Droitwich
Droitwich Spa dates back to the Roman times and has a wealth of history associated with the town. The Romans exported the salt from the town which was of a high commodity back then. The Victorians took advantage of the natural brine and developed the town into a fashionable spa. The strength of the natural brine in the town is second only to the Dead Sea!
The town has an array of charming traditional houses and additionally more modern estates to cater for all tastes and specifications. Droitwich is surrounded by beautiful countryside with highly sought after villages such as Ombersley, Cutnall Green & Oddingley only a short distance from the town.
The town is well placed for the surrounding commuter links of M5/ M42 motorways which is situated 5 miles to the North of Worcester and approximately 23 miles south from Birmingham accessed from the convenient commuter links with the M5 motorway at Junction 5 (from the North) or Junction 6 (from the South).
The Railway Station is just outside the town centre with trains to Birmingham, Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourbridge. It is part of the Western main line which allows access to the North & South of the UK.
The town centre is adorned with attractive medieval churches and half-timbered buildings. A particular eye catching building in Droitwich is that of Chateau Impney. The chateau is a fantastic example of classic French style architecture it was built in 1875 by John Corbett, the Salt King, as a present to his French governess wife. It is now run as a local hotel, banqueting & conference centre.
Shopping in Droitwich is mainly focused in the town centre around Victoria Square, leading to the St Andrew's Square shopping centre and down to the original cobbled High Street. There is a varied array of traditional shops, local pubs. The town also benefits from a local Farmers market which is held fairly regularly.
The Droitwich canal circuit is due to be finished in 2011. The 21 mile circuit circumnavigates the town and the route takes in some fantastic scenery and joins the River Severn in Worcester. This historic canal network is currently being restored and will be a great place to walk, cycle and relax. The more recently renovated Droitwich Park Lido is also popular during the summer months.
The Droitwich Spa schools network works on a three tier system, with one high school: (Droitwich Spa High School) being fed by two Middle schools and nine local First schools. Additionally there is the highly rated Dodderhill School which is an independent school for girls from 3 to 16 years.
Nearby is Webbs Garden Centre, which is known for being the Midlands largest garden centre, with something to suit everyone with a green interest. Also The Jinney Ring Craft Centre at Hanbury is a popular and award winning craft centre, set in delightful old timbered barns and have an array of individual craft studios.
Hanbury Hall is also nearby and is run by the National Trust. The house is a William and Mary style house built in 1701. The beautiful gardens extend to 20 acres with many park walks giving ample opportunity to explore for adults & children alike.