The Jigsaw of History Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

This tour zig-zags through the city centre away from the cathedrals, and takes participants on a walk through a city which has kept making history by inventing the future. It’s a history that fits together like a jigsaw, come and explore it with us.

Highlights include:

The industrial booms which saw Coventry as the centre of weaving, watch making, bikes and cars.

The most complete part of the City Wall, and learn where the Civil War really started.

The Royal Palace in the city centre where the King and Queen stayed when Coventry was the capital of England.

The story of the inventors who brought us the bicycle and the jet engine.

Different theories as to where the phrase “Sent to Coventry” came from.

Explanations and information about of dozens of artworks around the city centre.

Details of the rich cultural history of Coventry.

Stories of the Phoenix City, the 'City of Tomorrow', risen from the ashes of the Blitz.

Additional Info

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

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The walk is just over two miles and should take two hours and forty-five minutes. It is mostly flat with some inclines and ramps and one small area of cobbles.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

A guided historical walk with a local guide.

What To Expect

Lady Godiva Statue

We start off the tour Broadgate around Godiva's Statue, at the heart of the 'City of Tomorrow', Donald Gibson's masterplan for the post-war reconstruction of Coventry.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

At the last surviving former ribbon weaving factory in the City Centre, hear about the rise and fall of this industry, next to the surviving wall of the original Coventry Cathedral; St Mary's.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Jigsaw of History Tour

Reviews

4.83

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

City Tour
rubbinghouse,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great way to start a trip to Coventry. Guide knew so much about pre and post war events and clearly loved the place that he lived. Highly recommend.
Knowledgable and interesting stories. Better description of the meeting location will be great
Ariane K,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Weather was not great - nice of the guide to offer us a City Walk tour instead. The guide was obviously very knowledgeable about the subject and being a local helps. Proud to tell the tales and stories. Only feedback - he needs to update the meeting location to have a better description for strangers/ tourist like us, instead of a location PIN. The meeting location is actually next to the Godiva statue in a Sqaure - that would be a better description.
Parts of Coventry you did not know!
Tony N,
May 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
I thought I knew Coventry but this tour introduced me to a lot more history and information which was very interesting and very well presented. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining.
Brilliant
Evie D,
Apr 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great time on our tour of Coventry even tho we live not far , their was allot of great information learnt. Our tour guide was funny and joyful which made this to very enjoyable I would definitely recommend !
Fabulous Tour
133willyf,
Feb 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Was a brilliant tour, Joe are tour guide was very informative full of information about Coventrys history and also very funny. Was very entertaining. Thank you.
Amazing Knowledge told with great humour
Lynn W,
May 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant tour - Joe had an amazing spiel and all those facts, figures, dates, information just came rippling out in a really fun and informative way. He poked fun at himself, Coventry Council and highlighted features that locals haven't noticed either. A really really good tour of the city. Thanks Joe!