Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham formed Lighthaus Arts CIC with a dream of improving the accessibility of arts in Leamington, and when the Stoneleigh Arms became available as part of the Leamington Creative Quarter development, they jumped at the opportunity to establish a permanent accessible centre for art and artists.

Finally, at the turn of the year they got the keys and have since transformed the space into an award-winning gallery and event venue combined with upper floors of artist studios and workshop facilities.

I went to talk to them about this extraordinary venture, their plans for 2026 and how you can get involved either as artist, art-lover or volunteer.

https://stoneleigharms.com/

A smart new travel agency has just made its Leamington debut on Regent Street. It seems that many of us are getting fed-up with endless scrolling and would prefer to talk to a person face-to-face about our travel ideas. Rachel and Emma-Louise are the face-to-faces in question and they talk me through the range of travel they provide, from day trips to major tailor-made itineraries and share a few of their own favourite destinations.

https://www.clubvoyages.uk/

Recently arrived on Park Street is the Mazon Interiors showroom and studio. Visualised as a townhouse, this beautifully honed two-storey space showcases both modern design and luxurious materials. In this episode, Joanne Layzell talks us through the elements of the showroom, the types of project that Mazon relishes and how the space is already becoming a hub for the best creatives and artisans from the Leamington property marketplace.

https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/

Based in Leamington, Helping Hands is a charity rooted in compassion, standing alongside people facing homelessness, poverty, and hardship. I had the privilege of meeting Jacqui Grove from the charity, as well as Emma, one of the many individuals they support. Hearing their stories brought to life the many ways Helping Hands helps people through moments of crisis—offering not just practical support, but hope, dignity, and a path forward. It also highlighted how vital their work is, and how we can all play a part in supporting it.

https://helpinghandscharity.org.uk/

Now in its 6th year, the Warwick Castle Light Trail is a magical way of getting into the Christmas spirit. Fully accessible and with a different theme each year, it’s something the whole family can enjoy time and again. I had the privilege of being guided through the trail by its creator, Dave Harding who also then recorded this insight into some of the highlights and the story behind its creation.

https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore-1/events/christmas-at-the-castle/light-trail/

Dave Blick knew that he liked gin, but didn’t know how to make it until a chance encounter with his future gin mentor in Tenby. Soon after, the Warwickshire Gin Company was born and now resides in a railway arch at Leamington’s Victoria Business Centre. Here Dave not only distils his gins, rums and vodka but hosts regular tastings that have already welcomed over 10,000 visitors! Hear his remarkable journey from ginexperienced novice to gintrepreneur.

https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/

The Leamington Spa Christmas Tree Festival returns to All Saints Church from Sunday 30th November to Sunday 7th December. Join organisers Carole Sleight and David Clargo as they explain what's in store for visitors, meet one of the tree sponsors, and hear from Flourish, the local charity that will benefit from the raffle proceeds. Admission is just £2, under 16's free.

https://www.whittleproductions.co.uk/2025-leam-tree-fest

https://www.youcanflourish.co.uk/

Every Sunday in November* and December, Leamington’s Parade gives itself over to the Christmas Markets with the nearly 100 stalls drawing festive shoppers from the town and miles around. Featuring arts, crafts, local produce, food and drink, whether you’re searching for a unique gift, festive decorations, or just some tasty bites to eat there or take home, you won’t be disappointed. Aaron from organisers CJs Events together with three of the traders, Anthony, Becci and Sabia give us a flavour of what’s on offer and what else is up and coming for the festive season.

https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/

* except Remembrance Sunday