Royal Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa, famous for its mineral springs (originally discovered in 1480) became a popular Spa Resort in the late 18th century, attracting the affluent and wealthy, all wanting to take to the waters. As its popularity grew, there was a need for more Bath Houses and after the discovery of new springs, there were 5 seperate sets of Baths by 1815. Queen Victoria first visited Leamington Spa as a small girl, and in 1838, when she was Queen, she agreed to the town's application for it to become Royal Leamington Spa.
The Spa Gardens are a ribbon of Grade 2 listed parks and gardens along the River Leam, that were laid out as long ago as 1814. The Pump Room Gardens, originally designed so patrons of the Pump Rooms could exercise after taking the spa water, were being refurbished when I visited. Generally it it a lovely area to spend time walking along the river, picnicing in the park, or listening to something happening in the Bandstand. There is also Victoria Park with its adjacent renowned bowling greens - these are further away from the Pump Rooms; and then there are Jephson and Mill Gardens in the opposite direction.
The 19th Century Royal Pump House Baths are an impressive colonnaded building that now are home to an Art Gallery and Museum, as well as a small shop and cafe.
The Museum is free to go in, and the first section I found was the creation of a beautiful original Hammam.
For hundreds of years the Pump Rooms have been used by doctors treating patients with all sorts of ailments.
The museum also offers an insight into what the town looked like hundreds of years ago, and how it grew into the famous place it is today - with delightful information boards.
The Art Gallery and Museum contains various paintings and sculptures, as well as interactive family areas for children to enjoy.
Straight outside the Pump Rooms you will find the entrance to the fabulous Victorian Jephson Gardens, named after a local doctor who treated patients there. Leamington History Group gives free 90 minute Guided History Walks of the Town on several afternoons and evenings throughout the summer.
The garden is renowned for its beautiful formal flowerbeds which were ablaze with colour.
There are many old established trees throughout the garden, as well as lawned areas around the lake.
The modern Glass House, built in 2003, contains and variety of interesting tropical and temperate plants and is free to get in.
Back outside, there are still many more features of interest within the garden.
The Aviary Cafe built in 1899 with its beautiful ironwork, was designed to look like a bandstand - and it was actually used as a bird aviary from 1963-1992.
The gardens are really delightful - a great place to spend a few hours. Make sure you look out for all the quirky things lurking about!
Next, a walk through the Old Town section, which you are in as soon as you have crossed the bridge and onto Bath Street. You can download 2 different walking maps from the website - see below. Pass All Saints Church on your left, and head out along Bath Street; look out for Spar, which was originally the site of the oldest hotel built in 1793; and Iceland which was the Parthenon Assembly Rooms. Many of the buildings you see, especially those with wrought iron balustrades etc, will have some history attached to them.
It isn't long before you arrive at the Grand Union Canal, which is pleasant to walk along for a while.
How about this for a Travelodge!
As well as shops in the streets, there is the Royal Priors Shopping Centre and Regent Court.
The Town Hall really is a spectacular piece of architecture.
Back at the Pump House Gardens, almost where my day had started; and I found the perfect Tea Shop!
I can highly recommend a visit to Leamington Spa, there is plenty to see and do; and you don't have to spend much doing any of it - that is always a bonus!
There is lots of information to be found, including 2 walking trails at :- www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms or www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
Lynne
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