Thinking of taking the waters? There are around 50 towns associated with springs in the UK, some remaining active, some very much gone to ground. However, these are still well worth a visit.
BATH Take a tour around the Roman Baths, bathe in the geothermal waters at the Thermae Spa and taste the waters in the Pump Room in this World Heritage city.
BUXTON Restore yourself at the luxuriously restored Buxton Crescent Hotel. You can also explore Poole’s Cavern, and sip the water straight from St Ann’s Well in England’s highest market town on the edge of the Peak District.
CHELTENHAM Enjoy the Austen-like atmosphere of this Cotswolds-edge town, renowned for its Regency architecture. Unfortunately, you can’t bathe in or drink the waters these days, however, the Pittville Pump Room, overlooking picturesque Pittville Park, still remains and Cheltenham itself is awash with culture.
DROITWICH SPA Priding itself on being the only saltwater spa town in the UK, its waters come directly from brine springs and contain 30% natural salts – making them ten times more concentrated than sea water. Visit during the summer and you can bob around in the saltwater lido.
HARROGATE Crescent Gardens holds the main attractions, including The Royal Pump Room (housing Europe’s strongest sulphur well, alongside a museum). Nowadays it’s not advised to drink the water.
MALVERN Most of Malvern’s many historic hydrotherapy hotels were converted into schools when the spa industry collapsed. However you can still drink the water: pick up a map from the tourist office and sip from the many spouts and fountains.
The above spa town suggestions are taken from our feature Healing Waters in our September issue. You can read the whole feature from page 52.
