Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Just 15 mins from Leamington Spa sits this rural village, home to several pubs, gorgeous walks and close to plenty of great schools. The River Itchen flows around the village and the idyllic pond in the village&#8217;s centre is where you&#8217;ll often bump into other families feeding the ducks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/j4sa3hadjhio7fxp7yi4.jpg" alt="Two Boats Pub Long Itchington Warwickshire by the canal" class="wp-image-58264" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two Boats</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you like pub grub loosen your belt, there&#8217;s a lot of gasto hot spots to frequent. The main landmark is <a href="https://www.duckonthepondlongitchington.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duck on the Pond</a> which is just off the village green and super family and dog friendly. Elsewhere in the village you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BuckandBellLongItch/?locale=en_GB">The Buck &amp; Bell</a> and <a href="https://www.thecuttleinn.co.uk">The Cuttle Inn</a>, or there&#8217;s canalside pubs <a href="https://restaurant.apptiser.io/4804-two-boats/">Two Boats</a> and the <a href="https://www.thebluelias.co.uk">Blue Lias Inn</a>. </p>



<p>Just down the road in Southam you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.bowlinggreensoutham.com/restaurant/">The Bowling Green</a> and in Napton check quirky boozer <a href="http://follyatnapton.co.uk">The Folly</a>. <a href="https://www.thestagatoffchurch.com/#our-menus">The Stag at Offchurch</a> is a bit of a local institution and the place to go for a steak or awesome roast. If it&#8217;s a beer garden you seek, head for the <a href="http://www.thewhitehartufton.co.uk/main-menu-2-2/">White Hart</a> at Ufton has outdoor space aplenty where kids (and dog) can run wild. </p>



<p>For the boho pub garden of dreams you&#8217;re going to want to book in at <a href="https://www.thewhitelionradfordsemele.co.uk">The White Lion</a> in Radford Semele. It&#8217;s not all about pubs, <a href="https://www.hilltopfarmshop.com">Hilltop Farm Shop</a> has a café that serves breakfast with a view. <a href="https://www.mallory.co.uk">Mallory Court</a> is out top tip for special occasion dining and if you love an indie, we love <a href="https://www.redhotmamma.co.uk">Red Hot Mamma</a> and Muddy Award-winning bar <a href="https://www.theterrace.uk">The Terrace</a>, both in Leamington Spa. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n.jpg" alt="Leamington Wine Company shelves of wine bottle and hand holding up a Tres Picos Garnacha 2021" class="wp-image-58263" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/461523179_18457944172021727_4759478431990679184_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Leamington Wine Company</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>For delicious local and homemade produce then you&#8217;re going to want to head to <a href="https://www.hilltopfarmshop.com">Hilltop Farm Shop</a> and to stock up on essentials there&#8217;s a convenience store in the village. Down the road in Leamington you’ll find specialist boutiques, indies and high street retailers, and quality wine merchants <a href="http://www.leamingtonwine.com/">Leamington Wine Company</a> and natural wine specialists <a href="https://www.lolaprovisions.co.uk/">Lola Provisions</a>. Other foodie highlights include the fabulous <a href="https://www.cakingandbaking.com/">Caking and Baking</a> and award-winning national ‘master butcher’ <a href="https://aubreyallen.co.uk/">Aubrey Allen</a>. Family business <a href="https://www.hendersonhound.co.uk">Henderson Hound</a> sells all kinds of wonderful essentials and gifts for you and your dog and <a href="https://www.zerostore.co.uk/">Zero Store</a> on Russell Street does sustainability with style.</p>



<p>Your interiors itch can be scratched at Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.sanctuaryeleven.com">Sanctuary Eleven</a>, <a href="https://www.farrow-ball.com/farrow-ball-showrooms">Farrow and Ball showrooms</a>, <a href="https://www.collectivehomestore.com/">Collective Homestore</a> and gift shop <a href="https://www.berylune.co.uk/">Berylune</a>, lifestyle retailer <a href="https://www.parkinsonslifestyle.com/">Parkinsons and the Boot Room</a>. Taking on a supporting role (*fnar*) there&#8217;s no excuse for your greying granny pants when you have <a href="https://www.bravissimo.com/">Bravissimo</a>&#8216;s HQ and first ever shop on your doorstep. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Book in for a match on the local tennis courts or for something a little more zen try a massage at <a href="https://www.thelavenderhouse1908.com/team-1">The Lavender House</a>. In Leamington the annual eco festival is full of have-a-go activities like laughter yoga and pilates while focusing on a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. There’s also salons aplenty to book in for a massage, including a Neals Yard store. A spa kitted out with flotation tanks for weightless floating (Warwickshire’s first, FYI) and you’re just a stone’s throw from The Wellbeing Cabin, combining eight holistic treatments for the ultimate in relaxation (<a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/review-the-wellbeing-cabin-charlecote/">here’s</a> my review). If you’re looking for the full spa experience then head to Mallory Court’s Elan Spa, or Ardencote.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s popular local groups covering everything from Brownies, Scouts and   history groups to a Young Farmers Club which plans an annual tractor run. Film nights in the Community Centre are busy, as are the local fields which play host to sports team practice. There&#8217;s a memorial garden where names can be added on a plaque and is designed as an &#8216;area of contemplation&#8217;. Just down the road in Leamington there’s some awesome festivals in the Pump Room gardens throughout the year.&nbsp;Annual events include Art in the Park, Warwickshire Pride and the hugely popular Leamington Food &amp; Drink Festival. At Christmas there’s a busy lantern parade and Santa Dash, and you’ll regularly find local makers markets in the town.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/08/Untitled-design-86.jpg" alt="Chesterton Windmill AT SUNSET" class="wp-image-57807" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/08/Untitled-design-86.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/08/Untitled-design-86-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/08/Untitled-design-86-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/08/Untitled-design-86-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chesterton Windmill/ Image by James Sullivan</figcaption></figure>



