The library might be open 24 hours a day but that doesn’t mean you’d want to spend all your time there. But what else can you do in 24 hours around Coventry and Warwickshire?
The University of Warwick is nestled on the boundary between the counties of Warwickshire and the West Midlands. These are counties steeped in a rich vein of history and culture with plenty of historical and culture attractions to visit.
The city of Coventry traces its origins back to the early settlements found around the river Sherbourne and within the Forest of Arden. Dotted around the city you will find remains of the old city walls as well as museums and the famous Coventry Cathedral.
Why not see if you can visit all the main castles found locally?
Caludon Castle Park is considered to be a hidden gem nestled within Coventry. The park is particularly interesting as it houses Coventry’s only castle remains, that of Caludon Castle, a 14th century ruin that is one of only 20 Ancient Scheduled Monuments in Coventry.
Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of England’s affairs for much of its 900 year history from being a medieval fortress to an Elizabethan palace. It is now a tourist attraction with many fun activities to be enjoyed.
Warwick Castle is not your average castle. It is full to the turrets with dramatic shows, interactive experiences, storytelling, demonstrations, activities and much more.
Though the main castles are Kenilworth and Warwick, if you venture further afield you can also visit Dudley Castle (and simultaneously take in Dudley Zoo) and the minor ruins of castles like Bagots Castle.
Embrace the Tudors
The county of Warwickshire is synonymous with Shakespeare where you will find historic houses, castles and the birthplace of William himself in Stratford-upon-Avon.
A short skip and a hop to Stratford-upon-Avon sees you in the heart of Shakespeare Country and a wide tableau of activities to indulge in. Stratford is home not only to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, but also a host of ‘Shakespeare Houses’ such as Hall’s Croft, King Edward School and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Tudor World offers a walking tour of Stratford delivered in character recounting the story of Stratford through the eyes of William himself. If you’re feeling especially adventurous Tudor World also offers an after hours ghost tour of the museum.
Rent a canal boat
The Midlands is host to a dense network of canals, designed to service the industries found around Birmingham and the Black Country. These days you’re more likely to find leisure boats than barges shipping goods around the country and what better way to see more of the local area than from the vantage point of a narrowboat cruising gently down the waterways.
Walk the defunct 360 bus route
For new students who will miss the proto tour-bus feel of the 360 travel de courcey bus service that provided a circular route around the outskirts of Coventry. It is possible to still complete this as a walk starting on campus and following the route back around. Once claimed to be Europe’s longest bus route taking in 31 miles of Coventry’s streets, it has since been replaced with a series of replacement routes due to low passenger numbers.
Images:
Cartoon Stress/UBC Learning Commons/CC-BY-2.0
Kathedrale von Coventry./ Coventry Cathedral./Stefan W/CC-BY-2.0
Warwick Castle Courtyard/MichelleWalz/CC-BY-2.0
UK Warwickshire – Shakespear’s House, Stratford on Avon/Lukes_photos/(CC BY-SA 2.0)
narrow boat/Clare Black/CC-BY-2.0
Like this? Tweet this!
#studyblog