Overview
The landscape around Charterhouse includes green fields, woodland, the River Sherbourne, a disused historic railway line the Grade II listed Sherbourne Viaduct.
The area provides a green lung for the city, a home for local wildlife, a much-loved area for dog walking and, in winter, some of the best sledging slopes in Coventry! It also incorporates 19th century Paxton’s Arboretum and our recently restored Anglican Chapel, which is available for hire.
Wildlife in the park
The Heritage Park is home to a surprising variety of wildlife. The river is populated by moorhens, mallards, little egrets, heron, grey wagtails, kingfishers, dragonflies and damselflies. Roaming the landscape are muntjac deer, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and rabbits. In the air, there are at least three different kinds of bat, as well as swifts, pheasants, buzzards, sparrowhawks, kestrels, pied and grey wagtails, woodpeckers, and many butterfly species.
Sherbourne Viaduct
The viaduct was designed by Robert Stephenson in 1837 as part of the world’s first major inter-city railway.
Opened in 1838, the bridge carries the Birmingham Loop Line across the river and into Coventry.
The viaduct was designated Grade II listed status in 2015, for its historical significance as a ‘skilful handling of the challenge of crossing the River Sherbourne’, and as the work of Stephenson, one of the country’s most venerated engineers.
It now forms part of the Charterhouse Heritage Park, framed by the urban green space.
With support from Severn Trent Community Fund and Coventry City Council, Historic Coventry Trust started work in 2022 to create a new cycle and pedestrian path along the former railway goods line (the Loop Line), linking Charterhouse and Gosford Green. Click here for more information about the ongoing work.
What's on at Charterhouse Heritage Park
What a Wonderful World – Sounds Historical
Sounds Historical return to the Anglican Chapel with a programme that explores aspects of early modern life which people found wonderful and awe-inspiring.
Generously supported by Continuo Foundation
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An evening of ghost stories
Join Behind the Door Productions for ‘An Evening of ‘Ghost Stories’ – Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story ‘The Signlaman’ followed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Lot no.249’
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Wild Woods Brew, 22 Oct 2026
Let your imagination run wild as you are transported deep into the heart of the dark forest.
Folktales from across these islands, drawing on the magic and folklore of the forest, are woven together with original music and conversation about Autumn herbs and folklore.
Words and Stories Pyn Stockman with a live musical score of haunting wind music by Kate Luxmoore and warming teas from the woods by medical herbalist Arlene Burnett.
Hallowe’en Horror – Adam Wood
Join historian Adam Wood at Halloween for real-life tales of terror from the Coventry of long ago, when old stories of ghosts, ghouls and gruesome death abound.
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Sherlock’s Christmas case book
Take a trip to Baker Street and start Christmas with the famed detective
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Anglican Chapel Open Day and Cemetery Tour, 22 Nov 2026
- Coventry Family History Society will be in the Anglican Chapel
- 11.30am – cemetery tour – ‘Becoming George Eliot – How Coventry shaped Mary Ann Evans’
Oxygene – played by Mark Jenkins
Mark Jenkins returns to the Anglican Chapel to perform Jean Michel Jarre’s album ‘Oxygene’ in its entirety. This is the performance that was postponed from 30 May 2026
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A Christmas Carol
Join Behind the Door Productions for this Christmas classic.
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The Listener
NeuNoir theatre presents, The Listener, a chilling tale by one of the 20th century’s greatest supernatural storytellers, Algernon Blackwood.
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Christmas concert 19 December
The Sherbourne Singers will perform traditional Christmas carols.
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Podcast Series
Download and listen in the recently restored London Road Cemetery: Paxton’s Arboretum. Enjoy a gentle meander through the landscape uncovering the fascinating heritage stories.
Approx. 20 mins each, wheelchair accessible, outdoors, all weather
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Dracula
One man adaptation by Don’t go into the Cellar theatre group
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Pulstar – Live – a tribute to Vangelis
An immersive sound and light show at the Anglican Chapel
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Greg Abate Trio, 8 July 2027
From the USA one of America’s very best contemporary alto saxophonists – Greg Abate
Accompanied by local musicians Tim Amann (keyboard) and Tom Marsh (bass)
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Find us
Parking
Visitors arriving by car should park in the Charterhouse car park.
Volunteer
If you’d like to get involved in the protection and restoration of the Charterhouse Heritage Park and the transformation of the loop line, come and volunteer with us.
Stay with us
Stay in some of the West Midlands’ most important historic buildings nearby. Stay in a fairy-tale medieval gatehouse, or one of four gorgeous timber-framed cottages.
Contact Us
To contact the team at Historic Coventry Trust please fill in the contact form below.