Between Birmingham And Worcester Is A Spa Town With Quaint Shops, Scenic Walks, And Quiet Charm

Did you know there's a heated outdoor saltwater pool tucked away in the Midlands that rivals the Dead Sea for salinity and perfectly matches the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea? It's true. The delightful town of Droitwich Spa sits atop natural salt deposits which, when mixed with the water table, creates a natural brine that's 10 times saltier than seawater. Salt production put the town on the map for centuries, from the Romans to King John's Royal Charter in 1215 and straight through the 1800s. Then, in the late 1800s, John Corbett founded the first brine baths, transforming Droitwich from just a salt town into a destination spa town by the end of the 20th century. Today, Droitwich Spa is a delightful stop, with quaint local shops and quiet charm, under an hour from Birmingham by car or a 10-minute train ride from Worcester.

While the original brine baths have since closed, Droitwich Spa still embraces its salt production history and spa culture. Many of the original spa buildings have been converted for modern uses, like St. Richard's House, which now houses the town's Heritage Centre and Town Council Offices. The original Droitwich Spa Lido, a heated outdoor saltwater pool, was renovated and reopened to the public, retaining its historic character but also becoming fully accessible and offering modern amenities. Heritage walks reveal the town's fascinating history, or you can ramble through the countryside on one of the area's many scenic routes. Come for the day to do some shopping at local vendors, or stay for a few days to soak in the Worcestershire countryside. Either way, Droitwich quietly waits to delight its visitors.

Walking is a popular pastime in Britain, and the beautiful Worcestershire countryside is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, with walking routes connecting many of the small hamlets to the bigger towns. To explore Droitwich Spa itself, check out the online guide and take the self-guided Heritage Town Walk, passing scenic Droitwich Spa spots like Lido Park, Droitwich Canal, the historic Upwich Brine Pit, and the possibly haunted Priory House. Alternatively, if you want a walk without the history lesson, the Water Tower Loop is 4 miles of gentle countryside without straying too far from town.

For a more scenic walk, you're spoiled for choice in Droitwich Spa, despite its small size. The Hanbury Circular Route is a 6.75-mile loop that follows canals and hedgerows, circling around the Hanbury Hall National Trust property and passing by the Hanbury town church, offering sweeping views from its elevated viewpoints. It's well-marked, easy to follow, and takes around three to four hours for most walkers. If you're up for a longer ramble, consider the 21-mile-long Mid Worcestershire Ring Walk, which follows canals and rivers in a large circle through the region and into nearby Worcester before returning to Droitwich Spa. You'll return with a camera roll full of golden fields and shady woodlands, alongside the contentment of having spent a peaceful day surrounded by nature. 

For an even longer endeavor, the Wychavon Way Walk stretches for 40 miles from Droitwich Spa all the way to Broadway, the jewel of the Cotswolds. Use the out-and-back route to create a walk of whatever distance suits you best before returning to Droitwich Spa, or use it to connect to the popular Cotswold Way, a "quintessentially English" walking trail. 

With just under 28,000 residents, Droitwich Spa is a quiet town, but it's worth a pop into one of its quaint shops to find a treasure or two. For unique finds, Antique and Vintage by Luca de Luca has a good selection of unique items in a two-story shop where you can buy or sell. The Crafty Cafe is a unique spot that hosts a wide array of crafty workshops, from painting and pottery to Lego builds and seasonal decorations. Create your trinket while enjoying coffee and cake set within a cozy café. High Street and St. Andrews Street are lined with whitewashed brick and half-timber buildings with many unique shops and restaurants to choose from. For national chains alongside local and regional favorites, head to the 157,000-square-foot St. Andrews Square shopping center with over 30 vendors. Here, you'll find staples like Boots and Morrisons, as well as nail salons, fitness shops, and the family-run bakery and sweet shop, MegsPegs. 

Popular shopping spots near but not in Droitwich Spa include the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, a large wooden building that serves as an art haven, with galleries, craft studios, and artisanal goods. The 10-minute drive east of Droitwich Spa is worth it to see (and taste) the handcrafted delights at Chocolate Deli or unique glassblown at Top Glass. The latter offers glass blowing taster sessions where you can make your own glass paperweight. If relaxation is the only thing on your radar, Bath is one of the world's best spa cities, about a two-hour drive south.