What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to Royal Leamington Spa, everything (recently named the happiest place in the West Midlands). Located on the River Leam, the then village, Leamington Priors, became well-known for its ‘medicinal’ springs in the 18th century. Like Bath, the city it’s often compared to, the popularity of its spas saw the village grow into a town during the Georgian and Regency periods.
With its newfound wealth, beautiful architecture started popping up everywhere, much of which is still standing today—including the Royal Pump Rooms, opened in 1814 to cope with an ever-growing number of visitors. In 1838, a freshly crowned Queen Victoria (who’d visited as a child) granted Leamington Spa its ‘Royal’ name.
What can I do in Royal Leaming Spa today?
The popularity of spas in Leamington hasn’t quietened down in recent centuries. But you’ll find plenty of spas still knocking about town—including one at Mallory Court, which was recently crowned the ‘Best Hotel in England’ earlier this year (and our number one spot to stay at, just on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa).
Today, the Royal Pump Rooms now house the local library, museum and art gallery, all of which you can visit for FREE. Meanwhile, a stone’s throw away from the Grade II listed building, the Jephson Gardens (the place to ‘be’ back in the day) are just as gorgeous now as they were 200 years ago—check out the tropical plants in The Glasshouse.
You can also try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding on the Leam, thanks to Leam Boat Centre. But if you prefer your feet on dry land, grab a bagel from The Steamhouse, a flat white from Spa Town Coffee, or a pint from the Fizzy Moon, and spend the day shopping in a mix of specialist boutiques and major high-street stores.
Throughout the year, you’ll also find a handful of annual events, including Art In The Park in August, Leamington Food & Drink Festival in September, and Leamington Lantern Parade in December. The Covent Garden Quarter Markets—for creators, makers, designers, and bakers—is on the last Sunday of the month, January to September.
How do I get there?
Good news for those living in Birmingham, Royal Leamington Spa is only 30 to 50 minutes away. You can take a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Leamington Spa, which takes no more than 34 minutes. Prefer driving? Follow the M42 and M40 to Warwick By-Pass, and take the exit onto Europa Way, which will lead to Royal Leamington Spa.