The Britannia Hotel - Local information

BRITANNIA HOTEL COVENTRY
Fairfax Street, Coventry CV1 5RP
http://www.britanniahotels.com/hotel_home.asp?page=83

Overview

The Britannia is in the centre of Coventry, near to the Cathedral. It can be easily reached by car - see below for information about parking for the convention.

The hotel is a short taxi ride, or 15 minute walk, from the railway station, and very close to the bus station. Birmingham International airport is a 20-30 minute rail journey.

Situated in the city centre, the hotel is a short walk from banks, a wide range of shops including a Co-op supermarket, and various restaurants, pubs and cafés in different price ranges. A small branch of Forbidden Planet is five minutes walk away. The city centre is largely pedestrianised. It can get a bit boisterous and crowded on a Saturday night.

Driving to the Britannia

Coventry is in the centre of England, about twenty miles east of Birmingham. It is close to the M1, M6, M40 and M42. Driving times are approximately one-and-a-half hours from London or Manchester, subject to traffic conditions.

If you follow road signs to the centre of Coventry from any direction you will reach the ring road, which closely skirts the city centre. The Britannia is easily and quickly reached from the ring road. The layout of the city centre is being reorganised at present; detailed local driving instructions and maps will be provided closer to the time of the convention.

The hotel does not provide normally provide parking for guests. However, we have negotiated free parking at the nearby Cox Street car park for Redemption members who are staying at the hotel; non-resident members will receive a discount from the normal rate. Further details of the arrangements will be provided closer to the time.

Arriving by rail

Coventry is just over an hour from London by rail, and the service is very regular (about twice an hour at normal times).

The train station is on the opposite side of the city centre from the hotel. It's less than a mile in distance but the walk is a bit onerous. A taxi ride would be inexpensive and a lot easier on your feet. As you leave the station there are plenty of taxis in the forecourt. Drivers will know the Britannia.

Travelling by air

Birmingham International airport has its own mainline train station, which is a short rail journey from Coventry Station. A Flightlink bus service from the airport stops opposite the hotel.

Coventry airport is only three miles from the hotel, a journey best taken by taxi. It is small but has some flights from Europe.

Travelling by bus or coach

The coach station is just across the road from the hotel, so this may be the simplest way to get to the convention. You may travel by coach to Coventry from most parts of England, though travel times can be longer than other methods.

Local attractions

Coventry was extensively bombed during the war. The ruins of the old cathedral have been preserved, near the famous modern cathedral which replaces it. This is worth a visit, and it's a couple of minutes from the hotel.

Kenilworth Castle is a romantic ruin, in a beautiful rural setting. It's about five miles from the hotel. Ideal setting for an outdoor stroll if you need some fresh air.

If you fancy a half-day trip while you are in the area, then Stratford-on-Avon is a tourist magnet, with good facilities and lovely riverside walks. It's about 15 miles from Coventry.