Discover Coleshill: History, Church and Walks

Coleshill combines market history and medieval buildings with a range of ways to spend time outdoors. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the options: the church has set weekly visiting hours, the Heritage Walks combine local history with a specific duration, and there are easy riverside walks along the River Cole. The Memorial Park offers sports and play areas as another option. This gives you the choice of architectural history, a historic walk or outdoor activity.

Market history and historic buildings

Coleshill received its market charter from King John in 1207. An unusual record of the town’s history is the Pillory and Whipping Post outside the old market hall. This rare wooden instrument of punishment combines three functions. The oak structure probably dates from the early 19th century and formerly stood outside the market hall. No. 95 High Street is a Grade II listed building dating from the mid-15th century, near the original marketplace. Comparing the dates brings different chapters to life: the house dates from the Middle Ages, while the wooden device probably dates from the 19th century. Many of Coleshill’s original coaching inns have survived, particularly along High Street and Coventry Road. They add a history of travel to the town’s architectural heritage.

Church of St Peter and St Paul

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a medieval Grade I listed parish church on the highest ground in Coleshill. Its 14th-century tower and spire rise to 170 feet (52 metres). The intricately carved font dates from the mid-to-late 12th century and is one of the finest examples of its kind in the country. It is therefore older than the tower and spire; within the same church, you can encounter architectural features from different centuries. Visitors can visit the church year-round on Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm and on Sundays from 10:30 am to 12 pm. The church offers tours and talks for individuals and groups by arrangement.

Heritage Walks and riverside walks

The Coleshill Heritage Walks include twelve stops exploring local history and historic attractions, and take between 90 and 120 minutes. That is one and a half to two hours, giving you a specific time frame for this historic walk. There are easy riverside walks along the River Cole near Coleshill. The walking options therefore have different focuses: the Heritage Walks centre on local history and attractions, while the River Cole offers walks by the water.

Sports and play at Memorial Park

Coleshill Memorial Park adds sports and play areas to the historic attractions. It has a cricket ground, two football pitches, a skatepark, a basketball court and an adventure playground. This makes the park different from the Heritage Walks: there, historic stops set the focus; here, the emphasis is on the leisure facilities listed above. You can take these differences into account when planning if you would like to include sports or play options alongside local history during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Sutton-under-Brailes, Tanworth-In-Arden, Brinklow, Newbold on Avon, Sutton Coldfield, Lea Marston, Marton, Alcester

For the broader travel overview: Warwickshire.