Royal Leamington Spa
Built beside the River Leam, Leamington Spa is a spacious town, owing its popularity to the natural mineral springs that arise there. The springs were first recorded in 1586. However, the town was not developed as a spa until the 1780's, when the attractive stucco terraces and pleasure gardens were built - many of these buildings were modelled on those found in the famous spa resorts of Bath and Cheltenham. The Parade, built in 1808, is the grandest street in Leamington Spa. Terraces leading off this street provide fine examples of Georgian architecture. Built in 1814, the Royal Pump Room is constructed over one of the town's seven springs, the mineral waters here may be taken, under supervision. Queen Victoria granted the prefix 'Royal' to the town after a visit in 1838, and Royal Leamington Spa has remained a fashionable health resort ever since.
Very near to Leamington Spa is Lunt Roman Fort, an impressive reconstruction of the original fortification, built on the same site in AD 60. The fort's gateway is erected using the original post holes, and there is a fenced ring in which battle horses were trained. Inside the reconstructed granary, visitors can see a display of archaeological finds recovered from the site.
To the north of Leamington Spa is the village of Meriden, which claims that the medieval cross on its village green marks the centre of England. Nearby, is the 18th century Forest Hall, headquarters of the Woodmen of Arden; established in 1785, it is the oldest archery society in England. The grounds of Packingham Hall contain some wonderful gardens, laid-out by capability Brown in 1750.