Things to do in Coventry
If you’re a student looking to live out your best year yet, you’ll be glad to know that there are lots of things to do in Coventry. This thriving student city, located in the West Midlands, offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and beautiful rural landscapes.
To help you get the most out of your student life in this city, we’ve outlined some of the most popular places to visit in Coventry.
How to plan a great day out in Coventry
Coventry has everything you would need for a great day out - it has tonnes of little cafes, pubs and sites to explore in the city centre and beyond.
Since it’s home to two local universities - Coventry University and the University of Warwick - it’s a student-friendly city with quick and accessible transport links. If you’re not sure how to get around, take a look at our guide on everything you need to know about travelling in the UK as a student.
If you’re staying at iQ, our student accommodation building Weaver Place is centrally located, making it easy for you to plan a great day out and get around the city to explore all the best Coventry attractions.
Explore popular Coventry attractions
With plenty of popular tourist attractions in Coventry, you’ll never get bored. Take advantage of your study-free weekends and Bank holidays to explore some of these popular Coventry attractions. You might even be able to book a summer stay to make the most of this great city.
Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry Transport Museum is the perfect spot for car enthusiasts. Established in 1980, the museum's collection of vehicles is one of the finest in the world. It’s also home to extensive collections of automobilia, books, photographs and archive material.
Coventry Transport Museum is actually around the corner from our Coventry student accommodation - a few minutes walk and you’re there.
If you’re interested in learning a few things about automobiles, keep an eye out for the various exhibitions and workshops the museum hosts over the course of the year.
The Wave waterpark
The Wave is one of the largest indoor waterparks in the UK and is probably one of the most fun places to visit in Coventry city centre.
If you’re a thrill seeker, you have six adrenaline-pumping slides to choose from. If you’re looking for a more relaxed day in the water, you can hang out in the Wave Pool or float down the Lazy River.
FarGo Village
FarGo Village is an artistically repurposed industrial space in the city centre that has a rich cultural heritage. When visiting FarGo Village, you can explore over 40 independent businesses, including local restaurants, boutiques, thrift stores and publishers.
They host regular events and pop-ups so make sure to check them out when you have a break from lectures.
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is a fantastic place to engage with the history and culture of Coventry. It was named after Sir Alfred Herbert, a local industrialist who founded one of the largest manufacturers of machine tools at the time.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in the art gallery and museum as they have plenty of different workshops, exhibitions and clubs you can participate in. It’s also centrally located - just a few minutes walk from Coventry University.
Places to eat in Coventry
You can’t plan a great day in Coventry without trying the local cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Coventry.
Mamma Margherita
There’s no student life without pizza. For one of the best places to visit in Coventry, you have to check out Mamma Margherita. Located in the city centre, their passion for Neapolitan pizza oozes out of each slice.
There are a few spots to eat in, but you can order takeout or delivery and enjoy each bite even more in the comfort of your own home.
Bean & Leaf
For some great coffee and pastries you can’t say no to, Bean & Leaf Coffee House gives you the perfect place for a cute little catch-up. If you’ve got a big essay you’re trying to crack but want a change of scenery, coffee shops can be great for a little bit of inspiration.
You can find guest coffees each month, so it’s a place that’s worth going back to if you’re a big fan of a cup of joe.
Turtle Bay Coventry
Situated right next to Coventry Cathedral, Turtle Bay restaurant serves some of the most delicious Caribbean food in the city. Inspired by the Barbados beachside, the menu features food and drink influenced by rum, reggae and jerk.
They’re vibey and happily welcome students, offering great happy hour and bottomless brunch specials. Next time you’re exploring popular Coventry attractions, stop off and enjoy an Island-inspired feast.
Miller & Carter Coventry
This steakhouse definitely belongs on the list of essential places to eat in Coventry. Known as ‘The Masters of Steak’, Miller & Carter has an amazing selection of steak and cocktails to choose from.
We know steakhouses can sometimes be a little pricey, but Miller & Carter features several student-friendly specials throughout the week. They also host a ‘Treat the Graduate’ set menu which helps you celebrate in style without breaking the bank.
Slug and Lettuce Coventry
The Slug and Lettuce is a student favourite in Coventry. They offer great cocktail specials and host regular bingo nights. They’re known for their Instagram-worthy cocktails, bottomless brunch specials and have an extensive food menu for all-day eating.
The Slug and Lettuce is located just a block away from Coventry Cathedral and is a few minutes walk away from iQ Weaver Place.
Teriyaki - Japanese restaurant and bubble tea bar
Looking for a quick bite to eat while ticking off your list of places to visit in Coventry as a student? Teriyaki has an impressive menu featuring classic Japanese, Chinese and Korean dishes. Even better, you can wash it all down with a yummy bubble tea.
You can order their food via local delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. They have plenty of budget-friendly options - perfect for students looking to save money.
Historical places to visit in Coventry
If you want to explore the city on a deeper level, there are lots of places to visit in Coventry that hold major cultural and historical significance.
Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral is a site to behold and a must-see when exploring historical Coventry tourist attractions. The cathedral was founded with a Saxon nunnery circa 700 AD and boasts stunning infrastructure and stained glass windows. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax after lectures, don’t hesitate to visit Coventry Cathedral. Today, the cathedral continues to stand as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Spon Street
Looking for things to do in Coventry? You have to visit Spon Street - especially if you’re studying History or Architecture. In the 13th century, this area was one end of a road leading from Gosford to Birmingham. The little area of Spon was protected by the Spon Gate until its demolition in 1771.
Spon Street is significant today not only because of its historical location but also because it escaped demolition during World War II, and several original buildings from that century are still standing.
Drapers’ Hall
Drapers’ Hall is a historic Regency hall in the heart of Coventry city centre. It was designed by Thomas Rickman and H W Hutchinson and was actually used as a bomb shelter during both World Wars. Over 30 years ago, it was last used as a youth magistrates court. Recently, it has reopened as the home of the Coventry Music Service. Drapers’ Hall is a must-see for Design students as it features original decorative plaster ceilings and chimneypieces.
If you’re studying in Coventry, we’re here to help you have your best year yet. Our selection of room types means you’ll find a place to call home in no time.
Living with iQ also means you take advantage of benefits like fun communal areas, all-inclusive bills and close proximity to local universities. Learn more about iQ Life.
