I Went to COVENTRY With Just a Tenner 

My home city but it’s a fraction on what it was. Was a hub of engineering, bikes then cars. Ancestral home to Jaguar cars. Black cabs, and many others. All of it gone. Now it’s just student accommodation and a large migrant population that all hang out in the city centre. I now only go into the city once or twice a year as a result. Such history here but it’s largely forgotten now. Lack of investment and government cuts since austerity means that most UK cities are falling apart. How we are the 6th richest nation I don’t know because non of the wealth finds its way to the streets we walk on.

I live in Coventry, born and bred. The place has changed beyond recognition. And has its knife crime problems like most cities now.

Just got back from a job interview where I was asked if I could perform under pressure. I said I wasn’t too sure about that but I could do a wicked “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

So sad how Coventry was wilfully destroyed, and I’m not talking about the war. It was a great city. It was even ok right up to the 2000’s. But now, in the last few years especially, it’s turned into something I don’t even recognise. I remember going into the city as a kid in the 70’s, shopping in Owen Owen, (now primark), and going for a meal at the leofric with my mum and dad. Great memories.

Great video James. I guess you’re experiencing and actually feeling what’s going on in this country and it truly is very depressing. I know you don’t want that to show in your videos and I get it, but it is what it is and I admire your ability to keep your lips sealed, but most of us know what’s happening so don’t be too hard on yourself.

Born in Coventry, 41 now the 80s and early 90s hold best memories for me, for reasons I wont divulge, great video ❤❤

Thank you for doing this video of my city, I did enjoy it. I moved to Coventry in the 70's. It gave me the home and security I never had. My father came here to help with the rebuilding in the 1950's, he then moved us down from Derby to a nearby town called Bedworth, or 'Bed'orth' as the locals call it. You have to look at the community, cultural and social side of any place to really know what its like. Beauty is only skin deep remember. It may not be 'Bath' but its a good solid city and its looked after me. :)

I live here and Coventry has gone down hill over the years.Sadly that is the case for many places. Anyway welcome. I lived and grew up not far from the memorial park my mum used to walk us there as small children. Thank you for the memories x Take care x

Born in Coventry in my 60s now I have noticed a difference with the decline, the filthy streets undesirable people moving into nice areas and turning them into a right shit holes. If I was younger I would be gone tomorrow unfortunately too old now most of those places you went to in the day, you would not want to go to at night, regular problems with crackheads, et cetera Street robberies et cetera horrible place. thanks for your video I can’t say I enjoyed it seeing all the places I see nearly every day with horrible people anyway thank you so depressing here

I like how you showed us and caught yourself before saying something. well done, we see what it's like, thanks for always keepin it real

Aw,,, that’s so beautiful, how they’ve retained the old Cathedral with the new one next to it. How clever of them to be able to keep the old one standing. The 1430’s painting is also magnificent. Who’d have thought all that history was in Coventry? Thanks for sharing xx

Well Done James, and for showing van life in all its raw form, your true to yourself and us, and I love that about your vlogs.. can’t wait to see your spain travels.😊

My friend just sent me this video. You caught me busking in the sunshine😂Coventry is what you make it. You can look at the problems or you can do something positive to try to change it. We may fall into different categories on that one.

That's a batch in Coventry not a bread cake..😉

It's not too bad in Coventry (bearing in mind that I AM a fan of Brutalist architecture, so I like seeing it). Yeah, some of the people there might be best avoided, but it's a better place than some other towns/cities nearby to it.

I love the normality of your video's James I appreciate that you do real life everyday things on a budget and throw in great history to boot, Plz more of the same Lots of love x

What an interesting tour of Coventry, thanks James. How lucky that The Fords Hospital escaped the Luftwaffe, a beautiful survivor.

Seven days of van life would make an interesting series.

