The Romans bought many great things to the UK, but our favourite import has to be the spa town. Built around areas of natural beauty rich with wellness properties, these spots have since grown into holiday destinations visited by tourists the world over. Discover our guide to four of the best spa towns in the UK and start planning your next relaxing getaway today.
Bath
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Somerset town of Bath is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. It’s best known for gorgeous Georgian architecture, which is most evident at the famous Royal Crescent and Pumps Rooms. Romans first came to the area after discovering the natural hot springs and to this day you can enjoy the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters at Thermae Bath Spa. As well as having traditional a Roman steam room and ice chamber, the highlight of this spa is the open air rooftop pool, which offers stunning views of the local landscape.
Harrogate
This spa town in the Yorkshire Dales has often been cited as one of the happiest places in the UK to live. It first attracted the Romans thanks to its spa waters rich in iron, sulphur and salt and then later became a top holiday destination in Victorian times. The Victorians built the Turkish Baths in tribute to exotic Moorish architecture and Italian mosaics, and it is still a working spa to this day. A visit to Harrogate isn’t complete without a trip to this iconic building, where you can experience the heated chambers, plunge pool, steam room and more.
Cheltenham
Credit: Visit Cheltenham facebook
The mineral springs of this Gloucestershire town were discovered in 1716 and since then the region has been a top destination for wellbeing retreats and weekend getaways. The Regency architecture and picturesque green spaces make it a calm and relaxing location, George III even made a famous visit here when he was sick. Today the medicinal mineral waters of this spa town can still be sampled today at the historic Pittville Pump Room.
Leamington Spa
Credit: Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre facebook
In the eighteenth century the saline springs of Leamington Spa were rediscovered and the spa town rapidly grew. The Royal Pump Rooms and Baths were constructed soon after and visitors flocked from across the UK to enjoy the health benefits of the spring water, which was said to be able to loosen the stiffness of tendons and joints. It can still be tasted now, in the Leamington Spa Art Museum and Gallery, where you can also learn more about the local spa history and see an old Hammam (cooling room) preserved from the original Turkish Bath.
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