Leamington Spa

Situated in the heart of England, Royal Leamington Spa is easily accessed from all parts of the country by both road, rail and nearby Birmingham International Airport.

Royal Leamington Spa, "Royal" since Queen Victoria granted that title to record her visits to the town in 1830 and 1858.

The discovery of saline springs in the little village of Leamington Priors occurred at just the right time to exploit the peak of Spas being regarded as a form of "Society holiday".

As more springs were discovered some adventurous citizens quickly exploited them and the growth of a new town north of the river was really the expansion of this village into what later became with Queen Victoria's permission Royal Leamington Spa.

The first spring was recorded on a site close to the parish church in 1656, but the idea of a social rather than a medical or culinary quality had not occurred. This was not recognised until 1803 when the Earl of Aylesford erected a small building over it and a charge was made for people to go in and drink; there was a free tap outside. The building was replaced in 1813 and again in 1894 and finally removed in 1960.

Another six springs were found in various locations most south of the river over the next 30 years with "The Royal Pump Rooms and Baths" being built over the sixth spring and opening in 1810; this provided 10 baths for men and 10 for women besides a marble drinking fountain.

The Spa treatment was claimed to cure, or relieve, a huge number of disorders - examples being "stiffness of the tendons", "rigidity of the joints", "the effects of gout and rheumatism and various paralytic conditions". The Spa water is also a mild laxative!

Today the historic Pump and Assembly Rooms have been totally refurbished to provide a major new cultural and tourist attraction containing the Art Gallery, Museum, Library and Tourist Information Centre. The spa heritage galleries of the new museum are located on the site of the exotic former Turkish Bath, which dates from 1863. The displays tell the story of Leamington's development from a rural village to the modern town of today. Particular emphasis is placed on the discovery of the spa water and how the local community used it to develop Leamington as a health resort in the 19th century.

The area has a wide range of complementary therapists and is also home to an internationally renowned college of acupuncture.

Royal Leamington Spa is also a great place for shopping offering a unique choice of unusual and exciting goods as well as fashion boutiques providing a range of designer labels normally only found on a trip to London!

A Britain in Bloom winner, the town boasts many beautiful parks and gardens set within a mix of Georgian and Victoria avenues, terraces and squares.

Enjoy a wonderful range of eating experiences from wine bars and cafes to bistros and restaurants. There's a superb choice of quality eating to meet all pockets and tastes whatever the time of day or night.

Visit this fashionable Spa and find out for yourself why people are eager to return.