James what a fantastic vlog so true to life i love how real and all of us thank you for making our lives better you deserve a knighthood for your content your family will be so proud off you and I'm sure a noble prize is just round the corner for bringing communitys together keep up the fantastic work for all of us ❤

I like and appreciate all your videos, James. Real life is what it is, most of us know exactly what's going on in our societies and who's behind it all so please don't beat yourself up about things beyond your control. Take care and si thi! 💖

If I had known you were coming to Coventry, I would have given you a guided tour.

I enjoyed this video.I've never been to Coventry and it wasn't what i was expecting! Thanks keep em coming 👍

James, that was a good video. Don’t put yourself down thanks again for sharing it with us.

My grandad worked in the the Daimler factory and was an ARP warden. Both of my great aunts worked in munitions. Mum's street took a hit in 1941 when she was 3 , numerous people died. My father worked for Massey Ferguson all his life, Massey sent loads of tractors over for Live Aid. There's a pic of him sitting on one.

You are correct, the buildings were moved to Spon Street from areas of the City that were being redeveloped.

Born in Coventry. Great in the 70's, 80's when i was growing up. Gone downhill since.

Love these budget videos pal. Tough times for a lot of people. 🙏💥.

I'll tell you a story about Coventry, my Grandparents moved to Radford an area of Coventry just before the war for work, my Grandad worked for the Austin Morris factory. When war broke out my Mother was 6yr old at the time and was playing with her friends in the street. A plane flew just above the roof tops, so low they could see the pilot looking down. It turned out to be one of Germany's ace fighter pilots, who had managed to fly under the barage balloons without blowing his plane up. Luckily he didn't fire on them otherwise I wouldn't have come into existence....I always remember my Mum recounting this story, so even though I'm from Lancashire, I feel a slight connection with the mention of Coventry, it suffered terrible bombing. On a brighter note I've stayed at a lovely farmhouse in Hampton Arden when attending the NEC and that's a lovely rural area with lovely people.

I am a Cov Kid, and I am now living in Canada, I left Coventry in 2007, and it has changed beyond all recognition. The video still made me homesick...

Just come across this video on my algorithm, and I've got to say, I've not felt much pride for my hometown for quite some time. This video has reminded me how beautiful it really is. Thank you for showing your following how impressive it is - you've restored my love for this city. Just subscribed, keep posting this wonderful content!

Hi James, Thanks for being as kind as possible to dear old Coventry. I lived here for the 3 final years of my schooling from 77 to 80 near the beautiful Memorial Park. I have visited it many times over the years from time to time as my parents still lived there. I have spent the last 9 months living here as my 97 year old mum took ill and I have been caring for her till she unfortunately passed away in late August. It's given me the opportunity to look around the various parts of the city visiting all the places you did and more, and like you I struggle to find inspiration anywhere here any longer, as unfortunately it seems to go down, slowly dying, as it has done across the many years I have visited and especially noticing it after these months living here. I agree the brutalist architecture does it no favours, and the entire city centre is such a mishmash of one unattractive area of buildings after another. I have a great book on Coventry showing photos of what it looked like before the second world war bombing and it was certainly absolutely a beautiful medieval city. It's a pity you missed the Transport Museum next to the Whittall Arch which is very interesting. Regrettably its now a "University City" with vast swathes given over to educational facilities, and masses of student accommodation killing off more of it's once thriving spirit and atmosphere. Unfortunately due to the industry which made Coventry thrive during the 60s to late 80s it was not a bad place to live, with quite a lot to do. Now that's all gone, it's like all towns and cities just horrible, a slowly dying, decaying place that no one really wants to be there. It's a shame really for all the places around the UK going through the same thing. Really enjoying your previous videos too.

A northerner myself, have always had a soft spot for Coventry. I've lived in Rugby and Leamington Spa, two satellite towns within the Coventry Sphere. Although other cities were bombed during ww2, Coventry was the only city whose centre was completely devastated. And has suffered ever since with bad planning always seems to be trying things. There are suburbs of Coventry that are busier than the city centre, and the towns that surround the city are towns with real heart. I would never write Coventry off completely. There's something about it that just needs some vision to get it right. It suffers with a feeling that it was bombed just yesterday which gives it's centre a feeling of melancholy that no other city has. But it has a real heart.

