There's always something to do and keep you busy within the town of Royal Leamington Spa. Whether you’re attending the University of Warwick, Coventry University or Warwickshire College, discover our guide to some of the best places to eat, drink, and see the culture and history of Leamington.

Leamington Spa was actually voted as one of the top-ten happiest places to live in the UK in 2021, so we think you’re going to LOVE living there. Or maybe you’re just reading this blog out of curiosity, which is fine, it might be the next best place to visit this summer break!

You’ll find everything for students to do and see in the ultimate social destination of Leamington when you stick with us.

Before we get started, here’s our brief history lesson on Leamington Spa.

Royal Leamington Spa

About Leamington Spa

Leamington Spa is in the county of Warwickshire in the West Midlands. The town was known for its spa facilities in the 18th century such as the Royal Pump Rooms and Baths which is why it features ‘spa’ within its name. The reason for its Royal title is because Queen Victoria gave it the title of 'Royal Leamington Spa' in 1838. It's one of only three in the country – how cool, right?!

Due to its central location its within easy reach of Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Banbury, Oxford and Rugby. As well as having great transport links across the UK, so you can travel home or visit friends easily.

The River Leam runs through the town and offers lovely scenery across the riverside, you can also head upstream by boat. This is a perfect activity to do when your family or friends come to visit!

Okay, now onto the things you’ve been waiting for, everything you just must do whilst you’re a student in Leamington Spa.

Places to have drinks

There are around 50 bars and cafes in Leamington Spa, so you’ll never be without a place to go for a drink. So, we won't just the best places to go for some bevvies, but also the best coffee spots in Leamington Spa.

Fancy a coffee, tea or a cake? We know the best places to go with friends, or even solo.

The Aviary Café

The Aviary Café which is located in Jephson Gardens is one of our faves. Their warm and inviting atmosphere along with their great coffee and tasty selection of cakes and pastries makes it an absolute must. You can make an afternoon of it and take a nice stroll exploring the gardens.

Spa Town Coffee

Another great café to visit is Spa Town Coffee, situated right in the centre of town on Warwick St. Their craft coffees, teas, hot chocolates and sweet and savoury bites are just unreal. It's the perfect pre lecture destination to get your morning fuel before studying, or the perfect lunch spot to go to after a busy morning.

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Here’s a few of our favourite bars to go to. Don’t worry, you won't have to blow your student loan to go to these places as they're student friendly and affordable.

Leif Tearooms

Starting it off with Leif Tearooms which also happens to be located on Warwick St. This cosy venue is a tearooms and piano bar, featuring a terrace perfect for a daytime drink in the sun. As well as quiz nights and live music nights, making it a lovely after dark destination to enjoy cocktails and a natter with your pals.

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The Clarendon

The Clarendon has to be your go to student pub in Leamington Spa. You can find it on Clarendon Ave, a bit out the way from the centre of town but nonetheless exciting. This quirky venue has a decked terrace, plus DJs, live music, retro-gaming, quiz nights and live sports showings.

With great food and drinks including a selection of craft and cask beers, spirits and cocktails It’s a great place to spend your nights. Not to mention, they also have showings of Love Island weekly this summer, what more could you want!

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Places to go for food

Wondering where you can go for some food in Leamington Spa? Discover the top venues to go to here.

Basement Browns

Basement Browns is the place to go for delicious pizzas in Leamington town centre. Their pizzas are hand-stretched using fresh ingredients. We recommend the tandoori chicken it's too die for mmm. You can find them on Warwick St (we love that street, don’t we).

They also offer other food choices like pastas, salads, coffees and desserts as well as vegan and gluten free options, so there's something for everyone.

You can order through their app for quick and easy table service. Make the most of their threesome deal where you can get any pizza, side and drink for just £9.99. If that isn't student friendly, then we don’t know what is!

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The Drawing Board

An award-winning bar and restaurant located on Newbold Street. The venue’s décor is a sight to see with vintage comic books and game consoles lining the walls, how quirky!

With gourmet pub grub and tapas dishes on the menu such as cheese boards, garlic and chilli prawns and tempura seabass, were sure you’ll leave feeling satisfied and full up!

The venue is dog friendly so you can see some doggies (how cute) whilst enjoying some good food and drinks. It's also a perfect refuge from a rainy day with log burners and comfy leather sofas, so you can feel right at home whilst enjoying a bite to eat.

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Places to go for culture and history

So, you’re planning on moving to Leamington to study at uni, and you want to see some tourist attractions to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the town. Well, there’s much to do and see for a day out with your newfound friends or a visit from your parents. Here’s our must see’s!

The Royal Pump Rooms

Why not spend a couple of hours exploring The Royal Pump Rooms? Located on the Parade in Leamington, this cultural centre offers a look into the local art and history of the town. As well as a look at the historic spa-baths of Leamington.

After you’re done looking around, head outside to the Pump Rooms Garden, which has exciting events across the year like the Peace Festival and the popular Food and Drink Festival each September. You can also find the Box Office where you can buy tickets for the Royal Spa Centre and other local venues, as well as the library and a café.

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The Jephson Gardens

Another great cultural spot is The Jephson Gardens which were designed as a Victorian park for the wealthy to 'take the air' and 'be seen'. The gardens can be found in the centre of the town on the Parade, with the River Leam flowing next to them.

With 140 species of trees, a tropical glasshouse, a lake with ducks and swans, and a boating pond it’s a lovely place to visit, especially in the warmer months.

As a student in Leamington, you really must go an explore what the garden has to offer whilst living in the town. Why not pack a picnic or a simple meal deal and go with your pals for a nice walk and relaxing sit down? The views really are lovely.

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The Student Guide To Leamington Spa? Sorted it! You now know all the best places to go when you start your new life at university. Here’s to happy memories!

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