Spa towns

Go with the flow at one of Britain's elegant spa towns which have developed around natural springs of pure mineral water. From as early as the 16th century, the fashionable and health-conscious flocked there and they're still doing so today.

Turkish Baths, Harrogate

Harrogate

Harrogate in North Yorkshire is the picture of English gentility, with its redeveloped Turkish Baths (www.harrogate.gov.uk/immediacy-1100). The rare and colourful Arabic tiles remain (only one per cent had to be replaced), and the original elaborate arched roofs and oak and mahogany changing rooms evoke Victorian luxury. Remember to look out for the listed toilet!
Pump Room, Cheltenham

Cheltenham

Or visit Cheltenham's up-to-the-minute Chapel Spa - and mix hydrotherapy with sightseeing. Cheltenham became a spa town in 1716 and many historial remnants still remain. The Pittville Pump Room (www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/our_venues/venue.html?id=2&area=history) in Pittville Park still offers visitors the opportunity to sample the town's famous spa waters.

Roman Baths, Bath

Bath

Finally, one of the most well-known spa towns in Britain is Bath, which is actually designated as a World Heritage Site. The Romans recognised the unique qualities of Bath over 2000 years ago and bathing in the natural mineral-rich hot waters is now possible with the opening of the fabulous new Thermae Bath Spa (www.thermaebathspa.com). This will boast the only natural hot-water rooftop pool in the UK, as well as thermal pools and treatment rooms which have been built in the restored spa buildings.

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