Hello James, I've been a subscriber for some time. I've just viewed your latest video. It occurred to me your difficulty in survival on a tenner? I live in Thailand. I'm 76..I got stranded here pre pandemic. I'm diabetic & my mobility suffered during isolation. I worked for over fifty years, paid tax and National Insurance the whole time. Any way, the DWP have just reduced my pension payments, because they said I was being paid to much? Now, my pension is reduced to £471 per month. No kidding! I just realised it's about £15 a day. I'm a wheelchair user as I have difficulty standing too long. No cost of living rises because I choose to live & spend my retirement here in Thailand. Keep up the good work ❤ Peck on cheek for Helen 🎉

Yes, It's probably not going to on on top of my list of places to visit but thanks for showing us around James.

I moved to Coventry in 2008 from Cambridge. My wife is born and bred Coventry, so i got the short straw and had to move this way. I have lived a lot of places abroad and in the UK and can quiet honestly say Coventry is the worst place I've known. Its not the people, its down to the misappropriation of council spending that is most obviously to blame. The amount of non integrating immigrants drug users and homeless in the city centre is horrific. I avoid the City centre at all costs as it is a risk to anyone. Its almost like the place that time forgot. I feel sorry for the generations of Coventrians that have had to watch their city decline and perish under bad Labour councils. The history of Coventry is far too important to be forgotten like it is currently. Once again, illegal immigration is destroying another great British city with no end in sight. Not long now before we are moving away for good. Great video to show the real state of play. Good luck all.

My husband & I was born and bred in Coventry and theres been many changes over the years but the 70' 80's and 90's era are the best with full of memories The large building that you called the town hall usn't called that its the Old Council House and the clock is called Peeping Tom Thank You for showing our city on video for others to see xx

Coventry was bikes cars tanks, tractors guns , watch making......massive

Thanks for going to Coventry...I should have gone this year but missed out...I was born in Coventry but I've lived in the Netherlands since I was 18! I have been back a few times though! I'll carry on watching you on your budget 🙋🏻‍♀️😄👌🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Great idea doing a tour of a town or city on a budget. I've been to Coventry a few times. It has it's charm, history and some nice buildings. Super video.

Your videos are NEVER rubbish, They keep me going, whilst I teach in Shenzhen, I need the normality and Yorkshire humour/banter,. No self-doubts please. Keep going, love your work. Helen and you are awesome.x I loved the Pickering vids. You have a flair for this, please keep going, Trying to get my sister onto your work, but she works all the time, She has seen some of your work, and she really likes the content. Bravo, from the Yorkshire/Scarborough International Teacher.xxxxxx

I graduated at Coventry Cathedral from the nearby University of Warwick in 1981 I was the first in my family to get a University degree and my parents turned up to collect me in a 2 person mini truck kind of thing...so my Mum and Dad sat in the cab and me in all my graduation finery and my sister sat in the open back holding our hats down Mortified lol!! Pick up truck ...mini pick up truck!!

Thank you for coming to Coventry. I hope you enjoyed your visit. 😊

I am from coventry, the ring road isn’t so bad but not many flat carparks in the centre that doesn’t have height restrictions so you were wise to park out and road through the war memorial park There is a white bridge over the rail station from central six which leads to Spencer park which than leads back to the war memorial, only a round 30 min walk. Coventry does have a lot going for it and has an interesting history with amazing sights but like with most cities not without troubles and not so pretty sights.

Moved away 10 years ago.now in Australia. but Coventry always in my heart.. life changes.. sometimes good..sometimes bad.. life moves on....

Love your walks with budget spends xx

Doesn't look like you heart was all in for Coventry, maybe just not a place that made you feel you really wanted to be there. But, you never know till you get out and explore and see what places have to offer. At least you were able to give us a look see and maybe some things caught our eyes that were of interest. Hope you eventually got a good night's rest.

