The UK is blessed with many wonderful natural resources, from our National Parks to the many areas of wilderness and the dramatic landscapes that we have to explore. But our natural springs are another resource that can also be found up and down the country, and they have been a draw for visitors for millennia. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to some of the UK’s most accessible spa towns and experiences.
Bath
We had to start with Bath, a place that is (literally) synonymous with its beautiful Roman spas. As Britain’s most famous spa town, you most certainly won’t be alone when you visit, but it is possible to get away from the crowds (particularly during the week) and bathe in the city’s world famous hot springs. You’ll find that plenty of the hotels have their own spas, but we recommend the Thermae New Royal Bath for a traditional spa in a modern, accessible setting. It is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout, although we do recommend giving the team there a call on 01225 33 1234 to discuss any particular needs you might have. Appropriately enough, you’ll find the baths on Bath Street and Hot Bath Street. If you are arriving by car, then there are 11 Blue Badge spaces at the nearby Avon Street car park.
Harrogate
Heading north now to Harrogate, another spa town that has built its reputation on the quality of its spring water. The springs in Harrogate were first discovered in 1571 by William Slingsby and the town has been a popular destination for generations of visitors ever since. The centrepiece of Harrogate’s spa experience are the wonderful Turkish Baths. These fully restored Victorian baths are absolutely stunning, and they offer a range of treatments and spa experiences to enjoy. It is a lavish, luxurious experience, and the team there are also very helpful to visitors who have a range of mobility requirements. There are accessible changing facilities including a wet room and many of the baths and treatments themselves are accessible. You can also park nearby at the Jubilee Car Park on Union Street which has a number of Blue Badge spaces.
Cheltenham
We have picked Cheltenham partly because it just a beautiful place to be. This Regency period spa town is a real jewel, set in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds (also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The town’s mineral springs were first discovered way back in 1716 and its reputation as a place to get away, rest and relax has only grown in the intervening years. While the town itself is peaceful enough, we also have to recommend Ellenborough Park, a local spa that is hidden away close to Cleeve Hill. The hotel there has four accessible bedrooms with ensuite facilities, and the spa itself is also fully accessible, with lifts, level access and handrails. You can park on the grounds, and there are 11 spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders.
Great Malvern
Another town in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, Malvern has been famous for its spring water since the Victorians first discovered its healing properties. They were responsible for a huge boom in the town as visitors flocked to enjoy hydrotherapy treatments, and while the town is a little quieter now than it was in its Victorian heyday, it is still a truly relaxing place to unwind. The town itself is well worth exploring, with a new fully accessible theatre in the Winter Gardens and some beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the town centre. We also loved The Malvern Spa, a modern, accessible spa experience that includes a 20 metre hydrotherapy pool, a salt grotto and even a ‘herb sauna’. Give the team a call on 01684 878831 to discuss any special requirements you might have before you visit.
Spa accessibility
Because most spas have been built with relaxation and recuperation in mind, you will find that most will be generally accessible to those of us with different mobility needs. It is always worth giving the spa team a call before you go however just to make sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. When it comes to having the very best accessible spa experience, it is the little things, like an extra towel to cover the hot metal arms of a wheelchair while you are in a steam room, that can make all the difference.
About Quingo Scooters
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
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All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.
