National Trust announces opening date of Coventry Charterhouse
Staff and volunteers prepare to welcome visitors to former monastery
Coventry Charterhouse, the National Trust’s first visitor attraction in the city, opens to the public Wednesday 21 May 2025.
Earlier this year, Historic Coventry Trust, which owns the Charterhouse and oversaw its multi-million-pound renovation, entered into a partnership with the National Trust where the day-to-day operations of the site, and visitors’ experience will now be managed by the National Trust.
The Grade I listed former Carthusian monastery – one of only nine ever built in England – is the National Trust’s first property in Coventry, where it will work closely with organisations in the city as part of its ambition to bring history and heritage to more people in urban areas.
The 14th-century former monastery is home to remarkable 15th and 16th century wall paintings, widely regarded as some of the finest surviving examples of medieval and Renaissance art in England.
Visitors can explore a beautifully landscaped walled garden as well as expansive green space that includes a wildlife pond, community orchard, children’s play area, and grassland park.
A 60-seat café will also open at the historic house from Wednesdays to Sundays, 8am until 5pm.
In preparation for reopening Coventry Charterhouse, the National Trust has appointed a dedicated team of experienced heritage professionals to manage the site.
The charity also put the call-out for volunteers and more than 160 people have come forward to support Coventry Charterhouse and help to share its fascinating history as the former 14th century monastery enters an exciting new chapter with the National Trust.
Gurminder Kenth, General Manager at National Trust, said: "As one of Coventry’s oldest surviving medieval buildings, the Charterhouse is an extraordinary place with a rich story to tell, and we’re excited to open our doors for visitors to explore its layered history.
“Together with the highly experienced individuals we’ve welcomed into the fold as we prepare to reopen, we’ve been overwhelmed by the huge level of support and enthusiasm from locals coming forward to volunteer as we enter this next chapter together with the Charterhouse.
"Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at the National Trust and as we’ve already seen from our constantly growing team at the Charterhouse, the passion to support this new chapter for the Charterhouse has been remarkable.
“Working closely with Historic Coventry Trust and the local community, we hope to make this already special place somewhere people from all walks of life can explore, learn, and feel a real sense of community and history.”
Jennie Rutte, Manager at Historic Coventry Trust said: "This marks an important step forward for the Charterhouse and for Coventry’s heritage.
“By working in partnership, National Trust and Historic Coventry Trust are creating a sustainable future for one of the city’s most treasured historic buildings – not just as a visitor attraction, but as a welcoming space for the whole community.”
The new team, together with the support of local volunteers, will shape the next phase of the Charterhouse as both a heritage destination and key venue for local communities – a space where visitors can explore medieval architecture and rare wall paintings, enjoy the walled gardens and orchard, and take part in a growing calendar of events and activities.
Coventry Charterhouse will be operated in partnership between Historic Coventry Trust, which owns the property and led its £11.9 million restoration with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the National Trust, which will help bring the site to wider audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Funds raised by National Lottery players helped make the restoration of the Charterhouse possible.
"With this new partnership between Historic Coventry Trust and the National Trust, many more people will have the opportunity to visit and explore its stories and remarkable interiors.”