Burning

mauee_lucas

🍃

@igor.voyages

#filmphotography #35mm #camera #nikon #hotsprings #sunset

I'd very much like to add much more topical info concerning Europe's hot springs, but alas there's little forthcoming. 

Worldthermalsprings (Mar. 16) is flying through many Portugese and French hot springs in the last few weeks. Not only are the number of soaks per day impressive, they also are able to enter many of the facilities geared up for medically supervised soaking. An exception from Rennes-les-Bains (Languedoc):

worldthermalsprings

Путешествие по термам Франции, Пиренеи. RENNES LES THERMES. Как я измеряла параметры воды. Горяий источник находится в русле реки на другом берегу реки. Чтобы до него добраться надо перейти реку по порогу или в сапогах или босиком. Вижу молодой хиппи стремится к источнику, где уже принимают горячую ванну его друзья. Я прошу его вернуться, показываю, как сделать замеры и слежу за процессом. Все получилось. Потом из под плиты вылезли его друзья и спрашивали, что такое ppm. А вы знаете? #термальныеисточникимира #термальныеисточники #пиренеи #русскиевофранции #thermalsprings #hotsprings #france

More popularity for Bath's Roman (UK) hot springs complex. Bath Newsroom (Mar. 17)

'Figures released today by the Association for Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) show that the Roman Baths & Pump Room was the 28th most-visited attraction in the UK in 2022, up from 51st in 2021.

The historic attraction welcomed 851,854 visitors during 2022, compared to 351,655 in 2021. The Roman Baths was the second most-visited attraction in the South West, after Stonehenge.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “These figures represent a welcome recovery for the Roman Baths and demonstrate the significance of Bath within the UK tourism industry. To be 28th in a list of such amazing visitor attractions is a tremendous achievement and I am delighted that so many people chose Bath and the Roman Baths as the place to create special memories with their friends and families'.

The Independent (Feb. 25) continues:

'Bath may have been recognised by Unesco as one of Europe’s great spa towns but it is not all about therapeutic soaks. Back in Georgian times, people simply thought that promenading and socialising here would enhance their wellbeing. Bath authorities say they want the city to become the UK’s premier destination for wellness [it already is] and are engaging with architects to reimagine public spaces. With its first wellbeing festival [Re:Balance] looking like a success, the city promises visitors plenty to smile about'.

Mytravelintuscany (Mar. 1) presents an overview of all free and wild hot springs of Tuscany, Italy: six in total. 

Not in Tuscany:

zweiberts

🇬🇧below

Heiße Quellen, Berge, Wald und unser schönes Zuhause auf vier Rädern. Was will man mehr. 💥

Natural hot springs, mountains, forests and our little home on wheels. Nothing to ask for. 💥

Tierrassinfronteras (Mar. 13) has an article on the Baños de Somogil in Murcia (Spain). A translated snippet:

'The Baños de Somogil are one of the few thermal and natural places that exist in Murcia. It is important to know that despite the fact that the second pool enjoys the filtration of this type of water, it is not absolutely hot, but warm to cold.

This thermal characteristic makes it one more incentive to visit the place and enjoy discovering the difference in temperature between the two pools. I personally thought it was a wonderful place to bathe and above all curious'.

More info (also translated):

'Two streams of water converge in the pool: the Hondares stream, from its remote source, provides one of the currents, the colder and more superficial one; and, hand in hand with this current, another emerges, subterranean and hot. born from the depths of an aquifer that maintains a constant temperature of 26º. The access of this current is produced by a fault in the limestone rock. In this way, it is possible to enjoy an amazing natural spa with its two streams of water, one cold and the other hot, outdoors and in an environment of great beauty'.

Warmer and sunnier. And also in Spain: 

ayouyoute

🌞🫧

Everettpotter (Feb. 23) notes how European spa's are seeking to attract an American clientèle.

'Americans who do travel to experience European spas will discover a world with centuries – even millennia – of tradition, and plenty of science behind the relaxing waters and treatments. The spas of Europe provide their guests with several different levels of treatment and care, falling in the categories of wellness, health and medical.

...

Another keynote speaker [for European Spa Association annual congress in Slovakia] was North American journalist and wellness travel consultant Laura Powell, who told delegates that the pandemic ushered in a new era for the wellness industry in North America. As many people started suffering the effects of chronic stress, they realized that they needed to be more proactive about their health and wellness habits. As a result, wellness tourism skyrocketed, and people started vacationing specifically for their health (both physical and mental).