I’ve not visited Coventry for years. It does look so different and quite depressing on your video. One thing you didn’t mention was the car museum which lists the many car and motorcycles factories that were once in and around Coventry, hence it was known as car town.

in the 1960s as a teenager went to Coventry a lot . the Locarno had a resident dance band , everyone happy never any trouble . also would go swimming to the then new olympic standard indoor pool . when i met my wife to be ,on our first date we parked on the top of a multi storey car park and i left the soft top hood down while we had a walk round the city centre . you wouldnt chance that now !! . we saw Cilla Black at the theatre one time .

Thanks for this stream I have lots of family living in Coventry, I live close to the Memorial park x

I moved to Coventry in 1964 and loved it, plenty work, plenty shops and everyone so friendly. It was so sad that the old Medieval City was destroyed, I would love to have seen it. I think the problem is that families have tended to move out because the work has dried up and people only stay for a short time and people in transit have no long lasting interest in their surroundings.😮 I moved out when my husband died and feel so sad that it is now a City of Students and high rise flats and soulless.

Good video, I live in Coventry, moved here 16 years ago as it was the only city locally I could afford a decent house and to get on the property ladder. My plan was to stay a few years and move back to Brum, but here I still am 16 years later. I've moved to the otherside of the city to where I first lived and it's a whole different experience to my first 8 years here. I don't go into the city centre much at all, it's a bit grim isn't it. The best area is around the cathedral. And like you pointed out, they should make more of medieval spon street, it's always dead during the day. Fargo village, ive been about twice in 10 years. That street isn't safe. It's a bit out there so I never see much point in going to it. I like the pubs around Allesley Village where the countryside is on the doorstep.

Thanks for the review, please don't put yourelf down, that comment about no-one watching and talking to yourself. We moved from London to Coventry two years ago and we like the nice parks, the wide range of restaurants, Earlsdon is quite pretty and plus there are nearby attractions such as Coombe Abbey, Stratford upon Avon and a host of small villages and garden centres nearby. Crime, compared to London, is a lot lower and we feel safe. Agree about the city entre, it needs a makeover. HS2 will make this town very attractive to those wanting cheap houses and a quick commute into London. Thanks for posting.

I live in Balsall Common, not far from the pub you stayed at at the time it was a small village. We then moved to Meriden another even smaller village as a teenager The highlight of the week or month was to go to the Locarno in Coventry as far as I remember, Coventry has always been multi cultural. The precinct used to be a brilliant place to shop there was never a shop close down but that was in the 60s and early 70s without saying too much country looks a different place now the same as other towns. It’s so sad but thanks to you and your wonderful skills I watched a brilliant video so there thank you. Best wishes and a hug from Lynda

My late Nan's 21st birthday fell on the night of the Coventry blitz. Like so many others fortunate enough to escape she watched the city burn from a bridge over (what is now) the A46. As a Cov kid i wont have anything bad said about the place. Yeah its had some tough times but as one of England's oldest and most important cities it has lots of history, culture and a unique atmosphere.

Coventry is a fab City, with an incredible history.Sign of the times for most places! So sad.

Watched until the end and enjoyed this video, its the first of yours i have seen. I live in a little town not far from Cov (as we call it). Coventry has had a bad rep but is genuinely a lovely classic British city with sooo much culture. There are undesirables everywhere these days and having lived literally all over the UK I would argue Cov is no worse than any other of our cities. Nice video, thanks for uploading!

