A-Z Things to Do as a Student in Leamington Spa

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Looking for things to do in Leamington Spa as a student?

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…

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Things to do in Leamington Spa

Here are our A-Z top picks for University of Warwick and Coventry University students…

A is for 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.

B is for Blenz Coffee

Need a caffeine fix before your 9 AM? Head to Blenz Coffee, nestled in Park Street, for a fantastic selection of hot teas, coffees, and hot chocolate. If you don’t fancy sitting in this trendy shop, you can always take your cup to go, ready for your next lecture.

C is for Chesterton Windmill

Okay, 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.

D is for Dark History Walking Tour

If you look hard enough, every place has a murky history, and Warwickshire is no different. This walking tour of Warwick (around five 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?”…

E is for East Lodge Gallery

Want to embrace your cultural side? You can discover exhibitions and a variety of artists’ works in East Lodge Gallery within Jephson Gardens. Did we mention this attraction is free of charge? Perfect for the student budget!

F is for Fizzy Moon Brewhouse

Fizzy Moon Brewhouse & Grill should be near the top of your list of things to do in Leamington Spa. It’s known for being one of this town’s best student pubs. With live music every weekend, karaoke, and a cracking Sunday roast, what’s not to love?

G is for Gail’s Bakery

Found on Regent Street, Gail’s Bakery is a favourite for its pastries, cakes, and sourdough breads. If you need a pick-me-up, this is the perfect place for a quick sweet treat, and there are even seasonal drinks on offer (did someone say pumpkin spice latte?).

H is for Habano Restaurant

Habano Restaurant and Cocktail Bar offers a Pan-Latin menu, with everything from hearty hangover feasts to more budget-friendly light bites. This bar offers a great cocktail if you’re looking for a more sophisticated date, and even vegan options.

I is for Independent Shops

As a vibrant spa town, Leamington Spa is scattered with independent shops and boutiques, with Regent Street being a top spot for shopaholics. Whether you’re after handcrafted gifts for this year’s Secret Santa or a new uni wardrobe, you’re bound to find your next treasured item.

J is for Jephson Gardens

We couldn’t create a things-to-do list in Leamington Spa without mentioning the iconic Jephson Gardens. This gorgeous Victorian park is the go-to spot in the warmer months, when you want to catch some rays or simply look after your wellbeing. There are even attractions within the park, from the Glasshouse and Aviary Café to the Leam Boat Centre and Sensory Garden. So, is it really surprising that it was voted the Best Garden in England in 2004?

K is for Kenilworth Castle

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.

L is for LEIF

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

M is for Mill Bridge and Weir

Connecting across the River Leam, Mill Bridge is a historic suspension bridge known to all Leamington Spa residents. If you have a spare bit of time, it’s always worth taking a stroll to it through Jephson Gardens or Mill Gardens and taking a snap for Instagram!

N is for North Leamington

You can explore North Leamington, just (you guessed it) north of the town centre. It offers a quieter and more relaxed feel than the town centre, whilst still offering access to scenic spots and plenty of Georgian- and Regency-style properties. Explore student accommodation in North Leamington today.

O is for Oakley Wood

Next on our list of things to do in Leamington Spa is Oakley Wood. Located four miles south of the centre, close to Bishop’s Tachbrook, Oakley Wood provides the perfect nature outlet to escape from your assignments and lectures!

P is for Pump Rooms

Found in the Pump Room Gardens, the Royal Pump Rooms is a cultural centre in an unmissable Grade II-listed Regency building. It features the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum (free general admission), Leamington Library, a café for catching up with friends or getting some studying done, and more. The perfect rainy day activity!

Q is for Quarry Park Disc Golf

If you’re looking for a more unique activity than your standard walks and coffee stops, why not give disc golf a try at Quarry Park? To put it simply, this involves throwing a frisbee-like disc into a metal basket – and Quarry Park offers one of the best disc golf courses in the country.

R is for River Leam

By now, you’ll have heard of the River Leam, but did you know you could row across it? 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.

S is for St Peter Apostle Church

Beautiful churches are an old tourist favourite, but that doesn’t mean students can’t pop in them too! This church was built in the 13th-century French Gothic Revival style, so it’s well worth a visit if you appreciate architecture.

T is for Trof

If you’re looking for a café-restaurant serving up fresh food and great coffee, Trof is the place to go. Top tip: The Full Trof brunch will have your hangover thanking you, but there are also vegetarian and vegan options for the veggies in your group!

U is for Ufton Nature Reserve

While not technically in Leamington Spa, Ufton Nature Reserve is only a 30-minute bus away from the town centre (or a ten-minute drive!) and provides access to a gorgeous circular trail, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and marshes to be explored.

V is for Victoria Park

Another green space in Leamington Spa! This is the last park we’re going to list (we promise!). Victoria Park is an iconic green space that can be found in the heart of the town centre, complete with a café, toilets, and tennis courts for anyone wanting to channel their competitive side.

W is for 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.

X is for Xmas Market

Leamington Spa’s Christmas market returns yearly at The Parade, typically on select Sundays in November and December. It features countless crafters and local producers, so if you’re looking for a cute festive gift or a diverse street food experience, pay it a visit!

Y is for York Walk

Can’t get enough of the river views? If you were a fan of Mill Bridge, be sure to take a stroll across York Bridge and onto York Walk for a beautiful riverside wander on the south bank.

Z is for Zzz

After checking off all these student things to do in Leamington Spa, we’re guessing you’ll be pretty tired (especially if you’ve had a night out in The House or Elev8)! Remember to catch some Z’s in your student accommodation in Leamington Spa, whether this be in the north, south, or centre of this gorgeous spa town.

Can’t get enough of student life here? Check out our Leamington Spa city guide.

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.