There are many attractions and places to visit in Leamington Spa. As one of the Midlands’ hidden gems, it can be the perfect place to break up the journey between major cities like Birmingham and London.
With plenty to see and do, travelling to Leamington Spa by train can also be a day out or a weekend away in itself.
Things to do in Leamington Spa
Whether you’re travelling for a day trip or a holiday, there are plenty of things to do in Leamington Spa. From escape rooms to art galleries, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top things to do when you take the train to Leamington Spa.
Places to visit in Leamington Spa’s town centre
With a population of around 95,000 people, Leamington Spa is a relatively small British town. It has a strong community feel with lots of local independent businesses. This makes it an interesting shopping destination for residents and visitors alike.
The main high street, or the Parade, is the best place to shop but it’s also renowned for its beauty. Think glorious hanging baskets and iconic architecture including an array of Georgian buildings and shopfronts.
Situated on the banks of the River Leam, Leamington Spa also offers plenty of great spots to walk or enjoy a picnic with a view. The beautiful Victoria Park, Pump Room Gardens, and Jephson Gardens are all free to enter.
Pump Room Gardens is also home to Leamington Spa’s tourist information centre. It’s therefore a great place to visit early on in your trip, especially if you want to buy tickets to local events.
All three public gardens are a beautiful spot to relax and explore. For nature lovers, Jephson Gardens is home to over 140 species of trees. From the sensory garden and tropical plants in the Glasshouse to the play area in the mill gardens, there’s plenty here to entertain the family.
If you’re into history, the Royal Pump Rooms pay tribute to the town’s past, as does the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum which tells the story of travellers coming to Leamington Spa to take its famous waters.
Best spots to eat in Leamington Spa
With over 100 options for eating out in cafes, lunch spots, and restaurants, you’ll never go hungry in Leamington Spa. Local highlights include The Fox and Vivian for pub food and steaks and the Drawing Board for craft beer and tapas.
Turtle Bay is a great spot for Caribbean cuisine. They also host bottomless brunches and a daily happy hour with two-for-one cocktails. Local craft beer pub, The Clarendon, is also known for its bottomless brunches. It’s a popular place so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Top activities in Leamington Spa
From family fun to adventures with friends, there are plenty of options to suit every interest in Leamington Spa.
For rainy days, escape rooms are a popular local activity for all ages. Three of the most popular ones are Escape Leamington Spa, Experimental Escape and Escape Room Adventures.
If you’re looking for a touch of local culture, shows and concerts are regularly performed at the Loft Theatre and the Royal Spa Centre. The Royal Pug pub is also a popular comedy club venue that hosts small music gigs.
National and international artists also play regularly at The Assembly. With Oktoberfest, tribute acts, and frequent Bongo’s Bingo events, this multi-function art deco-style venue is great for over-18s.
Things to do around Leamington Spa
If you’re planning a weekend or more in Leamington Spa, it’s worth exploring some nearby towns and attractions.
Warwick Castle is around 20 minutes away by public transport and trains from Warwick town to Leamington Spa Station take under 10 minutes. You can even reach Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford Upon Avon, in under half an hour by car or train.
Other major cities are also a short trip away from Leamington Spa. Birmingham is accessible in under 30 minutes and the journey from Leamington Spa to London Euston is approximately 80 minutes.
How to get there: Leamington Spa train options
Located just off the M40, Royal Leamington Spa is easily accessible by road and by rail. You can travel between Leamington Spa and Manchester Piccadilly in as little as two hours and 10 minutes. The journey to Glasgow can take approximately five hours, with just one change.
With platforms 1 and 2 accessed without steps, Leamington Spa is a great station for wheelchair users and those who have trouble walking. There is also a seated waiting room on platforms 1 and 2.
If you’re travelling further afield, it’s worth noting that the drop-off and pick-up point in front of Leamington Spa Station is sometimes closed to vehicles including blue badge holders.
There is also a car park next to the station. This remains open even when the drop-off point at Leamington Spa station is closed.
Book your train to Leamington Spa with Avanti
Travelling to Leamington Spa by train can often be the most cost-effective and convenient option from many parts of the UK.
For the best value for your trip, book your train ticket early. For even more savings, check out the savings you can make with a Railcard. They’re not just for senior citizens and teenagers, as frequent travellers, couples, families, and friends can all access savings and discounts on train travel.
Ready for your trip to Leamington Spa? Find your best route and book your train ticket now with the Avanti West Coast Journey Planner.