The Cathedral quarter and Spon Street looked very well preserved - as for the rest.. Appreciated you visiting Coventry, James, saves me having to! 😆✨ Have a FAB time in sunny Spain 🇪🇸 with Helebobs! 👌

Thank you. Interesting. I lived in Coventry when it was still quite lovely. Very happy memories of it now that I am very old. I was born in nearby Rugby and my mother remembered the Coventry bombing. She said the sky was ablaze and you could feel the heat of the fires. My older brother was a babe in arms. I came along during the war. I remember the new Cathedral being built and the day of its opening. It was very exciting. Where Lady Godiva on her horse stands, was called Broadgate and the traffic went around her and there was a row of Midland Red bus stops. There was a hotel there called the Leofric. We used to meet friends under The Elephant, a golden elephant on the top of a tall pole. When they built the new shops it was called the Precinct...we felt very 'with it.' There was a round cafe in the middle with frothy coffee and doughnuts. And a great thrill was to go to the Locarno ballroom jiving. It all looks so different. I haven't been for ages as I live 'ooop north' now!!!

I was born in Cov it was in the 80's lovely then..,.....we moved out 20. Years ago went back I was horrified enough said now live in Leafy Surrey .

Thanks for the vlog I was born in Coventry The painting in the bird avery were done by my son Andy Clare I moved away for 11 years but now live 10 mins walk from the War Memorial Park x

Fantastic prices for a pint. Thanks for showing us around Coventry, not a place I would ever have considered.

I'm from South Manchester (Stockport) but been living in Cov for about 7 years now. Decent little city tbf. Looking forward to the city centre regen. Much needed.

Hope you got to your favourite Peak District spot and relaxed. I went to Coventry a couple of years ago and visited the Cathedral old and new. The old one had a small museum beneath the floor which was staffed by volunteers and was very interesting. Thanks for filming.

the inspiration behind The Specials Ghost town ..and yes suffered greatly during the war.....thou they must be more interesting place to eat and drink than Greggs and Wetherspoons

Hi James great job so many Tartarian structures left after they tried desperately to destroy them all with all the War's etc, they seem to catch fire and burn down with nobody around, ❤

Really enjoyed your review. You walked a hell of a long way, must have been knackered. The point you made early on was really good, how the city was destroyed in the Blitz. Just imagine how amazing it would look today if it was all like around the cathedral still with the cobbled streets.

I think we now have regional winners & losers, with people in the losers saying everywhere is the same, they're not. Bradford is like a ghost town but it's co-joined to Leeds which is booming. I've been to Louth this week which was lovely, from there l cycled to Boston.....which wasn't. Yesterday l was in Nottingham which was depressing, today l was in Lincoln which was great......

I've always found it strange how many European cities restored their historic centres after the war but we just went for cheap and cheerful concrete. Coventry is a weird place with its clashing buildings. My last recent visit was after the A46 was closed and I had to drive around the ring road getting very lost as the other road I needed had been closed by the police. I think it was near the FarGo village. I'm from Rotherham and my brother sang for the parish church choir in the 90s and they went on a trip to Coventry Cathedral to sing I believe.

Gobsmacked you could have parked outside ours, I would have took you to the pub

My first port of call in any supermarket...."SIN BIN", get those bargains in ya bag James... Coventry looks like a nice old place...never been, so thanks for the look around buddy stay safe, be happy 😊🙏👍

Just about to watch. Glad you went to Coventry and wasn’t sent to Coventry😊

Hi James beautiful churches cathedral and some old buildings. I enjoyed it you did well on £10 budget. I did watch your vlog in Boyes but didn't get round to commenting. The cafe staff lady Dawn I know, I see her all the time.....I really like your vlogs in different towns and cities.. keep them coming... Debbie Brid

After moving to Ireland, trips back to my hometown of Coventry really do pile on the depression. I'm glad I'm out and so happy my kids aren't growing up there.

Enjoy your blog. Will now watch regularly. never seen you before, so I can watch all the ones I've missed. Used to live in cov. Oh, how it's changed. It's really sad im shocked. 🎉

Brilliant video Coventry was the birth place of two tone ( ska music ) it's got a small museum if you like the music lol

I used to work in this city. It's a complete dive, just full of Uber eats cyclists and down and outs. Brutelist architecture is not the only thing that's destroyed the city. It's officially a city of culture, not ours though, which should tell you something about it's demise.

The police do absolutely nothing about those illegal motor bikes that kids ride.

