By Oliver Williams Warwickshire World
Published 9th Sep 2026, 12:34 BST
Leamington Spa’s rich and diverse history will take centre stage on Saturday (September 12) when Leamington History Group hosts its annual Heritage Day and Digital Archive Launch.
The free event, hosted by All Saints’ Parish Church from 10am to 3am, will bring together more than 25 local heritage, history, community, cultural and environmental organisations, offering visitors the chance to discover research, photographs, displays, publications and stories about Leamington and the wider area.
There will also be opportunities to climb the tower at All Saints’ Church for magnificent views across the town, providing a fitting setting for a celebration of Leamington’s past, present and future.
The House History Group will be displaying stories behind local homes and streets giving visitors the chance to find out more about their house.
Visitors can also learn more about Leamington History Group’s wider research projects, publications, talks, walks and local history projects.
The History Group will also be selling its popular Old Leamington Calendar, second hand local history books and its latest publications including Creative Leamington Spa (2026) which celebrates more than 200 years of creativity and the town’s arts and cultural life, while Enterprising Leamington (2025) explores the people, skills, businesses and communities that have shaped 200 years of the town’s development.
Among the heritage, history and research organisations taking part are Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society (WIAS), Lillington Local History Society, Alderminster History, Warwickshire Photographers Collective, ARC, Warwickshire Gardens Trust, author Graham Sutherland and Leamington House Histories. Community, faith, culture and local interest organisations include Our Lady’s Lillington, All Saints’ Community Garden, Ahmadiyya Muslim Centre, Belvedere CIC, Warwick District United Nations Association, Leamington International Twinning and Gardens with Meanings.
Heritage Day will demonstrate just how broad Leamington’s heritage is, encompassing its buildings and streets, gardens and environment, industry and enterprise, faith communities, international connections, photography, arts and the personal stories of the people who have made the town what it is today.
The event will be attended by High Sheriff of Warwickshire Susan Rasmussen, Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Cllr Sarah Boad, and Warwick District Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Economy.
Stella Bolitho, Leamington History Group’s chairwoman, said: “Leamington Heritage Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the extraordinary heritage of our town and the people and organisations who work so passionately to preserve and celebrate it. “Leamington has such a rich and diverse story, from its historic buildings, gardens and industries to its communities, families, faiths, arts and culture. “Heritage Day brings all these stories together and gives everyone the chance to discover something new, celebrate our shared heritage and take pride in what makes Leamington such a special place.”
One of the highlights of the event will be the launch of the Leamington History Group Digital Archive, presented by vice chair and archivist David Morse.
Supported by both Leamington Town Council and Warwick District Council, the ambitious project is bringing thousands of images from the Group’s historic collection within easy reach of the public. Visitors will be able to discover photographs, postcards and other fascinating images of Leamington, exploring the streets, buildings, people and places that have shaped the town and its story. Already containing more than 4,300 digital items, the searchable archive is organised by streets, places and subjects, with material extending beyond Leamington itself.
