The University

If you want to escape the city, then you'll be pleased to know that Coventry serves as a gateway to the relaxing Warwickshire countryside.

• 500 acres of historic parkland are on offer at Coombe Country Park, just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre
• Garden Organic Ryton contains ten acres of landscaped grounds showcasing organic gardening. Don't miss the Vegetable Inspirations garden and the new Elysia Biodynamic garden
• A 200-acre nature reserve on the banks of the River Avon, the Brandon Marsh Nature Reservehas pools, wetlands, nature trails and bird hides and is located just outside Coventry

• Stratford-upon-Avon - visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre is in the midst of refurbishment (due for completion in 2010), but in the meantime the Royal Shakespeare Company will be making use of venues across Stratford
• Warwick castle - home to the Ghosts Alive experience and Warwick Trebuchet
• Kenilworth castle - one of the largest castle ruins in England
• Royal Leamington Spa - fashionable spa town which developed in the 19th century to exploit local saline springs. The Royal Pump Rooms have recently been refurbished
• Stoneleigh Abbey - the grand rooms and gardens inspired Jane Austen when she visited
• Arbury Hall - George Eliot featured Arbury in several of her novels

The UK's second city, Birmingham, is just 20 minutes away by train, and with it a wealth of international, cultural, sporting, entertainment and shopping experiences. Highlights include:

• the National Exhibition Centre - home to Crufts, the Clothes Show Live, conferences, exhibitions and music events
• the newly-regenerated Bullring shopping centre - includes Selfridges, high street clothes shops, department stores and eateries
• the Mailbox development - Harvey Nichols and other top fashion retailers lead through to fashionable bars and restaurants overlooking the canal 
• music venues such as the National Indoor Arena, the NEC, the Carling Academy and the Symphony Hall