Top Things to Do as a Student in Leamington Spa

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If you’re studying at The University of Warwick or Warwickshire College and University Centre, you’ll be calling the leafy town of Leamington Spa home.

Officially called Royal Leamington Spa if you want to be formal, it’s a gorgeous town boasting beautiful countryside, stunning architecture and a whole heap of English charm. Basically it will feel like you’re stepping into a postcard, and here’s just some of what you’ll be able to do when you’re there…  

You’re spoilt for choice with castles 

Leamington Spa doesn’t hold back when it comes to castles. In fact you’re just a short drive or bus trip away from nine of them, which is pretty good going for any town. There’s other amazing architecture here too, all of which is sure to make your Instagram feed look a lot more impressive.  

Warwick Castle 

You absolutely must visit Warwick Castle while living in Leamington Spa. It was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, and is now a thriving tourist attraction that gives you an excellent look back in time at the place you now call home. Throughout the year the castle plays host to shows and fairs, so there’s always something new for you to conquer yourself.  

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens 

Prefer your castles a little more ruined? Kenilworth Castle is the spot for you. Once a lavish holiday pad for Elizabeth I, it’s now home to some excellent landscape gardening and history tours, making it a top spot for a laid back stroll with your mates.  

Chesterton Windmill 

Ok, so this isn’t a castle, but it is a very old building that you should definitely see. Chesterton Windmill has been turning ever since the 1630s, and is the oldest mill in England to still retain its working parts. Exciting, right? No? Fine, but it does add a really interesting feature to a lovely walk across the Warwickshire countryside.  

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There are lots of places to enjoy a quick tipple  

Obviously we’re not promoting excessive drinking, but if you want to enjoy a sensible half pint or tasty local beverage, Leamington Spa has you sorted.  

Windmill Hill Brewery and Taproom 

You know that windmill we mentioned earlier? Well someone only went and set up a brewery next to it. Windmill Hill Brewery and Taproom make a lovely range of locally-sourced drinks, and it’d just be silly of you not to try a few of them during your time in the town.  

The Warwickshire Gin Company 

A gin tasting experience makes you feel very grown up, especially when it’s paired with afternoon tea and cake. The Warwickshire Gin Company is a great shout if your family is coming up to visit, but also a perfectly reasonable shout if you’re free after uni one afternoon. We don’t make the rules.  

The Lief 

Part tearooms, part local pub that you could happily spend a few hours in, The Lief is right in the heart of Leamington Spa and offers a great selection of drinks and food. Welcome to your new local.  

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There’s loads of activities 

Can you ever really know a place until you’ve spent some time with alpacas? We say no. Leamington Spa is full of fun ways to pass the time, all of which are a quick walk or train ride away from home.  

A two-hour alpaca farm experience 

Is two hours really enough time to get to know someone? You’ll find out at this two-hour alpaca experience, where you can meet,  greet and walk with everyone’s favourite farmyard character. It’s the selfie you never knew you needed. 

The Dark History Walking Tour 

Everywhere’s got a murky history if you look hard enough, and Warwickshire is no different. This walking tour of Warwick (four minutes away by train) will show you all the spookiest sections of your new home, which is sure to help you bond with your housemates as you spend the rest of the night huddled up asking, “You locked the front door, right?” 

The Leam Boat Centre 

How hard can it be to row a boat? You’ll soon find out. The Leam Boat Centre lets you hire boats, kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos, and can even train you on how to use them properly if you fancy. Hop aboard and splash along the River Leam, learning how to turn corners as you go.  

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Find your student home in Leamington Spa 

Now you’ve discovered what there is to do in Leamington Spa, you’re going to need a place to live. Whether you’re looking for a new home there or your first, the selection of student houses and apartments in Leamington Spa on our site will give you everything you need. Each one is advertised with bills included, leaving you free to move in and enjoy the charm of your new surroundings. We’re already jealous.