Between Leeds And York Is An English Village With Serene River Views, A Vibrant Food Scene, And Historic Charm

Despite the name, there are no saunas or mud masks to be found in the delightful English village of Boston Spa — but rest assured that there are plenty of other qualities and offerings to recommend this historic West Yorkshire hamlet. Situated on the banks of the River Wharfe, Boston Spa was largely built up in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and much of the town's original Georgian-era architecture remains intact. Today, Boston Spa marries a scenic and history-rich riverside ambiance with a dynamic culinary scene and easy proximity to the bustling metropolis that is Leeds — the United Kingdom's third-largest city — and the city of York.

Boston Spa is situated within the greater Leeds Metropolitan District, and is about a 30-minute drive or 50-minute bus journey from the heart of the city. It's also only about 20 minutes on the train, or under 50 minutes by car, from York. This makes the village an easy half-day getaway from either city if you're looking for an add-on that will take you out of the hustle and bustle and give you a taste of small-town life. If you're arriving here from further afield, you'll want to fly into Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), which is around a half-hour drive from Boston Spa. When it comes to accommodation, you'll find various home rentals and small B&Bs available in Boston Spa proper, or you can expand your choices to include the numerous B&Bs and hotels in neighboring Wetherby, just five minutes away.

If you still buy into the stereotype that food in England is bland or boring, you may have your mind changed here in Boston Spa. For a small village, there is a range of dining options in Boston Spa, spanning an array of cultures. One beloved local haunt is Tom Foolery Cafe and Bar. Humbly billing itself as a "lovely little gaff on the corner of Boston Spa High Street," this eatery has been a community staple since it opened its doors in 2016, serving up brunch, classic pub food, and drinks. Diners appreciate the affordable prices as well as what one Google reviewer refers to as "fantastic food and outstanding service."

Or, for a more upscale Italian vibe, snag a table at L'Aquila Restaurant, which places a focus on homemade and authentic Italian fare made with fresh produce and ingredients. Spring for a pasta, pizza, or another Italian mainstay dish — or go for whatever the daily fresh fish special is on the day that you visit — and wash it all down with a glass from the extensive list of wines, many of them Italian. After a meal at L'Aquila, you may well feel like you've been transported directly to an Italian retreat with vineyard views and farm-fresh cuisine. Past visitors recommend booking a table ahead of time, as this restaurant does get busy.

You may not find a bubbling "devil's cauldron" in Boston Spa (like you will in Dartmoor National Park's Lydford Gorge, about 300 miles further south), but Boston Spa's river views — though much calmer and more peaceful — are certainly nothing to scoff at. As real estate network Fine and Country notes, the River Wharfe "makes a picturesque backdrop for walking the dog, a stroll or a bike ride down by the river." For an easy-rated walk that takes you past stunning river views, lace up your sneakers — or should we say trainers — and embark on the Boston Spa Circular trail. This 5.6-mile loop brings you along the riverbank and adjacent countryside and farmlands (do know that it can get muddy), offering a scenic glimpse of the river. Hikers note that this route can be overgrown, so wear long pants to avoid nettles and brambles.

For a dose of historic knowledge, pay a visit to the British Library's outpost in Boston Spa. While you might hear the words "British Library" and think of the flagship location of the country's national library in St Pancras, central London (the world's top literary travel destination), a whopping 70% of the library's collection is actually held in the Boston Spa site. Access to the library's reading room is free with a Reader Pass, and there's also free Wi-Fi and on-site parking, plus an eatery on the premises. Whether you visit the British Library's Boston Spa site or simply explore the village's architecture, Boston Spa offers plenty of opportunities to experience its historic character.