Royal Leamington Spa is a picturesque town in Warwickshire, esteemed for the fabulous Regency architecture and historic charm. Situated along the River Leam, the historic town’s busy high street and vibrant cultural activity make it one of the most quintessentially British towns to visit, and a great Midlands day out. With so many itinerary options, join CrossCountry as we explore some of the best things to do in Leamington Spa.
Jephson Gardens
Jephson Gardens is a Victorian daydream, from the ornate trims of the Aviary Café to the lovingly tended flower beds. The park has been a beloved destination for almost two hundred years, hosting summer strolls and family picnics for generations. Every season offers visitors unique delights, like daffodils and crocuses in spring or the deep red sugar maples in autumn. There are lots of activities and events throughout the year to enjoy, such as a visit to The Glasshouse, home to a diverse display of tropical and temperate plants, and The East Lodge, where the Leamington Studio Artists hold regular exhibitions to celebrate local artists.
Jephson Gardens is a short walk from Leamington Spa station. As you arrive at the park, make sure to take a moment to appreciate the stunningly intricate wrought iron entrance gates.
Royal Pump Rooms
The Royal Pump Rooms were once a popular spa destination for the Victorian elite as local water was believed to have medicinal qualities. Nowadays, the Grade II listed building stands as a cultural hub housing the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, a library, a tourist information centre, a café, and Regency style assembly rooms.
The Royal Pump Rooms are a fantastic event space, hosting plenty of talented musicians and interesting speakers. The assembly room can also be hired for private events, providing a stunning backdrop for weddings receptions, charity events, and fairs.
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
As part of the Royal Pump Rooms, the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is both a time capsule of the town’s history and a champion of contemporary art. Recently, the gallery held a showcase called The Open, that celebrated the diverse art of people currently living and working in the West Midlands. This exhibition has been running at the gallery since the 1930s and displays a range of artistic mediums, from computer imagery to sculpture.
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is also the perfect destination for schools, with lots of fun-filled activities available like craft clubs and wildlife walks. The gallery and museum are free to visitors and are perfect for families and solo trips alike.
The Loft Theatre Company
The Loft Theatre Company has been a hub for live theatre since the roaring twenties, making its debut with a production of The Silver Box in 1923. Managed almost entirely by a team of devoted volunteers, attending a show is a great way to give back to the community and contribute to the running of this town treasure. Throughout the year, the theatre puts on several shows in the main auditorium, delighting locals and visitors.
Since 2022, the theatre has also been hosting weekly performing arts classes for children and teenagers. The initiative, known as Arts Insight, involves the instruction of both on-stage and backstage disciplines for Leamington’s future Oscar winners. The programme culminates in an annual production on the theatre’s main stage.
Leam Boat Centre
If the lilypad-laden waters of the River Leam look inviting, head to Leam Boat Centre to hire a boat for the afternoon. They have everything from car-shaped pedalos to canoes and kayaks, and they also conduct lessons for beginners. Drifting along the river on a summer’s day is a great way to see Leamington Spa’s sights from a new angle and appreciate the natural beauty of the Leam Valley Nature Reserve.
Leam Boat Centre can be found on the other side of the river from Jephson Gardens, a short walk from the train station. They also offer the chance to purchase various paddle sports and boating equipment, with a team of seasoned professionals on hand to give advice and guidance.
Escape Leamington Spa
Escape rooms are ideal for families, groups of friends, or even business away days, requiring a decent amount of teamwork and quick-thinking skills. Escape Leamington Spa offers a variety of thrilling games to choose from. Dare to escape the clutches of the Demon Barber or discover secret treasure under the Seven Seas. Each game has its own difficulty, minimum age requirement and maximum number of participants, making some rooms ideal for corporate events and others more suited for families.
Escape Leamington Spa is a ten-minute walk from the train station which will take you through the picturesque pump room gardens.
British Motor Museum
Located just outside of Royal Leamington Spa, the British Motor Museum is a great choice. Home to the world’s largest collection of British classic cars, visitors have the chance to see impeccably preserved historic vehicles. Highlights include a permanent exhibition celebrating motoring history called the Time Road, beginning in 1896. The museum also holds plenty of special events throughout the year, like classic car meets, shows and the Wythall BusFest!
The British Motor Museum can be reached within forty minutes with a number regular bus services from Leamington Spa station. It’s a great place to spend the day as the Junction 12 Café offers a range of hot and cold food and bakery items for lunch.
How to Get to Leamington Spa by Train
Visting Leamington Spa is no trouble with various CrossCountry routes available. If you’re heading for a full day outing, there are frequent trains from Birmingham New Street, Oxford, Coventry, and Derby.
Leamington Spa makes for a fabulous weekend trip too with services from further afield like Cardiff Central and Cambridge.
If you’re planning a visit to Royal Leamington Spa, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia