You have the freedom to experience history and culture in the heart of England when you hire a car in Coventry. The city centre has many top attractions, including the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, a medieval weaver’s house and all the charming colours of Lady Herbert’s Garden.

The shiny new Friargate business district is spread through 37 acres within the Coventry Ring Road, meanwhile. In this part of town, there is a mixture of smoothly paved roads and quaint, historic Old Town lanes.

There are several more important business centres spread along the A45 Coventry Eastern Bypass – a road that also leads past parks and golf courses to the University of Warwick.

The advanced road system makes it simple to skirt from Coventry Airport in the south to the parkland on the northern frontiers. The A4114 and A444 provide simple links from suburban motorways into the heart of town.

If you plan to use the Coventry Ring Road, it is important to bear in mind that you are supposed to keep in the right-hand/outside lane if you do not require the next exit, so that other motorists can join the ring road. The maximum legal speed limit is 40mph and undertaking is strictly prohibited.

Coventry has plenty of parking, with short stay parks close to main shopping hubs, long-stay options close to business areas, and numerous other pay and display car parks around the city.

If you’re planning on taking a day trip to the exquisite Elizabethan gardens around Kenilworth Castle, follow the A429 south for around 15-20 minutes.

Coventry’s central location and superior motorway links make it a great place to begin a trip too, with Birmingham, London, Nottingham and the north all well connected to it.

Coventry is at once metropolitan and historic – and the perfect place for a weekend away, business trip or Midlands adventure. Here are just some of the top things to do.

Embrace life on wheels

You’ll already be travelling in style with your hire car, so why not continue with the theme? If you can’t get enough of stunning cars, sleek motorcycles and luxury locomotives, head to Coventry Transport Museum or the National Motorcycle Museum.

Coventry is world famous as the birthplace of the British car industry. It also played a crucial role in the invention of the bicycle, so it’s a great place to learn about your favourite modes of transport.

The Coventry Transport Museum is the city’s most-visited attraction, housing many incredible vehicles from as far back as 150 years ago. There are plenty of thrills to experience alongside the installations, including engineering contests and the exhilarating 4D Land Speed Record Simulator.

The National Motorcycle Museum is a short drive out of town, close to a string of West Midlands golf clubs. If you or a loved one has a passion for powerful bikes, this place could make a great addition to your afternoon.

Learn about local history

Coventry Cathedral is one of the most iconic local landmarks, and its open-air structure tells the story of its devastation during the Second World War. Today the memorial space moonlights as a cultural venue, showing open-air films and theatre productions during the summer.

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, meanwhile, is a great place to explore the local arts scene. Here you can step into science, modern art or explore the city’s industrial history. There is even an archaeology department for those wishing to step even further back.

Beyond the city’s core museum, there are several specialised centres. The Coventry Music Museum is a melodic menagerie of local sounds, while the Coventry Watch Museum provides an intimate look at one of this city’s most important industries. The building is said to be haunted – and the museum even occasionally opens for night stays.

Once a medieval fortress and later a luscious Elizabethan garden, enchanting Kenilworth Castle is also well worth travelling to. You’ll be able to park up to explore the setting of Walter Scott’s famous 1821 romance novel of the same name, including the luscious lakes and regal gardens.

Escape to the parks

Coventry may have a reputation as a vibrant cityscape, but its collection of natural spots are also worth seeing.

Ryton Pools Country Park is a great place to explore or stroll around huge lakes – the largest spans 10 acres. If you prefer something family-friendly and educational, however, the War Memorial Park houses twelve football pitches and an incredible play area for children.

Rent a car in Coventry to discover peace and tranquillity or metropolitan charm through all the fantastic sights, and beyond.