_Spotlight on: Leamington Spa 

Where is it and what's special about it? 

Royal Leamington Spa is right in the heart of the Midlands. Not many people seem to know that it is named after the River Leam which divides the town, running east to west. The town’s diverse culture, mixed with its architectural heritage and growing job opportunities, make it one of the best (yet less well-known) places to live in the Midlands. To those not in the know, I’d describe it as similar to Bath in feel (but perhaps a little less busy!)

History

Leamington Spa’s history is definitely something that appeals to buyers that I speak to. Like most spa towns, it grew rapidly during the Georgian and Regency periods due to the popularity of its mineral springs. Much of the town’s architecture and places of interest like the attractive Jephson Gardens on the banks of the river Leam and the Royal Pump Rooms and Baths date back to this period too. Insider’s tip - some of the most beautiful Regency architecture and “best in class” properties can be found on Binswood Avenue, Clarendon Square and Lansdowne Circus. 

Who lives here?

All types of people have purchased property in Leamington over recent years and I’ve noticed multiple trends rather than any one in particular. The town is a popular choice for families thanks to the range of state, private and grammar schools. For commuters, many properties are within walking or cycle distance of the station, which offers direct links to London Marylebone and north to Birmingham. Leamington Spa is equally popular with young professionals because of its easy commute to city centres like Coventry, Birmingham and London. Whilst some of the traditional Regency terraces have remained as large family homes, a number have been converted into high specification apartment buildings, attractive to downsizers who benefit from being in the heart of the action with all the day-to-day amenities the town has to offer.

What are the properties like? 

Leamington Spa is perhaps best known for its striking period properties. North Leamington is the most fashionable area of the town with its tree-lined vistas of Beauchamp Avenue, Binswood Avenue and Northumberland Road. These roads have some wonderful and unique properties on wide avenues which offer a great sense of space, yet are within walking distance of the town centre. Many people have said to me that this feels like a little piece of London and many of the Regency villas rival Bath and Cheltenham. We have a fantastic Victorian villa on the market right now that:  That said, there are plenty of more modern properties too if you move further away from the town centre. 

Eating and drinking

From gin bars and live music venues to comedy at The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa has plenty for all ages. For a relatively small town, it’s hard to believe there are over 200 restaurants, pubs and coffee shops in the town centre, with more on the way. There seems to be a new venue opening on a weekly basis! Current hotspots and favourites of mine include Coffee Architects, Restaurant 23 and The Star & Garter. Other popular restaurants include a superb Italian, La Coppola as well as well-known casual dining restaurant chains Turtle Bay and Las Iguanas.

Recreation 

For me, the Food and Drink Festival is definitely worth a trip back home for. This is a popular event which is held annually across the town in September as well as the Peace Festival which has run since 1978 in the Pump Room Gardens. There are also a number of sports clubs and leisure facilities in Leamington Spa including a Real Tennis court, Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre and Leam Boat Centre. 

Schools

Schooling has got to be one of the key reasons that buyers move to the area. Leamington Spa has an excellent range of schools in the town or within priority catchment area, in both the state and private sector. Most well known locally are Arnold Lodge and Kingsley School for Girls. In nearby Warwick there is the renowned Warwick Boys School and King’s High School for Girls. Warwick University is also just 15 minutes away. 

Shopping

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, with many national stores in the indoor shopping centre, the Royal Priors, as well as a variety of independent boutiques. Aubrey Allen is a well known and popular butcher & delicatessen located in a prime position along Regent Street. Leamington Shopping Park is positioned on the edge of the town and is a popular, easy accessible retail park with plenty of parking – this is great for those last minute gifts and quick visits.

Samantha Holton is Senior Negotiator and Town Centre Specialist at the Knight Frank Stratford upon Avon office. If you are considering buying, selling or moving to the area- visit Knight Frank Stratford upon Avon to find out more or speak to a member of our team to see how we can help.