Since the time of the Roman’s, pampering days and spa sessions have never been so popular. You may be surprised to know that there are several spa towns in the UK, all of which have proved to be a popular destination for people interested in the apparent healing properties of their mineral water. Many of these spa towns are benefiting from investment by local councils as they modernise their spa amenities to cater for 21st Century spa goers.
As we have such a wonderful heritage to admire and cherish, you may be interested in the history of the UK’s Spa towns, so we have started to compile a small guide, just for you. Whether you’re planning a one off pampering day, a spa party for a hen night, or even a corporate pampering day, this guide will help you to plan and prepare for the perfect chill out. We will be adding more spa towns soon.
Bath
The true roots of the modern spa seem to have become mislaid deep within the vaults of history. Nobody, it seems knows exactly when or where spas were first used. That said however, it is widely accepted that the spa originated at least 2500 years ago around 500 BC. It is also known that the “Father of Medicine”, (Hippocrates 460-370 BC), was a proponent of the spa for the therapeutic properties they were thought to provide.
The Romans are of course well known for their use of communal baths and this legacy is still prominent throughout the western world today. In the UK, we have some of the best preserved Roman baths. Possibly the most famous example of a Roman bath can be found in the city of the same name, Bath.
The ancient city of Bath steeped in Roman history, boasts Britain’s only hot spring. The Great Temple of Minerva, now a World Heritage Site, still flows with natural hot water at a constant temperature of 46.5º celsius produced by geothermal activity deep underground. Although the temple is classified as an historical ruin, it is well preserved and accommodates visitors from all over the world.
Unfortunately, the spring water supplying the original spa is not safe to bathe in due to the fact that it passes through some of the original lead pipes laid by the Romans. However, the modern day spa goer can certainly experience the spring waters in the Thermae Spa which opened in 2004.
Malvern
The beautiful Malvern hills known as Moel-bryn, (Bare Hill), by the Celts, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, (AONB). Dominating the Worcestershire and Herefordshire skyline, the hills have inspired many artists and musicians. Worcester’s most famous son, Sir Edward Elgar is quoted as saying about Malvern;
My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as your require.
Tenbury Wells
”My little town in the orchard”; this is how Queen Victoria described Tenbury Wells. As spa towns go Tenbury Wells, (situated in Worcestershire and close to both Herefordshire and Shropshire), is a very recent spa town. The mineral waters in Tenbury were only discovered in 1839.