#1 - The Parade
Until the first part of the 19th century Leamington Priors, as the town was then known, was a small village, of equal size with the nearby village of Lillington. The southern part of what is now Parade was part of Lillington Lane which connected the two settlements. Between 1808 and 1860 Leamington developed rapidly northwards away from its village origins meaning Lillington Lane was extended to the length of the current Parade and named "Lower Union Parade", "Upper Union Parade" and "Lansdowne Place" in sections from south to north. In 1860 the street took on its current name.

The name Parade itself came partly from the fact that so many of the facilities that made Leamington as a spa town famous lined the street. The Royal Pump Rooms were opened in 1814, the Regent Hotel in 1818 and the Jephson Gardens in 1834. Most of the fashionable housing in the town was found north of the river as well as the main library and the theatre. Later Victorian buildings of note include an obelisk/drinking fountain dedicated to local politician and philanthropist Henry Bright (1880)[1] and the large Town Hall with tower (1884).

In 1988 the towns main shopping precinct, the Royal Priors Shopping Centre, opened. For a short period of time there was a second precinct, the Regency Arcade, but this is now closed and has been converted into a shop and hotel.

#3 - Jephson Gardens is a beautiful formal Victorian park in the centre of Leamington Spa. It's the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or family picnic. Lots of colourful flowerbeds and interesting sculptures make for a great day out. Things to do: Visit the Glasshouse - interesting tropical plants and goldfish pond Eat at the Aviary Café - a beautiful Victorian tea pavilion Hire boats at Leam Boat Centre in Mill Gardens Explore the Sensory Garden - taste garden, mirrored arch and colourful planting Visit East Lodge Garden - garden with insect-friendly planting and beehive Trees - around 140 species of native and non-native trees Explore the sculpture collection and find the rhino, dragon and hedgehog Watch ducks and geese on the lake Play area across the river in Mill Gardens Jephson Gardens is open every day from 8am. Closing times vary between 4pm and 9pm depending on the time of year. See entrance gates for current closing times.

#5 - From medieval fortress to Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of England's affairs for much of its 900-year history. Today, you can marvel at the mighty Norman keep and imagine the majesty of the Great Hall playing host to medieval monarchs. Walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen as you explore the immaculate garden and picture the opulence and splendour of Elizabethan Kenilworth.