Royal Leamington Spa
Whilst the centres of Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa stand barely two miles apart and are intermingled in the public consciousness, they could not be more different as they comprise a diverse mix of history and culture. Although both lay claim to antiquity, whereas Warwick exudes a more ancient history, with its medieval castle and half-timbered buildings, the Royal Spa reeks of the Regency elegance for which it is rightly renowned.
An inland spa and famed garden town on the River Leam, Royal Leamington Spa has great character and much to be proud of, acclaimed for its broad tree-lined avenues, public gardens and open spaces, together with delightful terraces and crescents developed with stylish architecture.
The town, recognisably 'Lamintone' in Domesday and known as 'Leamington Priors' before the grant of its Royal status by Queen Victoria in 1838, was a rather small and obscure village at the end of the 18th Century – it was during the early years of the 19th Century the town was transformed into a thriving community known for the curative properties of the 'waters', with fine streets and houses, together with the rustic charms of the surrounding countryside.
Today, the Royal Spa is the most populous town in the southern half of Warwickshire and basks in its reputation as having a graceful mix of history and modernity – it is a busy commercial centre in its own right having attracted many companies who have relocated from other parts of the country. All in all, an enviable status achieved in some 200 years.
Approximately 5km (3 miles) south of the town is the M40 Motorway (J13 - south/J14 - north) linking Birmingham, Oxford and London, whilst there is also the A46 connection with Coventry.
For rail, the town is served by Chiltern Railways, with services to Birmingham Snow Hill and London Marylebone.