Table of Contents
Coventry is one of the fastest-growing cities in England, with some of the top universities for students, such as Coventry University and the University of Warwick. They have a massive number of international students taking admission and shifting every year. But is studying abroad really about studies only? We mean, you’re in a new country, you have some new things to explore, and how you spend your time is going to decide what kind of Coventry memories you’ll be creating.
Once you settle into the Coventry student homes, you’ll see how close everything feels: campus, city centre, parks, cafes and culture. Compared with some bigger cities, Coventry is often more affordable and much easier to get around. Whether you love museums, live music or quiet canalside walks, there is plenty of cool stuff to do in Coventry between lectures and part‑time shifts. Here are five of the best to start with.
1. Visit the Coventry Cathedral
The 1962-consecrated Coventry Cathedral is the most famous landmark of the city. There are actually two cathedrals side by side. One is the open-air ruin of the cathedral that was bombed in Word War 2, November 1940 Luftwaffe raid. Then there’s a modernist new cathedral adjacent to it. There are some legendary medieval arts from the 1960s and works by renowned names like Jacob Epstein and Graham Sutherland.
What can you do here?
- Watch the leftovers of history through the ruins and bomb‑damaged walls
- Admire the new modernist cathedral and the huge stained‑glass windows
- Take a break from busy campus life by relaxing in the garden
Coventry Cathedral has its name among the most moving visit spots in Coventry, especially if you are someone interested in history, photography, or architecture. You can save your budget here and easily spend an hour or two there without rushing.
2. Dive Into Culture at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is in Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP, with its management by the Culture Coventry charitable trust. This free-entry museum is an award-winning venue with eye-dazzling visuals and artforms showcasing history and archaeology.
What is inside the museum?
- Masterpieces by George Shaw, Barbara Hepworth, Stanley Spencer, and many other big names
- A deep dive into the history of Coventry, including the city’s industrial past, and Lady Godiva legend
- Interactive art shows featuring everything from classic paintings to modern installations
- Collections of old minerals, British rocks, and archaeological findings
If you are a history or archeology student, then the museum is a whole vibe for you. To other students as well, this museum can help you understand the heartbeat of this city. You’ll be passively studying new things, without actually doing the task to study. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is a spot that educates you while being among the most talked-about fun things to do in Coventry.
3. Rejuvenate Your Body at Coventry Canal Basin
Coventry Canal Basin was started in 1769 as a major industrial hub of the 18th century for the transportation of coal. What began for industries is today a relaxing and revitalising spot for the students.
What to do at the Coventry Canal Basin?
- Canal journeys into the Midlands
- Great for jogging, cycling, or clearing your head
- Instagram-friendly cafes and bridges (Yes, picture-perfect!)
The basin sits a 15-minute walk from the train station. Most student houses in England in the CV1 area put you within easy reach. If you like affordable and low‑effort days out, the Canal Basin is perfect.
4. Hang Out at FarGo Village
Located in Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV1 5ED, the FarGo Village is Coventry’s creative quarter, a repurposed industrial area. It started in 2014, and hosts year-round events, food festivals, artisan markets, and so much variety. Sgt. Bilko’s Vintage Emporium is also here, a mesmerising museum dedicated to the entertainer Phil Silvers.
What’ll you find here?
- Small shops built using recycled metal containers, all in one place
- Intriguing Street art & murals
- Food trucks & small eateries with variety of food options to try
- Live music, events & engaging shows
- Creative, urban hangout vibe
- Craft fairs, anime conventions and themed markets
FarGo has a student-friendly vibe being casual, affordable and full of things to discover. If you’ve recently moved to, or you’re moving to the student accommodation in Coventry, keep FarGo on the top of your bucket list.
5. Explore the Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry has a huge history in car and bike manufacturing, and the Coventry Transport Museum tells that story in a big way. It’s situated in Millennium Place, Coventry City Centre. The opening hours are generally around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. But try keeping 4:30 as your max margin. The museum holds one of the largest collections of British vehicles in the world, featuring around 230 cars or commercial vehicles, 100 motorcycles, and 250 cycles.
Some of the best highlights:
- Classic cars lined up through the decades
- The world’s fastest land‑speed record cars
- Interactive exhibits that show how engines and designs evolved
Well, you don’t really need to be an engineering student to enjoy it. Anybody who loves cars, bikes, and stuff is going to love this museum. With a free entry for residents having the Go CV Card, and low-cost entry for non-residents, the museum’s name often pops up among the fun things to do in Coventry as a student.
Make the Most Out of Your Student Life in Coventry!
Coventry won’t disappoint those who are willing to explore. You get world-class culture, peaceful outdoor spots, and creative hubs that rival bigger cities, all without draining your bank account. When you’re choosing student housing in Coventry, think about location. Picking a place near the canal or city centre puts these attractions at your doorstep.
These five activities are just the start. Coventry rewards curiosity. Explore the cathedral ruins, sketch at the Herbert, cycle the canal, dance at FarGo, and geek out at the Transport Museum. Your student years fly by quickly; make them count. The city is ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities in Coventry for students?
Top outdoor ideas include walking or cycling along the Coventry Canal, relaxing in War Memorial Park, exploring the gardens around Coventry Cathedral and joining sports clubs at university. These options are low‑cost, easy to reach from most student rooms Coventry, and great for your mental health.
How much does it cost to visit Coventry’s museums and galleries?
Many of Coventry’s main museums and galleries, like the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Coventry Transport Museum, offer free entry. You might pay for special exhibitions or events, but general admission is often free, which makes them perfect for students watching their budget.
What are the best places to eat in Coventry?
Students often head to FarGo Village for street food and independent cafes, or into the city centre for budget‑friendly chains and takeaways. You’ll also find family‑run restaurants and international food near many Coventry student homes, so it’s easy to try new cuisines without travelling far.
Is Coventry a good choice compared to other student houses in England?
Yes. Coventry offers a good balance of price, location and lifestyle. Student houses in England can be very expensive in some cities, but Coventry usually gives you more space for your money, strong transport links and lots of student‑friendly activities within walking distance.
What’s the best way to get around Coventry to visit these spots?
Walking covers most city centre attractions. Cycling works well for the Canal Basin because Coventry has well-maintained bike lanes and storage. Buses are affordable with a student Swift card. Most Student accommodation in UK contracts include bus pass discounts.
