Things to do near CBS Arena 2026: Seven of the best local attractions for every type of fan

There isn’t an awful lot to see immediately around the Coventry Building Society Arena, with the stadium’s location on the outskirts of Coventry meaning most of the city’s main attractions require a short journey.

There is one obvious option on the doorstep for those who fancy a flutter, while travelling into Coventry city centre opens up a much wider choice of historic landmarks, museums, theatres and family-friendly activities.

Whether you are arriving early for a Coventry City match, bringing the family or making a weekend of your trip to the CBS Arena, there are plenty of options once you venture into the city.

FootballGroundGuide takes a look at seven of the best things to do near the CBS Arena in 2026.

1. Explore Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and combines medieval history with a remarkable story of post-war reconstruction.

The original 14th-century Gothic St Michael's Cathedral was destroyed during the Second World War on 14 November 1940. Rather than being rebuilt, the ruins were preserved as a memorial, allowing visitors to walk through the remains of the nave and see the surviving window tracery.

The cathedral tower is the largest surviving part of the medieval building and remains a working bell tower. A visitor information centre can be found on the ground floor, while the tower can also be climbed for £4.

Next door, the striking new cathedral was designed by Basil Spence and consecrated in 1962. It has since been voted the UK's favourite 20th-century monument, making the site one of Coventry's essential attractions.

Location: Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5AB

2. Visit St Mary's Guildhall

St Mary's Guildhall offers another fascinating glimpse into Coventry's medieval past and is one of the city's most important historic buildings.

Built during the 1340s before being enlarged towards the end of the century, the guildhall was originally the headquarters of the influential St Mary's Guild and later became home to a united collection of guilds.

Following their suppression under Henry VIII in the 16th century, Coventry's mayor and corporation moved into the building, remaining there until the 20th century.

For football fans interested in seeing more of Coventry beyond the CBS Arena, it is an easy way to combine a matchday trip with some of the city's history.

Location: Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN

3. Discover the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Known locally as The Herbert, this city-centre museum and art gallery has something for visitors of all ages.

Its collections cover visual arts, archaeology, natural history and social history, with the British Life and Landscapes exhibition featuring works by major 20th-century English artists including Paul Nash, L. S. Lowry, Stanley Spencer and David Bomberg.

One of the highlights is Lady Godiva by Pre-Raphaelite artist John Collier, an especially fitting work given Coventry's famous association with the legendary figure.

Families can also look out for Dippy the Dinosaur, while the museum's varied exhibitions make it a good option if the weather is less than ideal on matchday.

Location: Jordan Well, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5QP

4. Make a splash at The Wave

If you are visiting Coventry with children, The Wave is an excellent option for filling a few hours before or after a trip to the CBS Arena.

The city-centre waterpark features a selection of slides alongside a wave pool and lazy river, providing plenty of entertainment for families and visitors looking for something a little more active.

It is particularly useful as a matchday weekend option, giving families another attraction to combine with watching Coventry City.

Location: New Union Street, Coventry, CV1 2PS

5. Explore FarGo Village

FarGo Village is one of Coventry's more unusual attractions and is ideal for visitors who prefer independent shops, street food and creative spaces to traditional tourist attractions.

A former industrial area east of Coventry University has been transformed since 2014 into a hub for young and independent businesses. Repurposed warehouses and the surrounding alleys are now home to vintage clothing shops, graphic design and animation studios, candle-makers, a micro-brewery and pub and a vegan cafe.

It is a good place to wander around at your own pace and offers something rather different from Coventry's historic attractions.

Location: Whitefriars Lane, Coventry, CV1 2DS

6. Catch a show at the Belgrade Theatre

Football trips do not always have to revolve around the 90 minutes on the pitch, and the Belgrade Theatre provides an opportunity to take in a performance during a longer stay in Coventry.

The theatre stages a wide variety of productions and performances, including shows that have also enjoyed successful West End runs.

Situated in the city centre, it can easily be combined with a meal or drinks before making your way back towards the CBS Arena.

Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GS

7. Take to the skies with a flight simulator

For something completely different, aviation fans can experience the thrill of flying at Flight Simulator Motion, part of Infinity Airline Training at Coventry Airport.

Visitors can step into professional motion flight simulators of the type normally used by airline pilots and experience realistic flying conditions without needing any previous experience.

Expert airline pilot instructors guide participants through the controls, helping them get to grips with the simulator while enjoying an immersive flight experience.

It is an unusual addition to a Coventry football weekend and particularly well suited to anyone looking for an attraction away from the usual city-centre museums and landmarks.

Location: Airpark Flight Centre, Rowley Road, Infinity Airline Training, Coventry, CV3 4FR