Leamington Spa named runner-up in UK ‘most underrated town’ ranking
Leamington Spa, the home of many Warwick students during term-time, has been named as the second most underrated town in the UK, behind only Hastings.
New research, conducted by Betway Insider, praised the town for its strong local business presence, picturesque streets, and numerous restaurants.
The quality of cultural landmarks was one of the five metrics used to make this assessment. Leamington was praised for its “timeless charm” in this category, with 96% of the town’s sights rated over four stars.
The presence of over 40 ‘excellent’ restaurants and 50 bars in Leamington Spa, all within a ten minute walk of each other, were also taken into account, with 79% of the restaurants recognised as being worth four or more stars.
An abundance of independent shops also justified Leamington’s second place spot. These shops create a unique area that is perfect for a “relaxed afternoon wander”, according to Betway’s research.
Leamington is the perfect place for students
Ella, second-year student
Although not directly mentioned in the analysis, Leamington Spa is also renowned for its elegance. The town is home to the Royal Pump Rooms, a standout landmark that is over 200 years old and has been converted into a museum, gallery, library, and café for modern day use.
While the research suggests the town as an ideal place for families and couples, students at the University of Warwick also embrace what Leamington Spa has to offer.
Ella, a second-year student, was full of praise for the town. She claimed that: “Leamington is the perfect place for students, with numerous bakeries and cafés that are ideal for working during the day.
“There is also a thriving nightlife in the evening with the presence of multiple clubs,” Ella added.
Jess, another second-year student, was delighted to hear that Leamington Spa had been recognised. She also referenced the duality of the town, telling The Boar that she enjoys “taking the chance to spend time in nature, whether this be in Jephson Gardens or by taking a boat down the river”.
On the other hand, she also added that the nightlife is “perfect for university students”, noting in particular the Benjamin Satchwell, Leamington’s Wetherspoon pub, and Neon, one of the local nightclubs.
Leamington Spa was one of two towns in the Midlands to be recognised on the list, with Shropshire earning third spot in the research which analysed 57 towns across the UK.
Comments (2)
Wow as a long time resident of Leamington spa under rated is not a term Id use.. Leamington has more resturants cafes an bars then it does shops.. The shopping centre for nearly a year has most shops empty downstairs..The parks they continue to cut down all the old trees that have been here longer then we have ( adding its for the public benefit which is not the case) the fountains have been out of use all summer an from the duck ponds too Leamington parade is full of eaterys empty buildings with a added handful of chosen by the council shops…, its sad to see the life being sucked out of leamington the Fact it has Royal in its title the irony.. where is the money being spent if this is deemed Royal ?seems to be all on roadworks creating traffic build ups to get in & out of a town that has no appeal anyway unless u wanna eat or drink..
Tax payers money shud go to making it more appealing to residents adding craft shops getting local residents involved giving them a voice .. creating more shops giving people a selection at affordable costs thats whats needed badly ( Betbuy quotes crafts shops are here ?? very small handful maybe) Leamington could take some tips from Stratford that doesnt have Royal in its title yet caters to all ages an cares for the scenery to keeping the landscape an greenery cared an tended for all year round.
Great for students but what about permanent residents who have to put up with loads of HMO houses, litter from said houses being left on the street, noisy bars and people coming out of them, hundreds of nail bars and coffee shops but few shops anyone needs? Empty abandoned shops with homeless people sleeping in the doorways. One central supermarket that as “An express supermarket” charges more than any other.