Coventry

Coventry's history lies in manufacturing, with British cycle and motor history very much rooted in the city. Coventry was also famed for its ribbon industry and watch/clock making, although innovative technologies, retail, tourism and leisure now complement the more traditional areas of manufacturing. The city has two universities - the city centre-based Coventry University and the University of Warwick on the southern outskirts. Coventry is well connected by rail, with a direct service from Coventry to London Euston taking just 59 minutes. The M6, the M69 and the A45 are the city's main road links.

Coventry prides itself on its central location - much so that when it built the Ricoh Arena it lauded the fact that 75% of England's population were under a two hour's drive away. The arena itself is a unique multi-use centre covering more than 40 acres. Coventry residents head to the arena for banqueting, exhibitions, sports events (Ricoh is home to Coventry Football Club) and music concerts. There's also a luxurious De Vere Hotel on site, with its state-of-the-art fitness and leisure complex, and a casino.

There is a thriving arts scene in Coventry, with a number of venues promoting local, national and international talent. The Belgrade Theatre is set in one of Coventry's most iconic buildings, and hosts established and ground-breaking touring companies. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is renowned for its exhibitions, displays and educational resources celebrating Coventry's past, present and future. Very much part of the future is Belgrade Plaza - a mixed-use city-centre development that's in its second phase of development. A multitude of restaurants, shops and an on-site hotel combine to create a great buzz by day and night.

To the south west of Coventry City Centre is Central Six - a major retail destination crammed full of high-street shops, restaurants and cafes.