As summer is here many of us are planning holidays and fun, outdoor activities to enjoy – and while going abroad is great, it can be expensive. Plus, the UK has so many great staycation spots that are worth exploring and offer a unique experience. This incredible spot in Coventry looks like Venice – thanks to it is incredible sights, beautiful waters, gondola rides and more.
Coombe Abbey is a beautiful 12th-century abbey and four-star hotel boasting 500 acres of picturesque grounds. It is a 15 minute drive from the centre of Coventry and is said to offer plenty of history, elegance and more. But, if it is too much of an expense to stay at the hotel, you can still enjoy the grounds in a unique way for £15 per person.
A video went viral of the beautiful setting after content creator Katy Victoria booked a £40 punting experience for two, including a glass of chilled prosecco each, along Coombe Abbey river, named Coombe Pool. Katy insisted the lake is “Coventry’s hidden gem” and the punting experience, by Abbey Punks UK, is “the most romantic”. “I couldn’t stop smiling all night,” she wrote on TikTok.
As locals, Katy and her partner could not believe they had never heard about the experience before. Katy shared: “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 added.
The Abbey Punting Experience is a 35-minute punt on the moat around Coombe Abbey and can accommodate up to six people. Children can ride for free and for adults prices start from £30 for two. The ride is approximately 35 minutes.
“It is 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,” says Abbey Punts. You can even wear punting hats if you wish.
Katy said: “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.”
Katy summarised: “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.”
One shocked individual commented on Katy’s video, and said: “Wait what! I’m from Coventry? This is a thing? Since when?”. “Hold the phone, I’m from Cov and didn’t know about this, since when?,” wrote another.
One other commented: “I had no idea you could do this at Coombe! Literally 20 mins from us, definitely on my list now!”.
Another shared a special memory and wrote: “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!”. ” Wow we stayed here a few years ago- I want to go back and do this now!,” commented one other.
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 fast train from London Euston via Avanti West Coast to Coventry takes approximately 55 minutes. There are also direct trains to Coventry from Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street.