Posted 1 day ago
Mon 18 May, 2026 12:05 AM
Has exams got you feeling like you desperaely need a break? Well, the good news is you don't need an expensive flight to recharge.
Coventry itself has a lot to offer and you can make it the ultimate staycation to escape the stress of uni life and discover hidden gems right on your doorstep!
For those staying in Coventry
For those on a tight budget, you can plan your weekend days in this city like you are going away, so get ready to explore Coventry through a tourist's lens!
Coventry Cathedral Quarter
Spend a morning wandering the cobbled streets of Coventry with your favourite coffee. Explore the iconic Cathedral ruins and the New Cathedral for free. It's a great way to unwind with your headphones on and get lost in the city's architecture.
Right next to the Cathedral is the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. It offers free historic and contemporary art exhibitions, perfect for an afternoon of culture. It's also a good, peaceful spot if you want to read somewhere that isn't the Library.
FarGo Village
FarGo is Coventry's independent creative spot. If you want to skip the chain shops and spend a day browsing indie bookshops, retro arcades and vegan cafés, then this is the spot for you. Pair it with the right playlist, and this day could be a chef's kiss 🤌
Looking for something a little further?
Coombe Abbey Country Park
Hop on the local 85 bus from the city centre to the massive 500-acre park. It features stunning lakeside walks, quiet woodland trails, and plenty of wildlife. It's free to walk the grounds, making it a prime spot for a picnic to clear your mind after exam season. This enchanting place feels like you've stepped into the Secret Garden!
There's also a hotel on site if you're wanting more than a single day out.
If you have a bit of room in your wallet, Coombe Abbey Park also hosts Go Ape, where you can tackle high-rope treetop courses and zip lines. It's very fun if you're doing a staycation with your friends or you want to test yourself! (You can get 10% off with StudentBeans).
Kenilworth Castle
Hop on a 20 minute bus journey to Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden to explore the ruins and history of a castle that spans more than nine centuries. Explore the stunning garden, visit the great hall or unwind in the Stables Tearoom. Just remember to book in advance to get 15% off tickets, from £13 with a valid student ID depending on the day you go.
Royal Leamington Spa
Just a 15-minute train journey away, Leamington Spa is a historic town known for its independent shops from cafés to vintage finds. It's also has plenty of lush parks, ideal for a sunny picnic.
Stratford-upon-Avon
A picture-perfect medieval market town, this is a must-visit spot you can reach in under an hour by train. Best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, you could book tickets to a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, rent a rowboat on the River Avon or simply take in the scenery.
So whether you're planning your next weekend away or you need a break from the city centre, Coventry and the wider area has it all! Gather your mates and get planning your next staycation 🌳