<p>A much-photographed place nearby for walks is Chesterton Windmill, and you&#8217;re also not far from reservoir Draycote Water where there&#8217;s a lovely five-mile amble (sorry no dogs allowed!) and Ufton Nature Reserve. Head into Leamington and you&#8217;ll find Jephson Gardens and the Pump Room Gardens, along with escape rooms and a rage room. Try your hand at canoeing, rowing or paddleboarding down the River Leam at <a href="http://www.leamboatcentre.com/">Leam Boat Centre</a> and there&#8217;s gin tasting sessions at <a href="https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk">Warwickshire Gin Company</a>. A short drive out is the <a href="https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk">British Motor Museum</a> along with Warwick and Kenilworth castles. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The iconic Royal Pump Rooms, which attracted visitors to the famous spa baths up until the mid-19th century, including Queen Victoria now incorporates Leamington Spa Art Gallery &amp; Museum. There’s live comedy, talks, panto and cinema at the <a href="https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/site/index.php">Royal Spa Centre</a>. <a href="https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/">Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park</a>, with brilliant bijou exhibitions, is close too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Properties average £362,125 with most sales detached properties, selling for an average price of £525,500. Semis sold for an average of £273,708, with terraced homes fetching £318,800.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/11/Untitled-design-24-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58595" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/11/Untitled-design-24-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/11/Untitled-design-24-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/11/Untitled-design-24-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/11/Untitled-design-24.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 5-bed family home is brimming with period property features, including this gorgeous front door. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/152799755#/?channel=RES_BUY">On the market for £675,000</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s Long Itchington pre-school and nearby independent offerings include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warwickprep.com/the-squirrels-nursery/our-nursery">The Squirrels</a>&nbsp;at Warwick Prep School,&nbsp;<a href="https://treetopsmontessorinursery.co.uk/">Treetops Montessori</a>&nbsp;Nursery for little ones, or&nbsp;<a href="https://childbasepartnership.com/nursery/emscote-house-day-nursery/">Emscote House</a>&nbsp;Day Nursery. There’s also nurseries at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lillingtonschool.org/">Lillington Primary</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.claphamterrace.info/">Clapham Terrace</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>On your doorstep you&#8217;ll find <a href="http://www.longitchingtonprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Long Itchington C of E Academy</a>, <a href="http://www.st-marys-southam.warwickshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary’s Catholic Primary School</a> and <a href="http://www.southamcollege.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southam College</a>. In Leamington there&#8217;s independent&nbsp;<a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/the-kingsley-school-leamington-spa/">Kingsley School</a>&nbsp;for girls from 3 – 18 yrs, and boys aged 3 – 11 yrs, founded by Rose, the daughter of Victorian author Charles Kingsley. Other fee-paying options include&nbsp;<a href="http://www.arnoldlodge.com/">Arnold Lodge School</a>&nbsp;in Leamington Spa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/page/?pid=10">Princethorpe College</a>, a mixed co-ed independent Senior school in the nearby village of&nbsp;Princethorpe and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.warwickprep.com/">Warwick Prep</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warwickschool.org/">Warwick School</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk/">King’s High School for Girls</a>, Warwick.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Children can also attend&nbsp;also attend the two Stratford-upon-Avon girls’ and boys’ grammars. ‘Outstanding’ state primary schools include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stanthonyscatholic.com/">St Anthony’s Catholic Primary</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sydenhamprimaryschool.co.uk/">Sydenham Primary</a>with secondaries including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northleamingtonschool.warwickshire.sch.uk/">North Leamington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.campion.warwickshire.sch.uk/">Campion</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mytonschool.co.uk/">Myton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.trinity-school.org.uk/">Trinity Catholic School</a>&nbsp;each rated ‘Good’.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>In the village you will find an interesting half timbered Tudor house where Queen Elizabeth I is said to have stayed in 1572 and 1575. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s easy access to the&nbsp;M40 motorway&nbsp;which links it to Birmingham and London. The art deco Leamington Spa railway station&nbsp;is served by the <a href="https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/mainline">Chiltern Main Line,</a>&nbsp;which links&nbsp;London Marylebone&nbsp;– a 75 min journey.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Long Itchington

See more in Best Places to Live