Additionally, for some time, people in the United States in particular have been fed up with a health care system that is expensive and not open to alternative therapies. Therefore, there is a growing market open to looking at overseas destinations to help cure what ails them – and at more affordable prices, to boot'.

Plunged

The Economist (Mar. 16) goes out of it's way to highlight what they believe is Britain's newest fad. Public baths are out (apparently) and community sauna's are in:

'Gabrielle Reason of the British Sauna Society reckons there are now 53 “authentic saunas” across Britain, a number which has doubled every year since 2018. Half of them are on the coast, where visitors can plunge into the sea and then return to the heat'.

Very authentic (from Finland): 

marinaminetti

Tack för en magisk firande kära vänner och speciellt @harscecilia & @taigatrash

Gott nytt år allihopa, önskar det kommer med många gemensamma äventyrer!

Oddish news (BBC, Mar. 17) concerning the Turkish baths of Harrogate (UK):

'Naked bathing has been banned at Harrogate's famous Turkish Baths after an incident of inappropriate behaviour was reported to police.

The historic baths on Parliament Street holds single-sex sessions for men and women where swimwear is optional.

Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the baths, said swimwear must now be worn at all times until further notice.

...

The Turkish Baths is housed in a Grade II-listed building, which has been described as "the most fully-restored" Turkish bath in Britain.

It opened in 1897 and has been managed by the council since the late 1990s'.

It's a pity no details are included. 

It seems at odds that whole nations in Europe have no issues concerning the swimwear-free side of things (see following), let alone there being incidents (though this does seem more commonplace in swimwear-compulsory places ...). 

Also note that same council had previously planned to shelve the swimwear-free sessions last year (BBC, Apr. 21) citing:

'However, covering up could be made compulsory because the authority said it would reflect greater "equality" in the modern world'.

Maybe UK is just behind the curve when it comes to human evolution. 

On what seems the other side of the universe, German swimmers / bathers in public facilties are slowly arriving in the 21st century in which we all are equal. 

A few cities have already come around to the conclusion that requiring all-others-but-men to dress up more than what is allowed for males is inherently discrimination. 

Berlin now follows, so reports Taz (Mar. 8):

'In Berlins öffentlichen Bädern darf „oben ohne“ geschwommen werden. Für Sommer- wie Hallenbäder gilt das gleichermaßen. Das teilte die Pressestelle der Berliner Bäder-Betriebe (BBB) am Dienstag auf taz-Anfrage mit. Dass die Nachricht gerade jetzt publik wird, darf man als Hommage an den Frauentag am 8. März verstehen, der in der Hauptstadt ein gesetzlicher Feiertag ist'.

Apparently it was never against the rules, but society failed to observe these rights to equality; now all are in know, especially authorities. 

For some unknown reason the news went worldwide, giving the chance to media to inform their own citizens, oblivious to this kind of progress. For instance, BBC (Mar. 9):

'Foreign visitors to Germany are often surprised - and sometimes downright disconcerted - by the sight of naked Germans frolicking in its lakes, snoring in its parks, or sweating in its saunas'.

Kudo's to the lady who was brave enough to bring this to the attention of authorities and put up with the hassle. And still waiting for apology. And currently is being attacked by those opposed (rbb24):

'Die "Oben-ohne"-Aktivistin Lotte Mies ist eigenen Angaben zufolge Anfeindungen und Drohungen ausgesetzt. Unter anderem drohten ihr Menschen in persönlichen Nachrichten mit Vergewaltigung ...'.

Sommerhus Sauna - Somero, Finland from Bray's Run Productions on Vimeo.

Finally, Businessinsider (Mar. 15) seems to have found content which might interest their readers and filed under careers:

'Felix Kühn manages the sauna at a "textile-free" spa in Berlin, Germany.

This means guests must be naked to access its pool and sauna'.

Thnx for the explanation. 

The article though is quite sensible / informative:

'It took two weeks for me to get used to nudity – not with the guests in the sauna, but with my colleagues as we changed in front of each other.

But nudity is not a big deal here, especially as there are nude beaches in East Germany. My parents come from there, so I know that cultural identity. It's just natural and we approach each other as human beings: "This is my body, this is your body," we think.

