Are you looking for ideas and things to do in Royal Leamington Spa? Keep reading for my suggestions!
Leamington Spa might not be one of the UK’s best known towns, but it’s a hidden gems, partway between London and Birmingham. It’s technically known as Royal Leamington Spa, and it’s a lovely place to spend a day (or weekend). There are loads of things to do in Royal Leamington Spa, and around the town too, so I’ll cover them all in this list!
There are a few reasons why you might end up visiting Leamington Spa… Maybe you’re here because a friend or family member lives here, maybe you’re watching a show at Leamington’s theatre (it actually gets decent comedians and shows on for pretty cheap compared to nearby London), or maybe you’re stopping here just to explore the area. This is a great choice for things to do in Royal Leamington Spa.
Explore the town of Royal Leamington Spa
First on my lust of things to do in Leamington Spa, it’s explore! Oh all the things to do in Leamington Spa, just walking around and enjoying the pretty scenery is one of my top suggestions.
Royal Leamington Spa is actually a really scenic town and it’s lovely just to walk around and enjoy the buildings, parks and views in the town centre. There are loads of coffee shops to enjoy too – especially on a sunny day.
Go shopping
Next on my list of things to do in Leamington Spa, it’s shopping! The town isn’t huge, but there are a really good selection of shops in the centre, and it’s a really pretty outdoor high street too.
There are favourites such as Oliver Bonas, Space NK, Marks and Spencers, Flying Tiger, H&M and also some more independent stores too- selling lovely little nik-naks on the Royal Leamington Spa high street. It’s probably one of the nicest town centres in this part of the country, and it doesn’t tend to get too busy either.
Visit a pub in Royal Leamington Spa
There are so many amazing pubs in Royal Leamington Spa. In fact, if there’s one thing locals love here… it’s a pub. Some of my favourites are the Fox and Vivian (amazing burgers), Star and Garter (lovely atmosphere), The Royal Pug (dog friendly), The Fat Pug and Fizzy Moon (a bit of a nightlife pub). This is a classic choice for things to do in Leamington Spa.
Take a stroll around Jephson Gardens
These scenic gardens are located right in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa, and are definitely one of the best things to do in Leamington. They’re just beautiful and so amazing kept. It won’t take you long to walk around, maybe an hour if you take your time, but it’s so pretty place in Leamington Spa and perfect place for a morning stroll.
Read more: 40+ things to do in Warwickshire
Take a stroll along the river in Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a slightly bigger park located just outside of Leamington Spa’s town centre. The park has a great playground for kids, and a paddling pool in the warmer months. It also has a skating park and tennis courts. It’s literally the heart of the town when it’s warm – and you’ll find families, dog walkers and residents enjoying the amazing green space here.
Visit the Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum
My next idea for things to do in Leamington Spa is the Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum is a bit museum, bit gallery, located on the southern end of the high street. It’s a really beautiful building, and it’s definitely something to take a look at if you enjoy soaking in a bit of local culture. It’s a lovely place to visit in Royal Leamington Spa.
Watch a show at The Royal Spa Centre
Next on my list of things to do in Leamington Spa, it’s the Royal Spa Centre. The Royal Spa Centre has lots of shows on, they get great comedians (for really cheap ticket prices) and also do community shows too. Well worth a look to see what’s on during the time you’re visiting Royal Leamington Spa.
Have a night at The Dice Box
This has to be one of my absolute favourite things to do in Leamington Spa – it’s basically a board game cafe! The Dice Box have loadssss of amazing board games and card games, and you pay a small amount to spend a few hours with friends playing them.
It’s really popular, there are always people inside playing obscure games from Japan or the USA. They also have all the classics too – like Scrabble, Monopoly, Dobble, Articulate, Battleships, Guess Who, Snap, etc. This is such a hidden gem in Royal Leamington Spa!
Follow the Elephant Trail
The elephant trail is something found in the heart of Leamington Spa, and it’s my next suggestion for things to do in Leamington Spa. The elephant trail takes you to see the sights of Sam Lockhart, world famous elephant trainer. He lived and worked in Leamington Spa, so his stories are legendary in the town.
