Spring is here and with that people are looking to go outdoors more often to explore the beautiful landscape of the region. The West Midlands is home to many spots of natural beauty that are welcoming towards visitors.
For English Tourism Week, BirminghamWorld is taking a look at the historic spa villages where the waters were said to have medicinal properties. These villages may not be known as spa towns any more but continue to be incredibly beautiful that is well-preserved.
Birmingham’s prime location makes it easy to access these towns. From Shropshire to the Cotswolds - nothing is more than 90 minutes away. Whether you take a train, coach or drive there yourself, the destinations are worth it.
So, here are seven incredible historic spa towns and villages near Birmingham:
5. Cheltenham
Cheltenham is famous for its horseracing but it was once known for its medicinal waters as well. The water’s properties were discovered in 1716, when local people noticed pigeons pecking at salt crystals round the edge of a small spring in a field at Bayshill. The water had minerals and those who drank it felt it was beneficial. There are many leisure activities to take part in Cheltenham today - which is less than 90minutes away from Birmingham. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) | Getty Images
6. Church Stretton
Church Stretton continues to have a good reputation, and is preferred for its natural beauty. After the arrival of the railways in 1852, the town began to develop as a health resort and became known as a spa. During the Edwardian period, many beautiful homes were constructed here. It is known as ‘Little Switzerland’ and is the only town in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is less than 90 minutes from Birmingham and worth a visit. (Photo - Dpaajones/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported) | Dpaajones/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unporte
7. Shearsby
Shearsby has been a settlement for many centuries and was a site of a holy well that was later coverted to a spa as the water was said to have health benefits. People still live in the 16th and 17th century cottages which have been adapted for the 21st century. The Leicestershire village is only an hour away from Birmingham and has great natural beauty and history for exploring. (Photo - Shearsby by Stephen McKay/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic) | Shearsby by Stephen McKay/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic