Droitwich Spa
Unique among the spa towns of Britain, the ancient and historic town of Droitwich achieved fame and recognition as a Brine Spa. Surrounded by beautiful Worcestershire countryside, Droitwich is a town of great charm and character, offering its visitors plenty to see and enjoy.
The Romans knew Droitwich as 'Salinae', the place of salt, but they were not the first to exploit the Droitwich brine; it is known that salt was originally produced here by prehistoric salt makers. The town has been the site of a settled community for over 2000 years.
The natural Droitwich brine contains 2.5 lbs of salt per gallon – ten time stronger than sea water and only rivalled by the Dead Sea. Visitors do not drink the waters at Droitwich, but experience the therapeutic and remedial benefits by floating weightless in the warm brine of the bathing pool.
It was in the 1830s that the first Brine Baths were built. By 1876 Droitwich had developed as a fashionable Spa through the efforts of the leading entrepreneur of the day, John Corbett, the member of parliament and Droitwich 'Salt King', who built the exuberant Chateau Impney (now a hotel) with its soaring turrets, mansard roof and classical French gardens. Many of Corbett's buildings give the town its distinctive atmosphere and appearance. The attractive high street contains many timber-framed buildings. The heart of the town is Victoria Square. The attractive Raven Hotel can be found here as can St Richard`s House, once the entrance to the old St Andrew's Brine Baths. The baths of Corbett's era no longer exist, but today's visitor can experience the benefits of this great natural resource in the new Brine Bath located off Victoria Square. Opened in 1985, it was the first new spa facility built in Britain this century.
The interior of the Sacred Heart Church, modelled after a Roman Court of Justice, is entirely covered with mosaics of multi-coloured Venetian glass depicting the life of the 13th-century St Richard of Droitwich. They are reputed to be the most outstanding mosaics in England outside Westminster Cathedral.
Droitwich Spa possesses a thriving shopping centre, an excellent golf course, bowling greens and tennis courts. Horse riding can be enjoyed at local stables and excellent coarse fishing is available on the nearby rivers Severn and Avon. Swimming is available at the indoor swimming pool at Briar Mill sports centre.
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