Adventure away from the Black Country into this centuries-old rich West Midlands spa town getaway just over an hour from Wolverhampton

There are three spa towns in the West Midlands: Great Malvern, Droitwich Spa and Royal Leamington Spa. 

Of the three, Leamington Spa boasts the largest population, 50,923, according to the latest census data. The spa town boasts natural beauty and is located 1hr 10 minutes drive away from Wolverhampton.

Centuries ago, people from across the country, used to flock to spa towns to reap the health benefits that were promised to them due to the minerals of the saline springs. 

In 1784, Leamington Spa re-discovered its Roman baths, and began building more modern baths so that locals and tourists could reap the benefits of the health benefits associated with the town’s waters. 

Read more: 9 reasons this overlooked West Midlands town deserves to be UK Town of Culture

Nowadays, there still plenty of interesting activities to partake in when visiting Leamington Spa, whether you are travelling for a day trip or something more. 

There is no doubt you can appreciate the town’s beauty, gardens and shopping. 

Here are five reasons to visit Leamington Spa to visit in 2026: 

1. Royal Pump Rooms and Baths

This is a Grade II listed building that is the market town's most mesmerising building, though it no longer is a place for swimming and water treatments which were prolific during the 18th and 19th century (this all closed in the 1990s). Nowadays, its used for cultural and community uses. Though, it is an excellent place to visit if you would like to learn more about this spa town's heritage. Royal Leamington Spa has been renowned for its mineral springs since the middle ages, but in 1784 the small village rediscovered its saline springs and began building baths around some of them. It is still known for its natural beauty and is less than an hour from Birmingham.

2. Calm surroundings

The town boasts a relatively average population of 50,923, according to the latest census data. This is a big departure from Birmingham's 1,144,900 population size. So if you're looking for a place near to Brum albeit less than an hour away, and that's pretty calm Leamington Spa is the place for you.

3. Spacious parks

Jephson Gardens is a beautiful formal Grade II listed Victorian park, perfect place for a stroll, this is a 200-year-old park. The park is full of lovely plants and a calming lake, and entry to the gardens is free. It is open every day from 8am, and closing times change depending on the time of year.

4. Unique shopping experience

The Parade is a 0.51-mile-long central street and is the town's main street, known for its high-street chains and several independent shops, near to Regent Street and Warwick Street. Within a ten minute walk, visitors will be able to appreciate, a 500 different independent boutiques, high street brands, as well as bars and restaurants.

5. Dog-friendly town

For those with pups, looking for places that you can take your pets to can seem pretty difficult. Interestingly, Leamington Spa is known for being pretty welcoming and dog-friendly, offering many spacious parks, as well as food spots that welcome dogs. The town is also near Dogs Trust Kenilworth, which is the biggest Dogs Trust rehoming centre in the West Midlands.