Visiting Royal Leamington Spa - Jinesh's top five attractions

In this student blog, BSc Accounting & Fianance graduate Jinesh tells us about his favourite places to visit in Royal Leamington Spa.

Warwickshire hosts a variety of nearby towns and cities for you and friends to relax and unwind! Some of the local hotspots include Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick, Kenilworth and my personal favourite, Royal Leamington Spa. Leamington has been home to me for the last two years and upon graduation, this is definitely one of the places I will miss the most.

In the blog I am going to tell you about my favourite hotspots and top attractions for a full day out in Leamington be that with friends, family, or just to have some peaceful alone time! But first – some basic information! Leamington is a small town about eight miles from the University of Warwick campus. Known for its regency architecture and rich culture, Leamington is bound to astound you with its beauty. The best way to get here from the main university campus is by taking the Stagecoach U1 or U2 buses or the National Express Bus 11. If you are coming from elsewhere in Coventry, there is a direct 11-minute train into Leamington as well.

Jephson Gardens

Let’s start our journey in the heart of Leamington, Jephson Gardens, and a six-hectare plot with beautiful lawns, flowerbeds, mature trees, a sensory garden and a glasshouse with exotic plants. A perfect start for a morning walk amongst greenery and nature with a river running through the gardens. And if you’re thinking of coming with your significant other, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the prettiest café within the gardens – The Aviary Café! You will be mesmerised with this small hut-like building that serves brunch, coffees and pastries at an affordable price.

Royal Priors Shopping Mall

After a delicious breakfast you can head to the Royal Priors Shopping Mall located at the top of the high street which has every variety of shops, including accessories, electronics, and clothing. If you can’t find your favourite shop in here, don’t worry because the main high street is full of lots more shops ranging from The Body Shop to H&M. The main high street is approximately is approximately half a mile long as is jam-packed with banks, cafes, grocery stores, restaurants and bars.

Regent Court

If you’re a foodie, then Regent Court is the place for you! Packed with the best chain restaurants and desert bars such as Creams the best in the business for ice-creams, waffles and crepes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Regent Court boasts the likes of Nando’s, Las Iguanas, Turtle Bay, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Gusto and Yo Sushi. If you’re not a big fan of the chain restaurants then fear not as there are lots more restaurants located just off the main high street including some of my favourites – Kayal (Indian Cuisine), Warwick Street Kitchen (International Cuisine), Sabai Sabai (Thai Cuisine).

JD Wetherspoons

A bar is probably at the back of most our minds whilst living on a student budget, however Wetherspoons has a great selection of drinks at cheaper prices than other bars and pubs in Leamington. If you do fancy splashing out, House is a great bar located on the main high street with five floors of different music for you to enjoy. And if you’re into Jazz music, Bedford Street Bar hosts a jazz night every Wednesday with live music!

VUE Cinema

Being a movie fanatic, VUE is one of my favourite places in Leamington where I can enjoy a large popcorn and immerse myself in a different world for an hour or two. The Vue cinema is only located a short five-minute walk away from Jephson Gardens, and they even offer student discount so at the moment you can watch your favourite blockbusters from as little as £3.99.

Leamington is a really popular place with Warwick University students and you definitely won’t be short of things to do! I hope this brief introduction into Leamington has helped you discover about some of the amazing towns and cities close to campus!

Discover more about Jinesh’s course and life at the University of Warwick by downloading our undergraduate brochure.