mou, a warm and curated slow fashion boutique blending vintage charm and sustainable style in Leamington Spa.
Collective Home Store
13.2 km
Discover unique home and lifestyle accessories in Leamington Spa’s eclectic Collective Home Store, where style meets quality and quirkiness.
Royal Priors Shopping Centre
13.2 km
Leamington Spa’s premier indoor shopping centre with spacious malls, diverse stores, and convenient access in the town’s historic heart.
Cotswold Trading - Leamington Spa
13.2 km
Discover stylish homewares and unique gifts at Cotswold Trading, Leamington Spa’s award-winning destination for curated, quirky collections.
Lilac Rose
13.2 km
Discover unique British fashion and accessories at Lilac Rose, Leamington Spa’s vibrant independent boutique with a curated, colourful collection.
Stone The Crows
13.3 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish homeware at Stone The Crows, a beloved Leamington Spa boutique known for unique finds and excellent service.
The Gift Company
14.4 km
Eclectic gifts and quality oak furniture blend tradition and style at Resorts World Birmingham’s vibrant gift shop.
Leamington Shopping Park
14.7 km
Discover a vibrant shopping destination with free parking, top brands, and a welcoming open-air environment in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa.
Cloud 9
14.7 km
Discover handcrafted fair trade treasures at Cloud 9, Warwick’s boutique for ethical gifts and global artisan crafts.
Browsers
14.7 km
Discover unique gifts and charming keepsakes in the heart of historic Warwick at Browsers, your cozy local gift shop on Smith Street.
Trinkets & Treasures Ltd
14.8 km
Discover unique gifts and charming homewares in Warwick’s welcoming boutique, perfect for every special occasion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Terrace Bar
4.5 km
A vibrant campus cocktail bar with scenic Piazza views, live music, and student events at the heart of University of Warwick nightlife.
The Clarendon Leamington Spa
12.9 km
Lively sports bar and pub in Leamington Spa with live games, craft beers, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The White Horse
12.9 km
A charming blend of historic character and modern comfort, The White Horse offers classic British pub fare and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Leamington Spa.
Bedford Street Bar
13.1 km
Lively grill and bar venue in Leamington Spa offering live jazz, classic British dishes, and a vibrant social atmosphere with heated outdoor seating.
The Fat Pug
13.1 km
Quirky and welcoming gastro pub in Leamington Spa serving hearty British dishes and lively drinks in a vibrant, eclectic setting.
The Royal Pug
13.2 km
A lively and welcoming pub in Leamington Spa with great food, drinks, live entertainment, and a charming garden setting.
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse & Grill
13.3 km
Eclectic brewhouse and grill in Leamington Spa offering craft beers, hearty pub fare, and a uniquely stylish atmosphere.
The Drawing Board
13.3 km
Eclectic gastropub with vintage comics, gourmet bar food, and award-winning craft beers in the heart of Leamington Spa.
The Boiler Room
13.7 km
An independent, quirky craft beer bar in Leamington Spa with artisan ales, lively music, and a cozy, intimate vibe.
The Micro Pug
14.1 km
A lively canal-side pub and coffee spot in Leamington Spa, blending great drinks, fresh food, and a buzzing social scene with scenic waterside charm.
The Wild Boar
14.2 km
A cozy Warwick pub blending traditional charm, hearty British fare, and well-kept real ales in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Black Pug
14.4 km
A historic Tudor pub in Warwick offering quirky charm, great drinks, dog-friendly warmth, and a lively beer garden atmosphere.
The Old Coffee Tavern
14.9 km
Charming historic pub and boutique hotel in Warwick’s Old Square, blending cosy style, excellent food, and comfortable rooms in a central location.
The Eagle
14.9 km
A cozy, quirky cellar micro pub in Warwick serving expertly curated real ales and craft beers in an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Rigsby's Cellar Bar
14.9 km
Cozy cellar charm meets heartfelt hospitality in Warwick’s intimate and quirky Rigsby's Cellar Bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Smack
12.9 km
Leamington Spa’s energetic and affordable two-floor nightclub with a storied past and a lively, if sometimes challenging, atmosphere.
Altoria Nightclub
13.1 km
Experience Leamington Spa’s vibrant nightlife at Altoria Nightclub with diverse music floors, VIP service, and a unique rooftop terrace open till 3 am.
Neon
13.8 km
Leamington Spa’s largest nightclub, Neon delivers vibrant music, themed nights, and a dynamic party atmosphere every Friday until dawn.
The Cavern
14.1 km
A vibrant night club in Warwick offering energetic music, lively dancing, and a social atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Disco Wonderland
25.8 km
Dive into Birmingham's dazzling disco haven, where retro beats, neon lights, and endless energy light up Deritend's nightlife.
VOID Nightclub
25.9 km
Dive into Digbeth's underground heartbeat at VOID Nightclub, where marathon raves and thunderous bass fuel Birmingham's rawest nightlife from dusk till dawn.
The Night Owl
25.9 km
A cozy Digbeth venue where soulful retro beats and friendly vibes create unforgettable nights for all music lovers.
Quantum Vnues
26.0 km
Dive into Digbeth's beating heart: Quantum Venues delivers electrifying nights of music, lights, and unbridled energy in Birmingham's creative core.
Next Door & Spotlight
26.0 km
Two adjoining Digbeth nightspots — a pulse-driven DJ room and an intimate bar space with street-food pop-ups and a raw, industrial vibe.
Club PST
26.1 km
Compact, bass-driven Digbeth club with reggae roots, stacked rooms and late-night underground parties.
Sector 57
26.2 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at Sector 57, where eclectic music and electric vibes create unforgettable nights in Deritend.
suki10c
26.4 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
Nightingale Club
26.8 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
Sobar
26.8 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Bambu Nightclub
26.9 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
