Coventry is a place of striking architectural contrasts where different historical periods collide. This is well known in the city centre where medieval timber framed buildings rub shoulders with Brutalist monoliths, but it’s also true in some of the less visited areas outside of the ring road. The area surrounding Charterhouse just southeast of the city centre is a case in point: a landscape of monuments both ancient and modern where layers of history pile up and overlap.
Charterhouse itself is a recently restored 14th Century monastery and just over the road is a Victorian “garden cemetery” and arboretum built on the site of a former quarry. In stark contrast to these is the hyper-modern Technology Park with its pristine lawns and the colossal waste disposal centre with its belching chimney. Residential estates occupy the sites of former car factories and a Victorian viaduct stands ignored in the woodland.
The landscape tells the story of a rapidly expanding city with ever evolving land requirements. Snaking its way through the confusion is the River Sherbourne and an intriguing network of woodland pathways and tunnels; portals between the different worlds. It’s rich pickings for urban walkers and it’s in this spirit of curiosity that you are invited to come and experience a different side of Coventry.
Walkspace members Adele Mary Reed and Andy Howlett have devised some creative walking prompts to guide the group’s exploration of this fascinating area. The prompts will draw attention to the changing ambiences and unexpected juxtapositions by focusing on different senses and breaking out of our habitual ways of walking.
Meet at Coventry Train Station’s Visitors Centre at 13:30 on Saturday 28th September. The distance is approximately 3 miles and we’ll finish up at the Anglican Chapel for refreshments in London Road Cemetery at roughly 15:30.This is a ticketed event commissioned by Historic Coventry Trust. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under 18s. Walkspace members get a 50% discount (contact Andy or Adele for discount code). Ticket price includes juice, biscuits and hot drinks at the end.
The terrain will be pavement, lawn and woodland with some uneven paths and moderate inclines. Steps will be avoided. This event is suitable for age 12+. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Toilets are available in Coventry Station at the start of the walk and the Anglican Chapel at the end.
Walkspace 