Royal Leamington Spa was a small village until 1784 when saline springs were discovered and baths were built to attract visitors. The rapid expansion in the 19th century established the town’s elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, with its gardens and tree lined avenues and squares. Today, Leamington has a deservedly good reputation for shopping.

Warwick and its Earls have featured prominently in the course of English history. William the Conqueror established a castle here in 1068. The walls and East and West Gates, protecting the town since the 15th century, remain a prominent feature today. Although much of the town was destroyed by fire in 1694, it was rebuilt in local soft sandstone which favourably compliments the surviving timber structures, and lends a suitable backdrop to its antique shops and tea rooms.

Warwick Castle is widely regarded as England’s finest medieval castle. Located in a dramatic outcrop of rock above the River Avon, the castle’s towering walls, turrets, dungeons and state rooms represent a mini-tour of over 1000 years of English history, from medieval times up to the 20th century when Winston Churchill stayed there.

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Leycester’s House and the West Gate was acquired by the Earl of Leycester (alleged lover of Elizabeth I) in 1571 in order to found a hospital for aged and disabled soldiers. The building, constructed in 1383, still houses ex-servicemen today as well as a museum and excellent tea room. Together with the West Gate, it is one of the most photographed English urban edifices.