Make the most out of your trip to Coventry with our go-to guide for where to eat, stay, and explore during your graduation visit.
Graduation season is just around the corner, and if you’re heading to Coventry or Warwick University between 14th – 25th July to celebrate a special achievement, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re celebrating your own graduation, or are coming to support a loved one, the day promises to be memorable. From Coventry’s graduation ceremony at the awe-inspiring Coventry Cathedral to Warwick’s at Butterworth Hall in Warwick Arts Centre, there’ll be plenty of infectious pride, excitement, and festivity across both campuses this summer.
But the revelry doesn’t need to stop there.
Make the most out of your trip to Coventry with our go-to guide for where to eat and stay during your graduation visit.
Eating out in Coventry this graduation season
Whether you're toasting to the future or grabbing a bite between celebrations, Coventry’s wide variety of restaurants have plenty to offer.
Rodizio Rico
Calling all meat lovers! Rodizio Rico is a Brazilian steakhouse experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Enjoy all you can eat grilled meats, carved at your table, alongside a vibrant salad and sides bar. It’s delicious, classy, and perfect for a celebratory family dinner.
Forme & Chase Restaurant and Bar
Located inside the Telegraph Hotel, Forme & Chase is a nod to classic glamour with a modern twist. Their menu features everything from light bites to exquisite meals and signature Paparazzi cocktails, all served in a stylish setting. It’s a great spot for a special evening meal after the ceremony.
Cogs Bar & Kitchen
Casual, cosy, and creative is the vibe at Cogs Bar & Kitchen. This independent restaurant is great for brunch, burgers, and laid-back bites – with a welcoming atmosphere that suits big groups or relaxed family get-togethers.
Benugo Bar & Kitchen and Panda Mami at Warwick Arts Centre
Soaking up the atmosphere on campus? Tucked away in Warwick Arts Centre at Warwick University are not one, but two hidden dining gems. Benugo Bar & Kitchen offers a vibrant dining experience, with a delicious seasonal menu and movie-themed cocktail specials. Meanwhile, the culinary diverse Panda Mami serves up the ultimate all you can eat Asian buffet experience, with over 80 dishes for one fixed price. Your only problem will be choosing between them!
Sky Blue Tavern
Want something more laid back? Football doesn’t need to be your thing at Sky Blue Tavern – it’s simply a great spot to indulge in mouthwatering Indian Grill food while raising a toast with celebratory drinks. Complete with big screens, city pride, and generous portions, this sports bar is a fun and friendly place to wind down after a big day.
Where to stay in Coventry for graduation
Turning your trip into a staycation? If you’ve travelled to Coventry and want a somewhere to unwind after a long day of celebrating, we’ve got the ideal places for you stay and relax.
Warwick Conferences – Scarman and Radcliffe
Book cosy and convenient accommodation at the Scarman and Radcliffe rooms on Warwick University campus. Just a short walk from the heart of campus, guests can enjoy modern, well-appointed rooms, complimentary access to Warwick’s amazing sports facilities (including gym and swimming pool), and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for unwinding after the day's events. Plus, with breakfast included and plenty of nearby green spaces for a morning stroll, it’s the perfect base for families and friends coming together to mark this important milestone.
Telegraph Hotel
Once the buzzing headquarters of the city’s newspaper, the Telegraph Hotel blends 1950s charm with stylish modern comfort. It’s right in the city centre, so you’re just a short walk away from Coventry Cathedral, the university campus, and plenty of shops and restaurants. The hotel is a great spot for families looking for a boutique experience with a bit of history woven in.
Hotel Indigo Coventry
Full of charm and character, Hotel Indigo offers beautifully designed rooms inspired by Coventry’s rich industrial and artistic heritage. Located near to the train station and university, it’s ideal for travelling graduation guests who want a sleek, modern base in the heart of the action.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Coventry Building Society Arena
If you want a little more space and peace, the DoubleTree by Hilton offers comfort and convenience just outside the city centre – with the added bonus of free parking. Located at the Coventry Building Society Arena, it’s the ideal place to stay if you’re combining your visit with a football match or concert.
Coombe Abbey Hotel
Want the full Warwickshire countryside experience? Nestled within 500 acres of parkland, Coombe Abbey Hotel is a transformed 12th-century Cistercian abbey that exudes grandeur and history. Each room features opulent touches like four-poster beds and Victorian bathtubs, providing a regal retreat for guests. Beyond the celebrations, guests can explore Coombe Country Park or indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea – a perfect treat for both the graduate and the whole family.
Ansty Hall
Located in the village of Ansty, no more than a 20-minute drive from Coventry City Centre, this Georgian mansion is set amidst eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Ansty Hall blends historic architecture with contemporary amenities across its effortlessly stylish rooms and suites. Plus, the on-site restaurant, Twine, offers British classics with a twist – including the innovative High Chai Afternoon Tea – providing a delightful dining experience for guests.
With a tranquil setting offering a peaceful retreat, it’s an ideal base for graduation festivities.
Top tips for Graduation Day
July will be here before we know it – so get ahead of the game and plan your graduation celebration in the city.
Don’t forget to:
Explore the city
Make the most of your trip to Coventry by visiting some of the incredible attractions throughout the city.
Spend time immersed in culture and learning at the Coventry Transport Museum or the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Why not explore Warwick University’s campus? Including their climbing wall, eSports Centre, and plenty of green space – ideal for a breath of fresh air amidst the excitement.
Or perhaps, if you’re planning on staying a night or two, you could even catch a performance at The Belgrade Theatre, The Albany Theatre, or Warwick Arts Centre.
Whether you’ve planned a jam-packed agenda or simply want to take a stroll around the historic streets and soak in the moment, Coventry has plenty to offer.
Book early
Hotels and restaurants fill up quickly during the graduation weeks, so it’s worth securing your plans as soon as you can.
Bring tissues
Whether you're watching your beloved child, partner, or friend walk across the stage, it's an emotional moment that’s hard to describe – so you'll be glad you came prepared.
This summer, enjoy every moment, make sure you snap those cap-and-gown photos, and raise a glass to a bright future during this unforgettable milestone in Coventry.
Congratulations to all 2025 Coventry and Warwick University graduates – we’re cheering you on!