For many people, Great Britain is associated with delicious tea, constant rain, fog, and architecture of unparalleled beauty. Visitors often come to this country to see with their own eyes the grandeur of the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Stonehenge, to discover what authentic Scottish whisky tastes like, and experience the atmosphere of Irish pubs. Despite the fact that Britain’s climate is not associated with beach relaxation, there are quite a number of therapeutic resorts here. This overview provides interesting information about wellness opportunities in the “Land of the Misty Albion.”
Best Wellness Resorts in England
The therapeutic and wellness resorts of Great Britain are widely known throughout the world. This is an ideal place for restoring both soul and body. Thanks to the diversity of resorts, every tourist can choose the most suitable option for relaxation and accommodation.
Hampshire
The most popular English resorts are located in the southern part of the country, specifically in Hampshire county. Due to its convenient location, Hampshire is known for its mild climate, formed by the warm Gulf Stream ocean current. Therefore, winters here are relatively mild, summers are not too hot, but air humidity levels are high.
Hampshire also contains a huge number of mineral springs where Roman baths are offered. Various hotels provide guests with spa services, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and thalassotherapy, and all kinds of treatments where you can experience sea and mineral waters.
Buxton
Today, Buxton is a popular spa town in Derbyshire, but the special significance of this place was proven as early as the 70s AD. It was then that the Roman
army managed to find hot springs at the site of the city: there were about 10 such springs. These springs were created by rainwater that had passed through various geological formations for 5,000 years, allowing it to become saturated with nitrogen, radon, and carbon dioxide. Additionally, the waters were naturally heated to a temperature of +27.5 degrees Celsius.
In medieval times, there was a monastery on this territory where pilgrims gathered for treatment in the hot waters. Over time, Buxton was called a place of rest for English aristocrats, as Mary Stuart often rested here, believing she could cure her rheumatism symptoms.
Now tourists from various European countries come to Buxton to treat the following common diseases:
- hypertension;
- neurological diseases;
- muscle-related conditions;
- female reproductive system diseases;
- kidney and urinary system problems, and much more.
In addition to mineral waters, peat is also used for therapeutic purposes. For more than 100 years, mineral water has been bottled in special containers for sale to different countries around the world.
Bath
Bath is another popular spa town that was nicknamed due to the large number of Roman baths. At the centre of the balneological complex is a huge open-air pool that is continuously filled with water due to the close location of radon springs. The temperature remains within +46.5 degrees Celsius.
Besides treatment, tourists can stroll through Bath’s surroundings, which are considered some of the most picturesque places in all of England. Entertainment also includes bicycle rides and boat trips along the river/canal.
Harrogate
Harrogate is a spa town located in North Yorkshire. It was here that the first British healing spring was officially opened in 1571. Therefore, many consider that the wellness course in Great Britain began precisely with Harrogate. By the 19th century, the city was included in the list of the most popular royal resorts. A full bath complex is located on the territory, created in an interesting Eastern style. Most of the complex consists of Turkish baths, which have been restored multiple times.
All baths are separate, so there is a special visiting schedule for men and women. As additional services, guests are offered mud wraps, hydrotherapy, eucalyptus inhalations conducted in saunas.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is included in the list of major British resorts and is located in Gloucestershire county. The healing properties of these springs have been known for quite some time, but the resort gained popularity at the end of the 18th century. Many could taste and appreciate the healing properties of the salt water, but most often the resort was visited by various wealthy people and local celebrities. Today, you can collect “mineral water” completely free of charge – the spring is located in Pittville Park.
Among the important attractions of this resort is Chapel Spa retreat – a real spa temple. The establishment offers many services: hydrotherapy, sauna, fitness, and others.
Visiting Eastern therapy rooms, you can enjoy milk baths, choose scrubs made from real coconut, or relax during an Indian head massage. Additionally, yoga sessions and four-hand massages are offered here.
Leamington
Leamington is an equally famous resort located in central England. Until the 1800s, this was a small English village. Despite the fact that the existence of healing springs in this area had been known for quite some time, the first work aimed at improving the springs only began in 1784. But in 1810, it was discovered that all the constructed buildings could not accommodate the huge number of people wishing to visit this resort, so Leamington began transforming from a small village into a full-fledged spa town.
Today, people suffering from rheumatic diseases and other joint-related conditions come to the resort. Additionally, guests from different countries who are treating the consequences of paralysis and mobility problems rest here. For treating various urological diseases, local waters with rich composition are offered: iron-sulphide and chloride-sodium waters.
During a certain period of its existence, Leamington was also called one of the most popular royal resorts. It was during this time that a sufficient number of green and enclosed parks were built for evening promenades. The times of kings and tsars are long past, but the park areas have been preserved, so besides its healing properties, the resort is also known for the regal views of its parks of exquisite beauty.