Ghost Town - The Specials. I was working at Coventry Arena just after Terry Hall died and they had his picture on the screen.

Hi james nice to see you living the high life eating well and keeping your athletic frame nourished. Coventry looks like an historic place thanks for showing us hope you had a restful sleep ❤❤😊😊

James - great video. In Coventry it's not called a cake, its called a batch lol. Lots of debating about this.

Coventry has received a lot of bad press being from Birmingham believe me i know James but if we could have seen it pre war i bet it would have been such a beautiful city as you've pointed out the concrete monstrosities of the 50s gave it a lot of stick but that had to rebuild it did they not also during the 70s and 80s when jobs were hard to find again Coventry suffered some great music though came out of there i was fortunate to be around a certain Reggae band from Brum so i had a bit to do with the lads from Coventry nice to see you visit ...agreed it hasn't the beauty of the North where we are fortunate to live now but I'm proud of my roots and fond memories of here but certainly Birmingham too ...great vlog though mate

The enemy sang “we live and die in these towns “ about Coventry there home town. The song says it all I suppose.

Fantastic video, thanks for visiting. After the Blitz, Coventry established itself as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, as such we're twinned with many other cities around the world, so I don't know, but I'd always assumed that's what the flags at the council house were meant to represent. Also we're quite fond of Bucephalus, the black metal horse sculpture.

I enjoyed that... you keep it real...It was nice seeing the cathedral, Lady Godiva...shame about the clock works..and the old buildings etc. I've seen it a few times! Even the parts of you in your van eating and having a think/moan 🤭 I did get to the end and hope you got a good night's sleep even though you had to drive 50 minutes to get there!! 😴 ❤

James give Leicester a try sometime.

should have popped along to Foleshill, Stoke Heath, Wood End, Stoney Stanton Road and the like...for an eye opener mate.....

Oh my God, I laughed my head off when you said I’m just washing up with some wipes ha ha dead funny why don’t you just get a dog to lick your plates clean for you instead ha ha😂

Hang on a minute, you just walked past an Irish pub cos you were obsessed with the Windmill!! " Helen tell him"😂

I cover Coventry for work James, it’s not great parts I visit! I’ve been around the City centre of an evening but never during the day. I love the Peak District and a nice move driving up there mate. All the best pal ….Smithy

When ever I'm having a bad day, just slap one of your videos on and it cheers me up and makes my day, love the content mate keep up the brilliant work ❤

I’m from Nuneaton Jamie hope you add a great time in Coventry

Hi James.great video.the architecture is quite something isn’t it. I’ve never been but who knows. But I’m quite some miles away. Glad your well. 🙋‍♀️☀️

It’s gone from a manufacturing city to a student city, shame, I went to college in Cov in the 70s and it’s changed so much, progress hmm

Love the fact it says "Try before you buy" on all the beers, and you still ended up with a beer you didn't like 😂 missed a trick not spending the extra 20p to get a local Cov beer as well.

That bought back a few memories I was up in Coventry for a while and used to go to the wimpy that was in that circular bit of pool meadow and around the Cathedral. Blimey that beer was cheap almost Benidorm prices but I gather it was rough. I quite enjoyed the video please keep them coming. B.

You explored more of Coventry in this one video than I have done my entire life🤣

I repaired that horse probably about 18 years ago, someone had stolen its front legs 😂I believe it was made from scrap by local students. Done lots of work around Coventry back then, it wasnt my favourite place to work to be honest.

The Earlsdon district (a short walk down from Henry VIII school, shown in the video and the town centre) was voted the 3rd best area to live in the Midlands. It’s a really nice part with street cafes etc. but I doubt your £10 would go far in those. However, rest easy! There is a Greggs, right next to the City Arms pub and it’s a Wetherspoons!😊

Come a few miles down the road to Rugby James. It's much nicer and you'll only have to bring a fiver because I'll buy you a pint.

You missed Foleshill Road, you could have feasted like a king for a tenner....only 20 mins walk from centre.