Visiting Coventry / The University of Warwick
How to Get Here, Where to Stay, and What to Do
Where to Stay
We recommend that you stay in Coventry (city centre or Earlsdon), Royal Leamington SpaLink opens in a new window, or Kenilworth. Please note that the University of Warwick is not in the town of Warwick. Its name comes from the fact that it is in the country of Warwickshire, but it is technically part of the city of Coventry. Campus is not easily reachable from Warwick without a vehicle.
There are a number of hotels and Airbnbs throughout the area, as well as two hotels on campusLink opens in a new window: Radcliffe and Scarman. Please contact us if you would like more specific recommendations about accommodation.
Getting to/from Coventry and the Surrounding Area
By Plane
Coventry is most easily accessible from Birmingham International Airport (~15min to Coventry City Centre). It is also easily reached from London area airports (~1.5 hours from London Euston to Coventry Rail Station, + time from airport to centre). It can also be reached by train from Manchester Airport (~3 hours).
From Birmingham International
Once you arrive at Birmingham International Airport, take the free Air-Rail Link monorail train from the airport to Birmingham International Rail Station. From there, take any train going to Coventry. This is a very quick journey (normally 11-18min, depending on the route).
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time (e.g., through sites/apps like Trainline.co.uk), or at the station.
From Heathrow
Once you arrive at Heathrow, you can take either the London Underground (slower but cheaper) or the Heathrow Express (faster but more expensive) into London. Both have stations connected to the airport.
The tube, as the London Underground is known, can take you to London Euston (for trains to Coventry) or London Marylebone (for trains to Leamington Spa; change at Leamington Spa for trains to Kenilworth). You will likely need to transfer during your tube journey. We recommend you search for the fastest route when you land (as this can change based on service issues, etc), and screenshot it, as there is little to no service once you board the tube.
The Heathrow Express will take you to London Paddington. From there, take the London Underground to London Euston (for trains to Coventry) or London Marylebone (for trains to Leamington Spa; change at Leamington Spa for trains to Kenilworth). While this route still requires you to take the tube, it does cut down your travel time significantly.
From Gatwick
There are train links from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria. From there, take the London Underground to London Euston (for trains to Coventry) or London Marylebone (for trains to Leamington Spa; change at Leamington Spa for trains to Kenilworth).
You can also take a National Express bus from Gatwick to Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry, although you will need to transfer during your journey.
From Stansted
There are train links from Stansted Airport to Tottenham Hale in London. From there, take the London Underground to London Euston (for trains to Coventry) or London Marylebone (for trains to Leamington Spa; change at Leamington Spa for trains to Kenilworth).
You can also take a National Express bus from Stansted to Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry.
From Luton
We recommend taking a National Express bus from Luton to Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry.
There are also train links from Luton Airport Parkway to London St Pancras International in London. From there, take the London Underground to London Euston (for trains to Coventry) or London Marylebone (for trains to Leamington Spa; change at Leamington Spa for trains to Kenilworth).
From Manchester Airport
There are train links from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly. From there, you can transfer to a train to Coventry.
By Train
There are a variety of train connections to Coventry and Leamington Spa. Kenilworth can then be reached via train or bus from Leamington or Coventry. To get to Earlsdon, you will need to travel to Coventry and then walk (~20-25 min to high street) or take the bus.
We recommend purchasing train tickets well ahead of time (through websites/apps like Trainline.co.uk), although they can also be purchased at the station. CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railways, and Avanti are the primary train companies servicing Coventry.
By Bus
Many longer-range bus companies service Coventry, including National ExpressLink opens in a new window and MegabusLink opens in a new window. Choose Pool Meadow Bus Station as your destination. You will arrive directly in the city centre of Coventry.
By Car
Please use a GPS or other navigational system, and check with your accommodation regarding parking options.
Getting to/from the University of Warwick
Conference activities will be held primarily in WBS on campus. This can easily be reached by foot from the University Interchange bus stop.
The University provides both downloadable and interactive campus maps.
By Bus
Please note that there are multiple bus companies that service the West Midlands. Stagecoach and National Express are the primary bus services for accessing campus, and they do not ticket-share, unless you purchase an "nBus" ticket on one of their apps. This means that if you board a National Express bus and pay for a day pass, it will not be valid on a Stagecoach bus, and vice versa.
The main campus is serviced by a cluster of bus stops known as the University Interchange.
From Coventry City Centre / Coventry Rail Station
Take the 12xLink opens in a new window (faster option) or 11Link opens in a new window bus to University Interchange. You can catch these buses from Pool Meadow Bus Station, from various points in the centre, and from the Rail Station Bridge.
These buses are operated by National Express.
From Earlsdon
Take the 11 bus to University Interchange. (You can get this from the Elsie Jones House stop by Earlsdon High Street, or at various points throughout Earlsdon.)
These buses are operated by National Express.
From Royal Leamington Spa
Take the U1Link opens in a new window or U2Link opens in a new window to University Interchange.
These buses are operated by Stagecoach.
From Kenilworth
Take the 11 bus to University Interchange.
These buses are operated by National Express.
By Bike
The University recommends a variety of cycling routesLink opens in a new window, including one from Coventry Rail Station.
By Car
Please see driving instructions hereLink opens in a new window.
Parking on Campus
Parking on campus is paid via the APCOA Connect App, using location code 2503 (excludes Sports & Wellness Hub car park). A full day of parking is capped at £7.00.
If you are staying at one of the campus hotels (Scarman or Radcliffe), parking in the hotel parking lot is included in the price of your booking. You must register your license plate with reception during check-in, as they operate on a number plate recognition system.
Places of Interest
Coventry
Visit Coventry provides a number of free guides & city centre maps.
Coventry Cathedral RuinsLink opens in a new window & The New Cathedral Link opens in a new window
The Herbert Art Gallery & MuseumLink opens in a new window
Coventry Transport MuseumLink opens in a new window
St. Mary's GuildhallLink opens in a new window
Fargo VillageLink opens in a new window (food and drink, shops)
Coventry Canal BasinLink opens in a new window
Coventry Music MuseumLink opens in a new window
Coventry Watch MuseumLink opens in a new window
Slightly further away:
Coombe Abbey ParkLink opens in a new window
Caludon Castle ParkLink opens in a new window
Kenilworth
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan GardenLink opens in a new window
Abbey FieldsLink opens in a new window
Royal Leamington Spa
Jephson GardensLink opens in a new window