10 Unmissable Things To Do In Coventry
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Coventry is a stunning city, known for its medieval cathedral and UK City Of Culture for 2021 title.
There are so many things to see and do here, whether it’s music, theatre, medieval history or museums, you’re spoilt for choice when living as a student in Coventry.
The city of Coventry was one of the worst-hit cities during the Blitz, including the devastating destruction of Coventry Cathedral in 1940.
A visit to the old cathedral is essential when studying in Coventry, with various tributes and reminders of Coventry’s revolution to see.
There’s so much history to discover in this city, whether it’s a walk down medieval Spon Street or a picnic at The War Memorial Park, Coventry has plenty of activities to keep you busy.
We’ve gathered a list of the top 10 things to do in this stunning city whilst studying here, to give you a head start on all the entertainment on offer.
1. Herbert Art Gallery
This place isn’t just for art fanatics, The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is the perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and lose yourself in some art and culture.
The museum is named after Sir Alfred Herbert, a Coventry industrialist and philanthropist who enabled the original building to be opened in 1960.
Investigate the natural world, modern art, and the Old Masters. With plenty of interactive displays, you’ll find yourself engrossed in all the latest exhibitions.
Herbert Art Gallery also offers a wide range of talks, events and workshops for adults and families, as well as their ever-changing informative displays.
2. Coombe Country Park
Fancy a picnic? Coombe Country Park is only 4.5 miles east of Coventry city centre and is managed by Coventry City Council.
The park has been developed from the grounds of an old Cistercian abbey and part of that building has now been converted into a hotel.
There’s even BBQ facilities available, perfect if the weathers lovely and warm for some tasty food with your university friends!
With over 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks and bird watching, this landscape is ideal for everyone, from wildlife enthusiasts to those just looking for a quiet stroll in the woodland.
The park is just a short bus ride away from Coventry city centre, making the trip super easy and quick.
There’s also a delicious restaurant for you to enjoy, if you get a little peckish after your walk!
3. Coventry Cathedral
Formally known as The Cathedral Church of St Michael, Coventry Cathedral is one of the main things the city of Coventry is known for and is definitely worth a visit.
Coventry has had three cathedrals in the past 1000 years, the first was St Mary’s, a monastic building, the second was St Michael’s, a 14th-century Gothic church and now the current cathedral, The Cathedral Church of St Michael.
On the night of 14th November 1940, the second cathedral burned with the city by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe.
Today, the ruins of the old Cathedral are preserved as a memorial and sacred space for the city, and is worth seeing whilst studying here.
The current Cathedral was consecrated in 1962, its modern design caused controversy at first, but was quickly embraced as a symbol of reconciliation and peace.
Coventry Cathedral is free to enter, and if you climb the tower, you can get some of the best views in Coventry!
4. Go To Stratford-upon-Avon
Just a short bus ride away from Coventry is Stratford-upon-Avon, where the famous Shakespeare lived!
Why not visit the birthplace of Shakespeare or take a stroll through Anne Hathaway’s cottage?
5. Fargo Village
This creative quarter on Far Gosford Street has a fun mixture of mobile catering and small boutique style units, filled with edgy cafes, vegan restaurants and cool vinyl stores.
Around a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Fargo Village has plenty of independent retailers, full of quirkiness and very different to your usual mainstream shops.
This place is perfect to explore on a weekend and has a really chilled vibe, another fun alternative aspect of Coventry!
6. Visit The War Memorial Park
The War Memorial Park in Coventry is a whopping 48.5 hectares and opened in July 1921.
It pays tribute to the 2,587 Coventrians who died between 1914 and 1918 in the First World War.
The park is made up of two areas, the formal garden with the War Memorial and the sports areas, with playing fields and a golf course.
This place is perfect if you fancy a picnic, or a nice pleasant stroll to relax from your studies!
7. Coventry Transport Museum
This museum houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world and is perfect to visit on a rainy day!
Get within touching distance of some of the most amazing vehicles ever invented, with real-life stories of Coventry’s innovators and entrepreneurs.
Coventry Transport Museum isn’t just for transport lovers though, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to get lost in the culture and history of some of the most luxurious road vehicles of the last 150 years.
The best part is, if you live in the city, you get free admission, perfect for students whilst studying and living here!
8. Warwick Castle
With over 1100 years of history at this medieval castle, we’d highly recommend you visit Warwick Castle when studying in Coventry, only 20 minutes away from your luxury accommodation!
Warwick Castle was developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068.
Situated on a bend of the River Avon, the original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in strong, sturdy stone during the 12th century.
When visiting here, prepare to get lost in medieval history! There’s plenty of shows and events to keep you busy, as well as shops and restaurants to explore during your visit.
The castle is open from 10-4pm where you can attend events like “The Falconer’s Quest” featuring aerial acrobatics from different species of birds.
Want to check out the resident archer? Why not visit “The Bowman Show” and marvel at his skills and agility of archery.
There are different types of tickets suited for everyone, the ‘Grounds & Gardens’ ticket gives you the chance to explore the 60 acres of rolling grounds and gardens!
You can even venture up to the heights of the Conqueror’s Fortress, and soak in some breath-taking views of the beautiful midlands countryside.
9. Draycote Water
This stunning 240 hectare reservoir and country park is near the village of Dunchurch, and just 20-minutes from your lavish student accommodation!
Owned and operated by Severn Trent Water, Draycote Water draws its water from the River Leam, and supplies drinking water to Rugby and Coventry.
There’s so many fun activities available for you to enjoy whether its cycling, bird watching, walking, watersports or fishing!
Inside the visitor hub is a shop selling snacks and ice-creams, and the Waterside Restaurant has plenty of hot and cold meals on offer, with great views of the reservoir too.
There’s also lots of space and benches to enjoy a picnic too, perfect if you feel like getting some fresh air on a hot summer’s day.
10. Take A Walk Down Spon Street
Spon Street is a historic street in central Coventry is one of the oldest areas in the city, it was an independent community with its own fields, wood, mill and waste.
The street once formed part of a major route between Birmingham and Gosford.
Lined with stunning medieval buildings that have now became shops and businesses, Spon Street gives a wonderful picture of what Coventry looked like before the bombing raids of 1940 and 1941.
One of the prettiest buildings on Spon Street is number 159-163, a Wealden hall house with a stunning jettied front façade.
We’d recommend taking a walk down this historic street whilst studying here, to immerse yourself in the history of this great city.