It's enjoyable to be around each other without any judgment. It's totally normal for me'.

Praise

squeet92 at Fosslaug (Iceland):

Hot spring next to a river at midnight 🌡️
.
.
#hotspring#iceland#nature#view#summer#river#waterfall#hot#spring#night#midnight

It's difficult to get a blog started without a leader; lot's of bits and bobs this time, nothing too substantial.

As always there's new reports on Iceland to mention. There's the ongoing struggle in Viterbo (Italy). The usual never ending stream of photo's.

Well, maybe something more general to start with.

From Der Spiegel (Aug. 21), a state of affairs report on how tourism is developing in Europe. 
And mostly it's about the degeneration, as tourism becomes more and more about consuming rather than experiencing. 

From a bookstore in Porto to a field of lavender in the Provence, tourism in Europe is becoming so massive it's close to being uncontrollable. Life for locals at the same time becomes unbearable. 

Cities are becoming real time leisure parks, and there's little direction in what could be the next hot thing. Let's hope it's not hot springs. 

If I look back at the past summer of instagram, I see for instance Saturnia - Cascate del Mulino (Italy) popping up quite often with whole armies of soakers enjoying the waters.

Out of curiosity I looked up more recent info on this Toscan termi. 
The Travel.com (Jul. 15) in their article on 25  [!] reasons to go to Saturnia:

'The springs are equally as popular with locals as they are with the masses of tourists who come to marvel at them each year. Beware that depending on the season that you choose to visit, it can be quite hectic during peak hours with throngs of people taking in the springs'. 

Just a grab of reviews from Tripadvisor from this and last month (based on 11): 

'... but its popularity spoilt it for me, as it was just heaving with crowds of people, with nowhere left to sit, and long queues for the loos'.
'Should not praise it too much as it gets too busy for "locals"...'.
'... crowded place, people even bathing their dogs , can you imagine ? '
'And from 6 o'clock in the morning until 23.00 it is packed with people... even when it was pitch black new groups arrived'.
'Is always busy ...'.

Even then, the recent ratings are still very good.

kate.kunath

Yas witches #strawberrymoon#italy #saturnia #thermalbath#naturalhotsprings

And the popularity of Saturnia is not lost from the local point of view. 
According to this article in Il Tirreno (Aug. 25), local enforcement agencies raided illegal camping sites close to the springs, confiscating tents, fining their owners and fining wrongly parked cars. 
However in the local council of questions were raised about the wisdom behind these actions: 

'The waterfalls [of Saturnia] are in fact one of the most popular and loved Maremma attractions (top attraction on Tripadvisor), with their thermal waters accessible for free, and attract thousands of people every day'.

The authorities don't want the springs to be associated with heavy handed anti-tourist tactics, but also understand the need to regulate the streams of their no. 1 money spinner to avoid further damage to countryside and avoid complaints from locals.
To be continued? 

comin.elena at Prats Balaguer:

Felicidad en estado puro!  #elmondelalu #felicidad #termes #piscinas#naturaleza #termasnaturales#francia#friends #belleza #tranquilidad #amor#moments #happy #girls

Pride

While with Italy, let's just move a little to the south, to the town of Viterbo (Lazio) surrounded by quite a few hot springs.

If passionate about your local soak, then doing nothing in the face of adversity is not an option. Viterbo24 reports (Jul. 14) on actions of the Bullicame association president, a true believer in the public course. Translated:

'''Bullicame is in a disastrous state and a desk commissioner is useless''.
Giovanni Faperdue, yesterday morning chained symbolically to the gate of the thermal pool in Viterbo, criticizes the non-action of the councilor for the Termalismo Claudia Nunzi....
Giovanni Faperdue, who for years has been struggling to revive the Viterbese spa, the pride of Tuscia, was protesting yesterday morning in front of the closed gate of the Bullicame pools. His is a battle that has been going on since 2014 when, after an intervention on the San Valentino spring, Bullicame no longer received enough thermal water, despite the attempt to maintain the supply through what Faperdue calls '' drip of fury therapeutic'''.

Photo above from Il Messaggero (Jul. 13) with the symbolic chaining of Bullicame president to the entrance gate.

