All posts filed under: Places

River Derwent C Andrew Bone

Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath’s warm springs were discovered in 1698. The waters were applied for medicinal purposes at first, and the first bath house was built in the same year – to attract visitors. However, access to the village was difficult and it wasn’t until a bridge was built (over the Derwent in Matlock), and the opening […]

Droitwich Spa High Street C Mary and Angus Hogg

Droitwich Spa

Droitwich Spa was referred to as ‘Saltwich’, according to Anglo-Saxon charters. It was changed to ‘Droitwich’ (‘droit’ means ‘right’ in French) in 1215, when the town was given its charter. ‘Spa’ was added in the 19th century, when the town’s spa facilities underwent development. Droitwich Spa is located on huge deposits of salt, and salt has been […]

In the summer months, visitors can still sample the spring water, and have it served by a costumed Dipper

Royal Tunbridge Wells

The Chalybeate Spring gives Tunbridge Wells its name. Dudley Lord North, who noticed the reddish-brown waters foaming from the ground, discovered it was drinkable in 1606. North was returning to London after a stay at the Abergavenny Estate, and hoped to quench his hangover-thirst with the Spring water. North declared it to be health-giving, and […]

Battle Abbey © Tony Hisgett
Battle Abbey © Tony Hisgett

Battle

This market town of Battle is on the site of the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 between William Duke of Normandy and the Saxon King Harold. The Battle of Hastings was so significant it completely changed the course of English history. Later, King William, The Conqueror, built Battle Abbey as penance for the slaughter in […]

Lewes Castle © Eigenes Werk
Lewes Castle © Eigenes Werk

Lewes

At the heart of Sussex lies the beautiful county town of Lewes. The town holds a annual bonfire and is also home to Anne of Cleves house. Set in the surroundings of the white chalk cliffs the town has beautiful views from the top of Lewes Castle. Visitors can explore the medieval cobbled streets lined […]

Welshpool

Welshpool is the fourth largest town in Powys (a Welsh principality that emerged after Roman rule). Originally named ‘Pool’, it became ‘Welshpool’ in 1835, to distinguish it from the English town of Poole. A major attraction is Powys Castle, which was the ancestral home of the Earl of Powys, and it is known for holding […]

Cheltenham becomes The Festival Town

The Regency town of Cheltenham has rebranded as The Festival Town, building on its reputation for hosting some of the UK’s largest and best-known festivals and events. The new brand, which has been developed by the town’s Destination Marketing Organisation, Marketing Cheltenham, forms part of a major new investment in the marketing of the Regency […]