Winkworth Royal Leamington Spa Estate Agents

A little bit of history

Leamington Spa is named after the River Leam that flows through the town. Originally a humble village called Leamington Priors, it expanded in the 18th Century after being named a spa town following the popularisation of its spa water that was well sought after for its curative properties. Today, you can still sample the spa water at a water fountain feature outside the Royal Pump Rooms.

Boasting Royal connotations, Queen Victoria visited the town as a Princess in 1830 and as Queen in 1858. In 1838, she granted the town a 'Royal' prefix, renaming the town 'Royal Leamington Spa.'

Additionally, few towns can claim they have been visited by not one, but two Heads of State. Napoleon III, also known as Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, the first President of France and later the Emperor of the French, lived in Leamington Spa from 1838-39 during his exile from France.

Need to know

Did you know that some of the exterior shots for the classic BBC sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ were filmed in Leamington Spa? Fans of the programme will undoubtedly be familiar with the lovely surroundings.  

Something else people may not know about the town is that it stands as a beacon of digital innovation, drawing talent and investment from around the world. Nicknamed ‘Silicon Spa,’ the town hosts over 30 video gaming companies, including industry giants. Despite its modest population, it has become a powerhouse in the gaming industry, employing over 10% of the sector's workforce.

Shopping

With some of the best shopping facilities in the Midlands, Leamington Spa is an amazing shopping destination, boasting over 500 shops and businesses, comprising a mix of independent shops and familiar high street brands.

Head to The Parade to find high street retailers such as Next, H&M, W H Smith, Whittard's and many more. In the heart of Leamington Spa, you’ll find The Royal Priors is shopping centre with nearly fifty shops and boutiques offering just about everything. Outside of the Royal Priors, you will find Warwick Street, Regent Street, and the surrounding side streets if in search of more unique treasures from the local independent shops.

Head to Regent Street for The Parade, Leamington Spa’s very own open-air shopping centre, where you can visit luxury boutiques and popular restaurants.

Things to do

Leamington Spa has a wide range of recreational activities, including hiring a boat on the River Leam, exploring the beautiful parks and gardens, or visiting the Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the town.

One of the town’s gems is the Victorian Jephson Gardens with its subtropical glasshouse and outdoor sporting activities at Newbold Comyn. Victoria Park is also much loved by residents of Victoria Park, which also is home to Bowls England HQ.

Eating and drinking

Residents of Leamington Spa are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink, with a wide range of restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes – both independent and chains, including Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Las Iguanas, Nando’s, Turtle Bay, Wagamama, Yo! Sushi, Côte Brasserie and Coffee Break, to name but a few.