Coventry

This beautiful underrated spot in one UK city has not even been discovered by many locals – and you can explore it on a gondola ride while admiring the amazing views

With summer upon us, many are plotting getaways and outdoor escapades to make the most of the sunny season – but jetting off can hit the wallet hard. Fortunately, Britain is brimming with fabulous staycation destinations that promise unique adventures and days out without the hefty price tag.

One such gem in Coventry is drawing comparisons to Venice, complete with stunning views, serene waters, and even gondola rides. Coombe Abbey, a grand 12th-century abbey turned four-star hotel, sits amidst 500 acres of breathtaking grounds. Just a stone’s throw from Coventry city centre, this historic haven offers a slice of tranquillity and grandeur. And if splurging on a hotel stay isn’t in the cards, you can still soak up the scenery for just £15 a head.

A TikTok video showcasing the idyllic setting has gone viral after content creator Katy Victoria indulged in a £40 punting package for two, which included a refreshing glass of prosecco each, along the tranquil Coombe Pool. Katy hailed the lake as “Coventry’s hidden gem” and described the punting experience, courtesy of Abbey Punks UK, as supremely romantic.

“I couldn’t stop smiling all night,” she shared on her TikTok post.

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Katy and her partner, both locals, were astonished they’d never come across this enchanting activity before. She expressed her surprise on social media: “We felt like we was in a movie! I honestly feel like more people need to know about this as for us it’s right on our door step and we knew nothing about it until a friend shared it on Instagram.

“I cannot express enough how amazing it truly was and I promise you will not be disappointed,” she enthused.

The Abbey Punting Experience offers a serene 35-minute journey around Coombe Abbey’s moat, with room for up to six passengers. Kids can enjoy the ride at no cost, while adult fares kick off at £30 for a duo. The voyage lasts around 35 minutes.

Abbey Punts describes the experience as “the perfect way to encapsulate the wonder of the park’s wildlife, the intriguing history of Coombe and the Medieval Abbey, from its historic moat to the Gate House,”. They even offer punting hats for those who fancy a bit of dress-up.

Katy shared: “Whether you want to book a proposal, a date night or just show up after a day at the park he’s very flexible with times. The majority of the time a booking isn’t required so just go to the reception of the hotel and you will find a sign for Abbey Punts to the right of you. Or you can find his WhatsApp on his website which is what I did because I wanted to make sure we reserved the sunset slot.”

Summing up her experience, Katy said: “We honestly didn’t know what to expect at first but hands down one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had, we’re definitely going back.”

Surprised locals have been reacting to Katy’s video with one commenting: “Wait what! I’m from Coventry? This is a thing? Since when?”. Another local chimed in: “Hold the phone, I’m from Cov and didn’t know about this, since when?”.

Another person added: “I had no idea you could do this at Coombe! Literally 20 mins from us, definitely on my list now!”.

Another individual shared a cherished memory, commenting: “We had one of the first weddings he did (it’s our anniversary tomorrow) and it was so special for our guests to use in the evening, they loved it!”. Another person reminisced: “Wow we stayed here a few years ago- I want to go back and do this now!”.

How to get there

If you are travelling from Coventry centre it is around a 15-minute drive to Coombe Abbey. If you are from out of town, you can drive or get a train to Coventry train station.

A swift train journey from London Euston via Avanti West Coast to Coventry takes roughly 55 minutes. Direct trains to Coventry are also available from Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street.

Coventry had almost 60% of the ball on the night as Lampard’s side had 20 shots to Sunderland’s 16.

And Le Bris, who has now led Sunderland to a play-off final against Sheffield United in his first season at the club, conceded the visitors were the better team in normal time.

“It’s really fantastic because this scenario was absolutely incredible,” Le Bris told Sky Sports.

“We were probably too nervous for the first part of the game.

“During extra time, we were good. We played our football and we just enjoy it now.”

For Coventry, it’s a painful end to a season which has been on an upward trajectory since Lampard replaced Mark Robins in November.

Former Chelsea and Everton boss Lampard took over with the club 17th in the Championship and led them to a fifth-place finish, winning 16 of his 29 league games in charge.

“If anyone watched the two games, we dominated at home, we made a mistake and they scored,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “I think we dominated huge periods of this game [too]. We played, controlled and in the second half it was wave after wave.

“The players have given everything from where we’ve come from – 17th in the league in December and the players have been brilliant in the second half of the season.

“We’re not bitter, and congratulations to Sunderland, but we were the better team over the two football matches and that’s why they’ll be so happy going to Wembley.”