Cheltenham
became a Spa town in 1716. According to tradition, the first
medicinal waters were discovered when locals saw pigeons pecking
at salty deposits, which had formed around a spring. King
George III came to take the waters in 1788 and as a result
of the royal patronage, the town developed rapidly as a fashionable
Spa. The legacy of those bygone times can still be seen in
the town's beautiful Regency architecture.
Cheltenham's salty waters were hailed as something of a cure-all
in the 18th Century. Today, no such claims are made, but the
water's main properties are antacid, mildly diuretic
and laxative. Visitors can still take the Spa waters at the
Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room.
An exciting new spa development, Chapel Spa, has just opened
to the public. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, Chapel
Spa is a luxury water-based day spa offering an exotic blend
of therapies from around the world, with the emphasis on harmony,
tranquillity and a total mind/body experience.
But it is not just the water that makes Cheltenham popular
for well-being and relaxation. Cheltenham's colourful parks,
gardens and award winning floral displays are the glory of
the town. Throughout the summer the town centre is a riot
of colour as Cheltenham competes in the annual Beautiful Britain
in Bloom competition. The town is also a stage for annual
music and literature festivals of international repute.
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