Try your hand at Pottery throwing
The Ceramics Studio is about a 15-20 minute drive from Leamington (and based in some of the gorgeous surrounding countryside). This is one of my favourite things to do in Leamington Spa – it’s so relaxed, friendly and I love to get my creative juices flowing. It’s such a fun activity for friend, or solo – and I always have an amazing time here.
Try out the incredible local butchers
Next on my list of things to do in Royal Leamington Spa, it’s visit the local butcher! The local butcher Aubrey Allen is known amongst locals for being the BEST butcher’s in town and one of the best in the country. If you’re stopping somewhere with a kitchen, or with BBQ facilities, then stop by Aubrey Allen and grab yourself a steak to grill! You won’t regret it! Another great choice for things to do in Leamington Spa.
Visit Warwick Castle
Next on my list of things to do in Leamington Spa is Warwick Castle. OK, so this isn’t technically in Leamington Spa, but Warwick castle is about an 8 minute drive from Leamington Spa train station, and it’s one of the best days out you can have in this part of the country.
The castle is huge – and they have so much going on there for kids and families and adults. It’s fascinating to walk around such a well preserved part of history, and there are some amazing views from the top of the turrets. It’s an absolute highlight in the Royal Leamington Spa area!
Read more: The 15 best castles to visit in England
Leamington Spa Retail Park
The next suggestion on my list of things to do in Leamington, is actually the Leamington Spa retail park, about a 5 minute drive out of the town. It’s a really good retail park, with shops such as TKMax, Sainsburys, Next, Currys, etc. If you fancy pulling up somewhere and having some retail therapy in Royal Leamington Spa, this is a good place to go, and the parking is free!
Have a spa day in Royal Leamington Spa
The Mallory Court Hotel does a great spa day option, and the hotel is only located about an 8 minute drive from the train station, on the edges of the Warwickshire countryside. It’s a beautiful location, and it’d make a great day out for friends or couples look to relax with a few spa treatments. This is also a great place to stay in Leamington Spa too – as the hotel is a really beautiful option, whilst still being close to the town centre.
JUMP! Leamington Spa
The JUMP! park in Leamington Spa is HUGE and it’s so much fun for adults and children! If you don’t know what a JUMP! park is… it’s basically a huge trampoline park where you can just jump around and tire yourself out. They have lots of different trampolines in this particular park, and it’s 2 minutes from the centre of town. I love it!
Try glamping in Royal Leamington Spa
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Royal Leamington Spa, but you want to try something a bit more fun than your average travelodge or hotel… then Hilltop Hideaways are the perfect choice. They offer glamping experiences in different kinds of tents, and it’s so gorgeous and fun! Definitely something a bit unique to add to this list of things to do in Leamington Spa!
Try bowling
If you’ve never tried Bowls (not the skittle kind) then you might way to give it a go in Royal Leamington Spa, as their Victoria Park Bowling Complex is one of the best in the UK. It’s actually the official home of Women’s Bowls in England. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Leamington Spa, and it’s really fun to give it a go!
Stratford Upon Avon
OK, so Stratford Upon Avon isn’t in Royal Leamington Spa, but it’s only a 15 minute drive away – and it’s one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, so I wanted to include it on this list! It’s so easy to get into Stratford Upon Avon from Leamington Spa, and actually, Leamington Spa is a much cheaper place to stay the night, if you wanted to spend time in Stratford!
Read more: The 15 most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds
Charlecote Park
This historic house, and surrounding land, are one of the most stunning, so Charlecote Park had to make my list of things to do in Leamington Spa. National trust properties you could wish to visit. It’s located only 6.5 miles from Leamington Spa, and it’s really easy to get to.
Charlecote house itself is stunning and has lots of interesting history, but the land surrounding it is simply beautiful too – and it’s well worth spending the afternoon wandering around soaking in the views. Don’t miss this beautiful place near to Royal Leamington Spa.
British Motor Museum
Located about 6 miles from Royal Leamington Spa centre, this is another great option for a day out. The British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars – from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1. If you love driving, and love looking at cars and motors, then this is a great choice for you!
Walking in the countryside
And finally, on my list of things to do in Leamington Spa, it’s just walking in the countryside! If you’re in Leamington Spa on a sunny weekend, then getting out into the countryside and exploring some of that famous Warwickshire landscapes is a solid choice!
