Bath has been a spa town since the Romans, and its modern thermal baths still run on the same water. Beyond it: country-house spas across the Cotswolds and the Highlands, wild swimming in the Lakes and the lochs, some of Europe's darkest skies in Galloway, Northumberland and the Bannau, and a national habit of walking somewhere green until you feel better.
Across: South West EnglandMid WalesSouthern ScotlandNorth East EnglandNorth West England
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Don't miss
- Thermae Bath Spa
- Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park
- Northumberland Dark Sky Park
- Wild swimming in the Lake District
- Cotswolds country-house spas
Where to go for it
The regions that deliver on relaxation & wellbeing.
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5 highlights South West England Stonehenge, Georgian Bath, Jurassic cliffs and the Cornish coast -
1 highlights Mid Wales Empty hills, dark skies and the book town -
2 highlights Southern Scotland The Borders, Burns country and the Galloway dark skies -
2 highlights North East England Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland's castles and empty beaches -
2 highlights North West England The Lake District, the Beatles' Liverpool and Manchester's music
The other themes
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History & Heritage Stone circles, Roman walls, castles and cathedrals -
Outdoors & Nature Fifteen national parks, three coast paths and a lot of weather -
Arts & Culture Free national museums, the West End and the world's biggest arts festival -
Food & Drink Whisky, the pub, the Sunday roast and a lot of Michelin stars -
Royalty Palaces, castles, crown jewels and the Changing of the Guard -
Film & TV Standing where Harry Potter, Outlander and Bridgerton were shot -
Adventure & Sport Zip lines in slate quarries, surf on two coasts, and the home of the game -
Music & Festivals Glastonbury, the Fringe, Highland Games and the Beatles' city -
Shopping Department stores, arcades, vintage markets and Harris Tweed -
Sustainability Travelling Britain by train, on foot and by ferry