This lead to some movement. Tuscia Times (Jul. 15) reports on calls to the local government as to why soaking waters are diverted away from the public springs of Bullicame. 
And on August 8, the local commisioner makes some promises concerning the site, though they might lack sustance concerning resurecting the pools of Bullicame, while earlier (Jul. 19) promises were made to enhance other free soaking sites nearby.

Magic

sophiedepraetere at Hoffell (Iceland):

No better way to start the day than by skinny dipping into an Icelandic hot pot and watch the sun rise 😍#iceland #hotsprings #hotpot #mountains#wellness #travel #wanderlust#travelgirl#solotravel #sunrise #samsungs7 #roadtrip#outbound #outdoors#travelpic #instagay#igers #camping #outdoorliving #naturelover#backpacker#lifestyle #fitness #instadaily#travellover #skinnydipping #explore#adventure#relax

Let's continue with dotting the i's, over to Iceland.

The n.e.w.s.. Icelandmag announces the opening of a new geothermal sea bath in Húsavík, called Geosea:

'The baths overlook Skjálfandi bay and the North Atlantic. The water in the baths will be 38-39°C (100-102°F). Rather than adding chlorine or purifying the water with other chemical or mechanical methods the designers plan to simply have the flow of water in the baths rapid enough to ensure the water is always clean, freshly extracted geothermal water. The flow will be 35 liters per second (9 gallons per second). As the new water is pumped into the pools, the excess water flows over their banks, and is collected into a stream which then runs down into the beach and the ocean.
...
In addition to soaking in geothermally heated seawater with a spectacular view the sea baths offer a sauna and a spa, and a stylish restaurant. Individual entry is 4,300 ISK which compares favorably to the two blue water pools in Iceland. Individual adult entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths, located about an hour's drive from Húsavík is 4,200-5,000 ISK, depending on the time of year, while individual entry to the popular Blue Lagoon is 6,900-9,990 ISK.
The sunset from the baths is something else!'

Then the lighter side, visit accounts and advise on soaking in Iceland.

Crazy Chamois has a guide (Apr. 13) on the hot springs of Iceland, 15 personal experiences, not too expansive.

Livelifewithaview (Jun. 11) looks at alternatives for the Blue Lagoon: 

'Today I’m going to tell you about five alternatives to the Blue Lagoon. So if you want to experience the hot spring culture in Iceland, but you don’t want to pay the hefty price, I’m going to tell you about them. Let’s get into it'.

Reykjavik Grapevine (Jun. 27) presents a best of list: best bathing spot of West Iceland:

'Lýsuhólslaug, a.k.a. the Green Lagoon, was the unanimous choice of the panel for best bathing spot. “It’s an organic pool that’s cosy, locally run, and has no chemicals,” one panel member says. “I recommend it to anyone that wants to swim in Snæfellsnes.” The pool is, like its name, green, which is caused by algae naturally found in the carbonated water called Chlorella. Chlorella is full of silica and iron, so if you suffer from things like psoriasis, eczema, and acne, the Green Lagoon might become your magic pill'.

marikriis, Laugaból:

Taking some hot natural 🛀 #hotsprings #skinnydipping #38C#travel#iceland#nature#backtothenature#lovemylife

On Jul. 4 followed by the best bathing spot of South Iceland:

'This run down, barely serviced pool [Seljavallalaug] is located in a wild valley with natural hot water, built right into the mountainside. It’s a wildly unique Icelandic moment. Be warned, there are no facilities, and it gets crowded in the summer these days, but go late on a glorious bright summer night and it can’t be beat. “Just look at the location – mountain babes everywhere!” said the panel. It’s about a fifteen-minute easy hike from the road and it’s not for the prudish or faint of heart, but the payoff is incredible'.

And North Iceland (Jul. 4):

'If you’re looking for something different from the classic Icelandic pools and geothermal spas, you’re in for a treat at the Beer Baths. Soak in a mixture of beer, water and yeast to feel as decadent as a modern Cleopatra. If soaking in fizzy beer is not your thing, however, you can always hop into the water-filled hot tub that overlooks the harbour and get lost in your thoughts'.

 

pumprdlicek at Askja (Viti crater), northeast Iceland:

#nakedboy #like4like 🤔

Another feature, 7 hot springs in Iceland: where are they authentic? By thevacationgals (May 12), it includes the very unauthentic Blue Lagoon and elicits this response:

'Beth Blair
What!?! The Blue Lagoon is FAKE?!? (Meaning not a natural hot spring?) No one ever, ever, ever posts the industrial side, only the pretty scenic background. I am completely stunned'.

