Local Area
Beyond campus
University is a great time to explore new cities and meet new people. So, while there’s plenty to experience on campus, there’s much more to see and do in the local area.
Based in the West Midlands and extending across into Warwickshire, our University is at the heart of the UK. We’re close to two major city centres, Coventry and Birmingham, and our excellent transport links place us just over an hour away from London by train and close to a major international airport.
Although our campus is situated in Coventry, parts of it reaches into the Warwickshire countryside, so you get the best of both city and green spaces to explore.
Coventry
Named 5th best student city in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2023), City of Culture 2021. Coventry is a buzzing student city, so you won’t be short of things to do. Many students choose to live in Coventry during their second year and beyond.
- Pick up a new hobby at Coventry Skydome’s ice rink, where our very own Warwick Ice Skating society skate!
- Snap up vintage clothing in Fargo village or shop in the city centre.
- Explore historical sites: Coventry Cathedrals and War Memorial Park, a beautiful green space. In the Summer, the Godiva Festival is held here, a three-day event offering great live music, family entertainment, and international food and drink.
- Visit some of Coventry’s well-known museums, including the Coventry Transport Museum and Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
- Football fans can catch Coventry City football club at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Leamington Spa
Leamington is one of the UK’s happiest places to live (Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index 2023).
Based nearby in Warwickshire, Leamington Spa is another popular location for our students to live beyond their first year. With buses running back and forth to the University as late as 3am during term time, and local bus companies offering reduced-rate passes, you’ll always be within an easy commute of campus.
- Explore independent restaurants, bars, and cafés, and make the most of a lively nightlife scene
- The town centre is surrounded by beautiful green spaces, including Jephson Gardens. There’s even a Boat Centre here, allowing you to take a trip or paddle your way down the River Leam
- Experience exciting annual events, including the Leamington Food Festival and the Japan Festival
- Visit their frequent seasonal markets, for example Autumn or Christmas markets, selling local crafts and gifts, as well as unusual food and drink.
Birmingham
Only a short train ride away from Coventry Station, Birmingham is another bold student city, home to some of the region’s major shopping centres, including Bullring & Grand Central, and an international airport. At Christmas, you’ll find the largest German Christmas Market in the UK here.
Kenilworth
Just a short bus ride from campus, Kenilworth is a historical town with a castle and gardens to visit, nature reserve, and independent pubs and restaurants. There’s even a direct cycle path to Kenilworth from our campus.
Warwick
Surprisingly, our University and Warwick town are two very separate things. You’ll find Warwick a 25-minute drive away from central campus. Here you can explore the popular Warwick castle, gorgeous river and boat centre, and plenty of eateries.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
A bit further from campus, but worth the visit is Stratford-upon-Avon. Known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, you can watch productions from the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Theatre), soak up the town’s history, go on canal and river tours, visit the Butterfly Farm, and explore local markets.
