My Coventry Stag Weekend: A Groom's Review

Editor's Note (December 2025): These real stories from past grooms and best men have been updated to ensure all travel tips and activity details are current for the 2025 season.

Choosing a stag do destination can be tricky. You want somewhere lively but different, easy to get to, and packed with unique activities.

Coventry might not be the first place you think of, but it ticks all the boxes. We’ve compiled two real diaries from recent Coventry stag weekends. Whether you want a Medieval Banquet in an Abbey or a weekend of Greyhound Racing and Zorb Football, here is exactly what to expect.

Review 1: The "Medieval & Balloons" Weekend

The Vibe: Coombe Abbey, Hot Air Balloons, and Cheesy Nightclubs.

Friday: Arrival & Samoan Joes

My stag weekend in Coventry was for my second marriage, and I wanted to push the boat out. We booked into the **Coombe Abbey Hotel**, just outside Coventry. It started out as a 12th-century Abbey but is now a 4-star hotel set in stunning grounds. My room even had a four-poster bed and an en-suite hidden behind a bookcase!

For Friday night, we caught a taxi to **The Old Windmill**, a proper cosy, old-fashioned pub with loads of ales on draught. From there, we headed to **Samoan Joes**, a cocktail bar with a massive selection of rums. In retrospect, the shot of 151 proof rum was a mistake! We ended the night at **JJ’s Nightclub**, which played the sort of cheesy music we were looking for.

Saturday: Hot Air Balloon & Banquet

The next morning, we were picked up for a **Hot Air Balloon Flight**. The balloon was a big red Virgin balloon, and the ten of us fit in perfectly. Seeing Coombe Abbey from the air was spectacular.

The main event was the **Medieval Banquet** held in the Abbeygate Baronial Hall. We were all in fancy dress (hired for the occasion) and started with mead before a four-course meal with free wine and ale. There was no cutlery, so we ate with our fingers for that authentic touch! The entertainment was full of bawdy jokes and songs, followed by a disco playing 80s and 90s classics.

Review 2: The "Sporty" Weekend

The Vibe: Zorb Football, Clay Pigeon Shooting, and Greyhound Racing.

Friday: Curry & Casino

We were a disparate group from all over the Midlands, so Coventry was the perfect central meeting point. We dropped our bags at the hotel and headed straight out for a curry—the best way to start a stag do.

We explored a selection of pubs and bars before making our way to a well-recommended **Gentlemen’s Club**. While the stragglers headed back to the hotel, those of us with energy went off to a **Casino** and gambled until the early morning.

Saturday: Zorbs & Shooting

Once we were feeling human again, we headed out for **Zorb Football**. Most of us had played it before, but it’s always hilarious. We had the perfect number of people (14), meaning everyone got a decent amount of time on the pitch.

Next up was **Clay Pigeon Shooting**. I’m always good at this, and it was my one specific request for the weekend. I destroyed everyone else, coming first with ease!

Saturday Night: The Dogs

For Saturday night, the best man had arranged something different: **Greyhound Racing**. We had entry and a meal booked, which was a perfect way to spend a few hours drinking, eating, and placing bets.

After the racing, we headed to a nightclub where we had a booth and a drinks package booked. This was a lifesaver, especially for my mate Ian who was struggling to stand up by this point! We alternated between the booth and the dancefloor until we got thrown out at 6 am.

The Verdict

A Coventry Stag Weekend was an amazing idea. Whether you want history and luxury at Coombe Abbey or a classic lads' weekend of sport and gambling, it delivers.

The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to replicate these itineraries, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our Coventry Stag options to start planning.