Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Coventry's main art gallery houses contemporary exhibitions alongside permanent collections of local history and fine art. The museum tells the city's story from Saxon times through the industrial revolution to the present day, with strong coverage of the Blitz. It ranks among Coventry's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Entry is free and 1-2 hours gives you a thorough visit.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: best place to understand coventry's complete Skip if: You prefer hands-on museums or aren't interested in local history and contemporary art Cost: Free

Move through galleries covering Saxon archaeology, medieval guild halls, and wartime destruction. Experience the sounds and sights of the 1940 Blitz through multimedia displays in darkened rooms.

Accessibility: Lift access to all floors, large print guides available, hearing loop in lecture theatre

Best place to understand Coventry's complete history from medieval times to modern regeneration. That puts it near the top of any Coventry visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Coventry Cathedral and Coventry Transport Museum - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Coventry. Free entry makes the decision easy - walk in, see if it holds your attention, and leave when you have had enough.

Skip if: You prefer hands-on museums or aren't interested in local history and contemporary art

• Check what temporary exhibitions are running before visiting.
• The Blitz Experience recreates the November 1940 bombing.
• Free WiFi and café make this a good rest stop.

Insider tip: The museum shop stocks work by local artists and hard-to-find books about Coventry history

Photography allowed in permanent galleries but check for temporary exhibition restrictions