St Mary’s Guildhall – Upcoming events

2024 Travel Trade events

Ghostly Guildhall Ghost Stories Tour – Travel Trade event days

October 21st and 22nd, 2024 – £12 per person.

Embark on a captivating journey through seven centuries of history at St Mary’s Guildhall, a prominent haunted venue in Coventry.

On October 21st and 22nd, 2024, visitors can hear tales of paranormal phenomena and captivating folklore in the stunning and atmospheric building.

Discover the newly unveiled medieval kitchen, where the Guildhall’s Tudor guide will transport you back in time with their narratives of grime and punishment. Find out what a tussy mussy was and delve into the intricacies of superstitions designed to ward off evil. Learn about macabre punishments prevalent during that bygone era such as the ‘scold’s bridle’ and don’t miss the opportunity to come face-to-face with ‘WhatsIt,’ the real life ‘ghost owl,’ previously believed to embody the symbolism of death.

Walking in the footsteps of historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Frederick Douglass, allow our guided ghost stories tour to immerse you in centuries of enthralling history that unfolded in Coventry.

This event is currently open for group bookings of 10+. The experience is estimated to take around 1 hour with additional free time to explore the building at visitors’ leisure.

Embark on a Journey Through Time: A Tale of Two Tapestries Tour at St Mary’s Guildhall Coventry and Coventry Cathedral. On July 8th, October 7th and September 16th 2024.

Tour Price £12 per person. Tour Price including Cream Tea £22 per person.

A unique opportunity to discover the rich history of two extraordinary tapestries, the largest tapestry in Europe located in Coventry Cathedral and the famous 500 year old Coventry tapestry, still in the place it was originally made for after 500 years.

Our expert guides will share the enchanting stories woven into the fabric of these two extraordinary tapestries, each with its own tale to tell. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and the vibrant colours that have stood the test of time.

At St Mary’s Guildhall meet the royals and saintly figures depicted in the tapestry as you delve into the concealed messaging and symbolism woven throughout this ancient masterpiece. This fascinating work invites you to connect with the events and traditions that have shaped the heart of Britain.

Leave the Guildhall and step into the remarkable modern architecture of Coventry Cathedral, where you will be met with the splendour of Europe’s largest tapestry, Graham Sutherland “Christ in Glory,”. Marvel at the sheer magnitude and artistic brilliance that render this tapestry a symbol of profound cultural importance. Standing at an impressive 23 meters in height and 12 meters in width, weighing approximately a ton, this extraordinary piece was meticulously handwoven on a 500-year-old loom, once holding the title of the world’s largest continuously woven tapestry.

Let the expansive design of this masterpiece transport you to a realm where art, spirituality, and history seamlessly come together.

This exclusive tour seamlessly weaves together the narratives of St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Cathedral, offering you a dual experience of historical and modern splendour.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary journey through time. Secure your spot on the Tale of Two Tapestries Tour today and let the threads of history unravel before you.

The combined tour experience is anticipated to last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the additional opportunity to indulge in a cream tea featuring a freshly baked warm scone with jam, cream, and a pot of tea. in our atmospheric vaulted ceiling restaurant.

All tours are subject to availability and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Christmas Tour and Tudors 11th and 17th December 2024.

Tour price per person – £8

Step into the enchanting holiday atmosphere at St Mary’s Guildhall, adorned in festive splendour, on December 11th and 17th. Embark on a seasonal, guided tour of this historic 700-year-old building, where knowledgeable guides will regale you with tales of Christmas traditions throughout the ages. Immerse yourself in the Christmas charm of the Guildhall, featuring breathtaking decorations, real trees, twinkling lights, and the invigorating scent of evergreen. Don’t miss the chance to witness the Guildhall Tudors in action in the Medieval Kitchen, as they prepare for the 12 days of Christmas giving visitors an insight into seasonal feasts and games from the Tudor period.

All tours are subject to availability and must be booked and paid for in advance.