Royal Leamington Spa became popular as for the medicinal quality of its waters at the end of the C18th. By the C19th it was a popular resort and the splendid Royal Pump Rooms and Baths were built near the River Leam. Across the road are the Victorian Jephson Gardens, which was the place the wealthy paraded to take the air and to be seen. The gardens were badly damaged by flooding in 1998 and have been carefully restored with a new conservatory with money form the Heritage Lottery Fund. They are still as popular today with their lake, grassy areas, trees, conservatory and cafe.
The River Leam runs along the edge of the gardens and separates the gardens from the boating lake.
The most popular entrance is opposite the Royal Pump Rooms. The Hitchman Fountain by the gate is named after Dr John Hitchman a prominent local citizen. This originally had a single jet but had to be modified after passers-by complained about getting wet.
Beyond it are the Lower Gardens with their flower beds. On the opposite side of the path is the lake with fountains, ducks and geese.
A bit further on is a Greek temple building, the Jephson Memorial, which commemorates Dr Henry Jephson who successfully promoting the town as a Spa destination.
Behind it is the Sensory Garden with the Clock Tower beyond. Across the path from this is the sub-tropical conservatory with its gold fish pond and palm trees.
The area beyond the conservatory is described as the Upper Garden and is grass with specimen trees and tree lined paths. There are plenty of wooden seats to sit and enjoy the gardens.
The gardens are open from 8am and locked between 4-9pm depending on the time of year. They are free to enter and definitely worth visiting. Paths are well made and they are disabled friendly. There is also a small cafe.
