7 Best Things To Do In Royal Leamington Spa, UK: Art & History

1. St John’s House Museum

A Jacobean mansion, with over 900 years of history, St John’s House has been the site of a hospital, a private residence, a school, and the administrative offices for the War Department, before finally becoming a museum, in 1960. On the first floor, you will find the Royal Warwickshire Regiment of Fusiliers Museum, displaying over 300 years of the regiment’s history, with weapons, uniforms and other artifacts of military interest. A very knowledgeable volunteer curator will happily answer your questions and share historical tidbits that aren’t included in the display.

The ground floor houses a series of galleries - including a Victorian kitchen, but due to a lack of funding, this section is now reserved for school learning sessions. You can still see these galleries but you will need to plan your visit carefully, as it is only open to the general public on Heritage Open Days. The museum is free to visit, but donations are very welcome.

St John’s House Museum

Address: St. Johns House St. John’s, Warwick CV34 4NF, England

Website: St John’s House Museum

2. The British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum is a celebration of British automotive design and construction. Here, you’ll find displays featuring the history of car manufacturing in England, icons of British design, cars made famous in film and television, not to mention interactive exhibits, designed to teach children how cars work from the inside out!

With the largest collection of historic British cars in the world on display and costumed docents, you can easily spend several hours here. Even if you are not a car or driving enthusiast, a visit to the British Motor Museum is a fantastic day out for all ages. During school holidays, the museum hosts all kinds of special activities for children, so if you are visiting with your family, be sure to check the website for upcoming events, before you go.

British Motor Museum

Address: British Motor Museum Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ

Website: British Motor Museum

3. The Royal Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

Royal Leamington Spa’s origins are most evident here, at the Royal Pump Rooms. Once the finest bath house in Leamington, it is now home to an art gallery, museum, library, and a visitor information center. Admission is free and it is well worth a visit. The museum galleries will guide you through the history of the town, from its ancient Roman beginnings to its Victorian heyday.

The art gallery has a permanent collection, as well as a regularly changing display for you to enjoy. There are all kinds of interactive activities to keep children busy, especially during the school holidays - so if you are visiting with children, don’t worry about them getting bored before you are finished! Events are updated regularly, so be sure to check what’s on before you go, to make the most of your visit.

The Royal Pump Rooms

Address: Leamington Library Royal Pump Rooms Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA, UK

Website: The Royal Pump Rooms

4. The Midland Air Museum

Aircraft enthusiasts will be over the moon with the amount of variety and history this museum has. From a World War II Vulcan B2 bomber to a Sea Harrier, there are more than 50 aircraft on display here, not to mention more than 20 aero engines - it’s a lot to take in, so give yourself plenty of time!

With both indoor and out door exhibits, it’s not just a military aircraft on display, you will also find the Sir Frank Whittle exhibit - a section dedicated exclusively to the development of the Jet. Open Cockpit Day gives you the opportunity to see inside aircraft usually behind a barrier, so if you are a fan, be sure to check the schedule if you want to see your favorite plane, up close.

Midland Air Museum

Address: Coventry Airport, Rowley Rd, Baginton CV3 4FR, UK

Website: Midland Air Museum

5. The Coventry Transport Museum

Just a 12-minute drive from Royal Leamington Spa, this place is a definite ‘must see’. Starting in the age of the horse and carriage, the Coventry Transport Museum is a walk through time, leading you, step by step, through the motoring history of England. From the advent of the bicycle to concept cars of the future, this museum is a celebration of automotive engineering genius.

Home to the largest collection of British road transport in the world, it is also the only place in the world you will come face to face with the world’s fastest car. Children can take advantage of the interactive activities and design their own fantasy car, or become a “cartist” and turn a car into a work of art! With so much to do and see, it’s hard to believe that admission to the museum, with all its activities, is free for everyone!

Coventry Transport Museum

Address: Millennium Place, Hales St, Coventry CV1 1JD, UK

Website: Coventry Transport Museum

6. Compton Verney Art Gallery

Compton Verney has a curious history. Once a stately home, it was requisitioned by the army during World War II and used as an experimental testing station for smoke screen camouflage. After the army left in 1945, it changed hands several times, falling into disrepair, until it was bought and transformed into the beautiful gallery you can visit today.

With six permanent collections, including pieces from the Neopolitan era, Chinese bronzes, portraits of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and British folk art - not to mention the regularly changing international exhibitions, there is enough here to satisfy even the sternest of art critics! When you’ve had your fill of art, make your way outside for a guided tour of the lovingly restored grounds, which is included in the admission price.

Compton Verney Art Gallery

Address: Warwick CV35 9HZ, UK

Website: Compton Verney Art Gallery

7. Art in the Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Perfect if you are visiting with children, this annual event is a celebration of Royal Leamington Spa’s history and culture. With a different theme each year, Art in the Park is a two-day festival, held in Jephson Gardens, showcasing over 100 local and national artists, artisans, performers and musicians. Entry is free and you can wander through the stalls and performers at your leisure.

The gardens make a delightful picnic spot and once you have had your fill of festival fun, find a quieter corner and enjoy some of the amazing festival food, as you watch the world go by. The dates for 2017 fall on August 5th and 6th.

Art In The Park

Address: Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA, UK

Website: Art In The Park

Visit the beautiful spa town of Royal Leamington!

Although it has a reputation as a shopping destination, Royal Leamington Spa has so much more to offer its visitors than retail therapy! With its fascinating museums, celebrating all kinds of history, beautiful galleries, and exciting cultural events, there is more than enough here to capture your attention if shopping is not your thing!