The 14th-century Carthusian monastery is one of only ten ever built in the UK
Charterhouse in Coventry(Image: Coventry Live/Tristan Potter)
The National Trust took over its first property in Coventry this summer – a Grade I-listed 14th century Carthusian monastery, known as Coventry Charterhouse.
This historic site is one of only ten Carthusian monasteries ever built in Britain and underwent a restoration in March 2023, thanks to part-funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the £12 million project.
Birmingham’s own chef Glynn Purnell operated a branch of his cafe and bistro out of this historic venue the following April, closing after achieving Michelin Guide listed status.
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Now, the management of the building has been handed over to the National Trust by the Historic Coventry Trust.
Visitors to the Coventry Charterhouse can marvel at its collection of ‘remarkable’ 15th and 16th century wall paintings, which are ‘regarded as some of the finest surviving examples of medieval and Renaissance art in England’.
The landscaped walled garden, community orchard, children’s play area, green space with wildlife pond and grassland park are further reasons to explore.
The venue opened its doors to visitors for the first time on Wednesday, May 21.
The Charterhouse’s 60-seat cafe will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays, from 8am until 5pm while the house will open from 10am until 4pm.
The gardens will be open from 9am until 5pm.
General admission is priced at £9.50 for adults (or £10.50 with Gift Aid) and £4.75 for children (£5.30 with Gift Aid).
Cllr Naeem Akhtar, cabinet member for housing and communities at Coventry City Council, said back in May: “We are delighted to welcome the National Trust to Coventry and see the remarkable Charterhouse flourish as a hub of culture and heritage.
“This partnership enhances our cultural offer for both residents and visitors – it really does give them the opportunity to experience some Coventry’s rich history.
“The Charterhouse is already a key part of Coventry’s cultural landscape and I am excited to see how it will inspire and engage our community through its future as a National Trust property.”
Gurminder Kenth, general manager at National Trust, remarked: “As one of Coventry’s oldest surviving medieval buildings, the Charterhouse is an extraordinary place with a rich story to tell.”