Renowned for its Regency-style architecture and leafy boulevards, Leamington Spa is an attractive town on the banks of the River Leam. It features picturesque green spaces and a charming bath house museum, as well as an outstanding classic car collection at the British Motor Museum.

Things to do

Wander along the iconic Parade, which stretches through the heart of Leamington Spa and serves as its central shopping hub. Explore The Royal Priors mall, peruse the boutiques that occupy the town’s elegant Regency buildings and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

At the southern end of the Parade is the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum where the local history and culture is exhibited in an ornate old bath house. Learn how Leamington Spa flourished as a fashionable resort during the mid-19th century and witness works by local artists, then visit the Leamington Library that now occupies one of the historic swimming halls.

Stroll through the Heritage-listed green oasis of Jephson Gardens, which centres around a large pond where you can rent rowboats. Admire the floral displays and ornate Jephson Memorial, explore the exotic species on display in the sub-tropical glasshouse and grab a drink in the cafe that occupies a historic aviary.

A short drive south of Leamington Spa is the British Motor Museum, which boasts the world’s largest collection of vintage British cars. See the first Land Rover to be produced and the last Austin Montego, before admiring the speed recording-holding MGs and Monte Carlo Rally-winning Minis.

Getting around

Birmingham Airport is 40 minutes’ drive from Leamington Spa, which is around 1.5 hours by train from London. Local buses travel throughout Leamington Spa, but its compact streets are easy to explore on foot.