 Summer allows midnight soaking in Iceland. Travelista (Jun. 26):

'The old concrete pool, Seljavallalaug, is nestled in amongst a narrow valley within this intensely dramatic landscape. This pool is the oldest in Iceland. Built next to a rock wall in 1923 to provide the locals with a place they could learn to swim, a hose runs into it from a streaming hot river above, and straight into this 25 by 10 meter wide pool. A mixture of hot and cold as we jump in, temperature changing constantly with heat staying in just one corner so we all huddle around to keep warm. Silence prevails as we soak up the healing energies of this beautifully enchanted evening.

A few more people arrive, a couple being locals, who use the pool regularly. Such a beautiful experience to share, watching as a cascading wide and rocky river with freezing temperatures rushes past along the right, a night sky above with stars trying to make their presence known amongst the eternal light.

It’s 3am when the sun makes her presence known, and we head back to the car where our new local friends offer us their favourite snacks of dried fish dipped in butter! We might stick to our chocolate spread, bananas and pancake-like Icelandic bread! We make a list of the “must try” local foods before taking a beautiful drive back to camp. The ocean glistens now mirroring a reflection of the “night” sky as dawn quickly approaches. Arriving back at our camp, eye masks and thermals a must as we drift off to sleep, listening to the sounds of the cleansing waterfall ‘Seljalandsfoss’ in the distance, waking only when we please, a true reminder that time is simply an illusion'.

logantweet at Seljavallalaug:

Midnight Moon. #myadventurelovebuddy #iceland #wheniniceland#icelandtravel #mystopover #nordic#wanderlust #solarcollective#wanderzoned #travel #neverstopexploring #nature #skinnydipping #mooning#naked#swimming #strangers #landscapephotography #travelphotography#canon #canon5dmarkiv #mylensprogear

Northernwanderwomen (Jul. 24) has another take on Icelandic hot springs, though stops at 4:

'Where in Iceland to swim in hot springs'.

Another hot springs in Iceland experience, this time by Brandslut (Apr. 13, 2017):

'Meandering through trout fishing country we turned a bend and finally Heydalur Country House appeared. We were greeted by a lovely old lady, an African Grey parrot and a piping hot bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup. The hotel has a communal, country feel and it’s the kind of place I could imagine getting really festive if traveling with friends or making friends with fellow revelers. The restaurant is in an old barn and it’s filled with books, board-games and things. I chatted to an American lady who appeared to be working tirelessly through her ‘lunch break’. It turns out she’s retired and is spending three months in Heydalur learning the Icelandic language. It’s the kind of place I could imagine writing a novel, or just escaping life for a while.
Our accommodation was an apartment, comfortable and heated by the area’s natural geothermals. Although it’s in the middle of nowhere, the Heydalur Country House has a lot to offer and we had a blast in this hole in the wall. If you’re in the market for a wallow in a geothermal pool, or hot-pot as the Icelanders call it, you’re in luck. There’s a hot-pot at the foot of the hills across the river on the farm which features in records dating back to the 12th century. It took zero convincing for Natalie and I to whip our kits off in the middle of the snowy mountains and to plunge into the steamy, slimy hot-pot.

There’s a man-made geothermal pool at the hotel, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi inside a hot-house, both also geothermally heated. The hot-house reminded me of Great Expectations and it had an eeriness about it. I think it was the leafless trees growing inside it, and the basketball hoop that had been claimed by creepers'.

A beer bath in Bjórböðin? Reykjavik Grapevine (Jun. 19) shares their experience:

'The tub welcomes me like a warm hug. It takes a while for the sizzling foam to dissipate, unveiling a nebulous, amber liquid infused with all sorts of herbs. An empty glass sits suggestively under a tap, there to remind me that a river of beer is at hand to quench my thirst—free of charge, of course'.

