Coventry is one of the largest cities in the West Midlands and is a major educational centre within the UK, with three established universities. It was awarded the UK’s City of Culture in 2021, with a great amount of investment being put into its arts and culture scene in recent years.
Situated on the banks of the River Sherbourne, Coventry has a history dating back as far as the Saxons. The city became an important centre for the textile industry during the Middle Ages and a home for the bicycle and motor industries from the 19th century onwards.
Coventry offers both historical and modern cultural attractions for visitors. Anyone planning on exploring the city must be aware of the incoming UK ETA for Coventry. Here is some information on the city, as well as the new ETA requirements, to ensure that all visitors to Coventry are aware of the UK’s entry conditions.
The History of Coventry
Early History
The exact beginnings of what became the city of Coventry are still shrouded in mystery. Many settlements were established in the Forest of Arden during Celtic and Roman times. However, the first settlement that would become Coventry was established with the founding of a Saxon nunnery by St. Osburga around 700 CE.
After the nunnery was sacked by Danish invaders in 1016, a Benedictine monastery was founded on the site in 1043 by Leofric, Earl of Mercia and his wife Godgifu, who was commonly known as Godiva. Legend has it that she once rode unclothed through town to protest against unfair taxation. The monastery of St. Mary became a priory and cathedral in 1102 after Bishop Robert de Limesey moved his See there in 1095, further elevating the town’s profile.
From Medieval Times to Today
While the relocation of the See of the Bishop to Coventry increased the city’s prominence in medieval England, the establishment of the town as a major centre for trade brought it the most growth and prosperity. In 1345, Coventry had grown considerably and was granted the Royal Charter of Incorporation by Edward III, officially giving it the status of a city. By the mid-15th century, the city had become a major centre for the woollen textile industry, thanks to its surrounding grazing lands being suitable for sheep farming and subsequent wool production.
By the 18th century, Coventry’s textile industries included silk weaving, which had been brought over by Huguenot refugees fleeing persecution in Europe. Watchmaking became one of Coventry’s next major industries, particularly in the 19th century, when the city became one of the main centres for the watch and clock-making industries in the UK. The silk weaving trade collapsed in 1860 but was soon replaced by bicycle manufacturing in 1868, which had expanded into motorcycle and automobile manufacturing by the end of the 19th century.
Coventry was devastated by air raids during the Second World War, and much of the original city was destroyed between 1940 and 1941. However, the city was able to rebuild and made a return to its former state by the 1960s. Manufacturing and engineering remain major industries in Coventry, along with textiles and telecommunications. The city has also become a major centre for education, with three universities. Now, it has seen recent urban regeneration, leading to it being awarded the UK’s City of Culture award in 2021.
Things to See in Coventry
Coventry Cathedral
While the original cathedral was mostly destroyed in 1940, a new building incorporating elements of the old church was completed in 1962. Visitors can see historical artefacts mixed with contemporary design and learn what life was like during the air raids in the on-site Blitz Museum. Visitors can also view the surrounding countryside from the top of the Cathedral Tower.
Coombe Country Park
Situated on the grounds of a former monastery turned five-star hotel, Coombe Country Park offers visitors 500 acres of parkland. Visitors to the park can explore the park’s various gardens, woodland walks and wildlife conservation areas. Coombe Abbey Hotel itself is also a popular choice for dining, and it has been voted as one of the top 30 places in the UK for Afternoon Tea.
FarGo Village
Part of the city’s urban regeneration project, FarGo Village is a repurposed industrial building that has been turned into a series of art galleries, boutique stores and artisan food outlets. FarGo Village also features the work of local street artists, plus festivals and events, such as live music.
Weather in Coventry
Coventry has an oceanic climate and has cold, wet winters with mild and slightly wet summers. January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 4.5° C, while July is the warmest, averaging a high of 17.3° C. The most popular months to visit, temperature-wise, are between May and September.
Getting to Coventry
There are several options for getting to Coventry. The city is on the West Coast Main Line, and you can reach Coventry by train in just an hour from London. If arriving by plane, the closest airport is Birmingham Airport, and you can take the train directly from Birmingham International station to Coventry station. The M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40, M42, M69, A45 and A46 all offer routes in and out of the city if arriving by car.
Details on the UK ETA for Coventry
As part of its new border and immigration system, the UK government is introducing a new process for border entry into the UK. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is based on similar systems used in other countries. It intends to simplify the border entry process for foreign nationals entering the UK while giving border security officers the information they need to screen all visitors. All UK visitors must be aware of the new ETA process before they travel. The following are important details about the upcoming UK ETA for Coventry.
Who is Eligible for the UK ETA for Coventry?
According to the list of countries with ETA eligibility, there are 90 countries whose citizens must apply for an ETA before arriving in the UK. Any British nationals, or holders of a British passport, are exempt from ETA requirements. This includes anyone from overseas territories and protected persons. Those with Irish passports are also currently exempt from the ETA system. This programme is due to take effect in 2024.
What are the Requirements for the UK ETA?
The ETA requirements for entering the UK include the following:
• A valid electronic passport from an eligible country that does not require a visa to enter.
• Reasons for travel can only include tourism, business or transit purposes.
• The traveller must only stay in the UK for a maximum period of six months.
• They must have no prior immigration violations in any country or a criminal history that would deem them a security threat.
• They must have completed the ETA application, paid the fee and obtained approval before arriving in the UK.
What is the Reason for the UK ETA?
According to the UK government, the new UK ETA system will improve security at all UK borders. The system will record the arrival of each traveller, what they do while they are in the UK and their departures. The ETA will be used to effectively pre-screen any visitors who may pose a risk, as well as collect and store data on visitors to the UK in regard to their travelling habits. This procedure is intended to expedite entry for visitors to the United Kingdom while also providing border control agents with the resources and knowledge needed to screen every traveller in a timely fashion.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
The UK ETA Application process requires the following details:
• Personal information, including full name, date of birth, and gender.
• Passport information, including country of citizenship, passport number, dates of issuance and expiry, and any other nationalities or citizenships.
• Contact information, including home address, email and phone number.
• Any employment details, including current employer’s name, address, email and phone number.
• Any prior criminal record, immigration history and health-related issues.
• A valid payment card number for the application fee.
What to Do When the UK ETA is Granted
Each application will take a few days to be processed by the ETA system. After the application has been approved and an ETA is issued, the applicant will be able to begin travelling to the United Kingdom. This information will also be available to carriers, who can only board passengers with a valid ETA. The ETA is valid for up to six months from the date of issue, and once it expires, the visitor must obtain a new ETA before they can return to the UK.
To learn more, visit the ETA FAQ website.
Visiting Coventry
Coventry is a destination known for its modern and historical attractions and ongoing cultural development. Before visiting, all visitors must be aware of the new requirements concerning the UK ETA for Coventry.