Life in Leam

Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire has a constantly evolving social, gastro, cultural and leisure scene. New bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and events can make this a tricky little town to keep up with.

In this podcast, your host Tim Bishop serves up some bite-size glimpses into his personal selection of what’s new, what’s upcoming or what’s just plain curious in his adopted hometown - laced with first-hand input from some of the characters behind the town’s unique personality.

All episodes © Copyright 2025-6 Tim Bishop. All rights reserved.

Episodes

5 days ago

7 min

Iyengar Yoga is renowned as being one of the most accessible forms of yoga. It uses a range of props such as blocks, ropes, chairs and bolsters to support the participant and so complete novices and even people with stiffness or injury can experience the benefits without risking strain.
Leamington now has its own Iyengar studio on Clemens Street and the bottom of town.  A Community Interest Company (CIC) started by two trained instructors Di Harris and Lynne Myall, this custom facility provides a calm and tranquil space equipped with all the necessary props to enable pretty much anyone to participate.  Their classes run every day of the week, both daytimes and evenings.
https://warwickshireiyengaryoga.co.uk/

Jul 7, 2026

11 min

If you’re curious to explore Leamington Spa and learn about some of the people and events that shaped the modern town, then the free guided walks offered by the Leamington History Group are exactly what you need.
Each year, new walks are added, including some specifically for children this year!  Paula Fletcher leads the overall walks programme and shares some of the facts she finds most fascinating, and how you sign-up for one of the many walks on offer.
https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/events/
 

The Fold

Jun 30, 2026

Jun 30, 2026

10 min

What lies behind the white columns and portico of the beautiful building on Spencer Street opposite Leamington Assembly?  It turns out what originally was a church has been remodelled in to a beautiful co-working and event space as part of the cultural and creative quarter development.
I crept into the crypt and met Simon Reeve, The Fold's Managing Director to learn about what goes on there, both for Fold members and us public.
https://www.thefoldleamington.co.uk/ 

Jun 23, 2026

8 min

Just 10 mins drive from Leamington is a scene of such serenity, fragrance and beauty that you'll think you're in a dream.  Ian and Pippa Jamie first planted lavender here in 2019, and for a few weeks each summer it transforms the landscape visually, aromatically, and audibly as the myriad of bees, butterflies and other insects feast on its fragrant nectar.
During this magical time, they open the farm to the public so that we too can share in the joys of lavender and embrace the unique sensory experience it offers.
I sat with Ian in their Lavender Café and he told me the remarkable story of how they came to grow lavender, the various events, talks and visits they host during the summer, and their high hopes for a first grape harvest!
https://www.warwickshirelavender.com/ 
 

Cars at the Spa

Jun 16, 2026

Jun 16, 2026

7 min

If you’re a classic car fan, then Pump Room Gardens in Leamington hosts a must-see event every summer, Cars at the Spa.  Now in its 7th year, it showcases around 300 cars from the early 20th century right up to modern day classics.  Free to attend, and also featuring live music, food and drink, it’s a perfect day out.  It also raises money for good causes.
Simon Evans and Linda John of organisers Royal Leamington Spa Rotary Club cruised-by to explain how this popular event started, what to expect, and even how to display your own classic car.
This year’s outing is on Sunday 21st June - a father’s day treat, 10.30am - 4pm.
https://carsatthespa.co.uk/
 

Jun 9, 2026

10 min

13-14th June 2026 sees the full return of the legendary Leamington Peace Festival.  A feature of Leamington summers since 1978, until sadly interrupted by the pandemic. It's back in its full glory thanks to an organising team guided by original founder members and powered by a new generation of volunteer enthusiasts.
I met with two of this super-team, Jennie Devine and Leila Clare to get the insiders' guide to what the Peace Festival is all about, the packed line-up of stalls, speakers, performers and activities, the unique "peace talks" at the core of the programme and opportunities to volunteer at this extraordinary event.
https://leamingtonpeacefestival.org/ 

Leamprov

Jun 2, 2026

Jun 2, 2026

12 min

Comedy improv is alive and well in Leamington the shape of Leamprov, a group that performs monthly in town (also at the Edinburgh Fringe) and hosts weekly improv workshops for the curious.  I went to one of their shows, and then sat down with Jet and Kate from the troupe to understand why they do it, how they do it, why people watch it and how you can get involved.
https://www.meetup.com/leamprov/
https://www.facebook.com/LeamingtonSpaImprov/

Foak at the Oak

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

11 min

The folk music scene in Leamington has just taken a leap forward with the revival of the Heart of England Folk Club and its free “Foak at the Oak” performances which run every fourth Tuesday evening at Oak House on Upper Holly Walk.
Organisers Campbell Perry and Ruth Noble (who together perform as folk duo Harper’s Dove) tell how they were inspired to restart the club after some decades’ hiatus and the diversity of music that they’re keen to incorporate.
https://www.facebook.com/NewHoEFolk
newhoefolk@gmail.com
 

May 19, 2026

12 min

Once a month, 40-50 people gather at Temperance to share views on a topic that they choose at the start of the meeting.  Attendance is free and is open to all, and the emphasis is on learning through hearing diverse views. Chaired by Paolo Turrini, the Temperance Philosophy Club is celebrating over 20 meetings now.
Many people just go to listen, some expect to just listen but soon feel able to speak too.  What's certain is that views from a broad mix of people - aged 19-90 will be heard with respect and curiosity.
https://www.temperance.bar/music-events/
 

May 12, 2026

3 min

Once again, Pump Room Gardens will be awash with music, sequins, flags and fans as this year’s Eurovision Festival lands this Saturday 16th May.  A day-long extravaganza of kitsch starting at 11am.  Aaron Probert-Walker from CJ’s Events shares all the fabulous details and his hopes for a record-breaking attendance this year.
https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/events/eurovision-festival-16th-may-2026
https://www.eurovision-leam.co.uk/
 

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