City Gates Heritage Open Days

Despite their prominent location and significance in Coventry’s history, Swanswell and Cook Street Gates have remained closed to the public for many years. Recently refurbished as bespoke quality visitor accommodation, this heritage open day offers a look at the medieval gatehouses following their recent transformation into holiday accommodation and reintroduction into the cultural life of the city.  

The gates are the only two surviving 14th century gatehouses of an original twelve that once punctuated Coventry’s medieval city wall. Today, Swanswell Gate and Cook Street Gate stand in the city centre, separated by one of the last surviving sections of medieval city wall and surrounded by Lady Herbert’s Garden. The gates are Grade I listed and have recently been brought back into use by Historic Coventry Trust. Both buildings have been fully restored and removed from the ‘Heritage At Risk’ register, with each gate being adapted into unique holiday accommodation. The gates stand as a monument to Coventry’s fascinating heritage and their rejuvenation will provide an exciting new way to experience the city.  

On Sunday 16 September, self-guided tours incorporating Cook Street Gate, Swanswell Gate and Lady Herbert’s Garden will be running throughout the day. 

Visitors are advised that due to the historic nature of the buildings that ceilings are low, and footing is uneven in places. Those with reduced mobility are advised that multiple sets of steep steps are required to access these buildings.

Swanswell and Cook Street Gate are at either end of Lady Herbert’s Garden in the centre of Coventry. Swanswell Gate is visible from Millennium Square, by Coventry Transport Museum.