Swamped

sauer_saskia at Eleftheron (Greece):

Hot spring around kavala.#roadtrip #vanlive #outdoor #nature#hotspring #greece #kavala#schwefelbad#river #squat

Tierrassinfronteras enlightens (Mar. 4) us on free hot springs in the province of Granada - Andalusia. Translated:

'The natural and free thermal pool that we referred to came to light a few years ago, coinciding with the low level of the Negratín reservoir; leaving uncovered a natural pool next to the reservoir, with the difference that its waters are of thermal origin and have an approximate temperature of 40ºC.

We are sorry to inform all the followers of www.tierrassinfronteras.com that we have confirmed from the town hall that the level of the swamp has risen and the ponds have been covered. We will be pending in order to inform you if they are again discovered and available for the bathroom'.

A month later (Apr. 1), this post is followed by one on the hot springs of Santa Fé, one of my favourites (have you noticed?). Some translation:

'The truth is that Las Pozas de Santa Fe are on private land and this has been the cause of many disagreements between the owners and the people who go to these natural baths. These people claim that it is a good of interest for citizens and should be public and conserved.

Reason for these disagreements, there have been several occasions where attempts have been made to prevent access to these pools. The first time the environment was enclosed with a fence, which did not last long and from which we will not find any remains. The second attempt was to cover the pools with sand, but little by little the erosive force of the water and the help of the people, allowed them to come back to see the light'.

Good vdo too.

samberlina9

#hotsprings, #santafe, #termalesdegranada

The same site (Mar. 4) also introduces me to Balsa de Cela warmish spring in the province of Almeria.

Gonomad (date unspecified) on a spa tour of Romania:

'My mission was to wallow in mud and with some persistent searching, (there was no signage),I found the Bai Reci. Under a road and rail bridge, a steady stream of locals clad in only swim wear went and so I followed.
And lo and behold through the arch was a doorway where they all disappeared. A small kiosk was selling the tickets 10 lei (€2.50) and I parted with my lei and followed. A security guard made sure of no cameras and I filed right to the Femmi side of life. Here there is segregation of the sexes and I soon found out why.
Turning right and then left I emerged, blinking in the bright sunlight onto a beach with showers and lots of nakedness. I found a spot and surveyed the weird scene. A beach, a lake and female naked bodies in nearly fifty shades of grey, standing around arms outstretched'.

The experience also describes a descent down a salt mine and a soak in a thermal lake.

encinadaza at Termas de Perexigueiro (Galizia, Spain)

Strange
Budapest baths by wanderingcarol (Aug. 22), as she records a visit to Lukacs Thermal Baths as well as a primer to other bathing places:

'You wouldn’t think a Budapest bathhouse could be so confusing, but the Lukacs Baths is a dizzying collection of outdoor cool pools, courtyards, hot pools, medical spa services and a few centuries of architecture
It’s not just the Lukacs Baths. All Budapest baths can take some time to figure out'.

Possibly missed earlier, Hungarian baths where you take you clothes off (Dailynews Hungary, Apr. 30 2017). I suppose they mean totally off. Oddly it only focuses on sauna's, are naked baths / bathing in Hungary off the menu?

'According to termalfurdo.hu, saunas are the most efficient when used naked. Even though, the joys of unclothed sauna is still strange for most people in Hungary, more and more baths provide this service. Naked sauna use is considered normal in West Europe, in fact, several bath complexes prohibit the use of bathing suits in the cabins because it is the most efficient when used without having clothes on. Bathing suits set back the body’s balanced flush and they make the cooling process last longer'.

Culturetrip (Jan. 25) has it's an overview of Hungary's hot springs, all very cultured.

Finally, Britain isn't very well known for it's geothermalality. Thinkgeoenergy though, reports (Jul. 26) on an initiative from Cornwall:

'The Jubilee Pool geothermal heat project has announced a crowdfunding campaign to raise additionally necessary funding besides secured funding from loans and grant funding.
...
'Work has already started on drilling a geothermal well which will provide enough renewable energy to heat a section of the water to 35 centigrades. This will mean, for the first time, that the pool will have heated water, transforming it into an all-year attraction which we believe will bring enormous benefits both for the pool, to the economy of Penzance and for Cornwall'.

brashowe 

Somewhere in Greenland:

 #greenland #hotsprings #nakedmen

Gimmick

What's claimed to be United Kingdom's only hot spring (see also this list) is located bang in the center of the aptly named Bath in Southwest England. There's of course no guessing from where the namesake of the town comes from, it's too obvious.

Famed for both it's Roman remains situated around the natural spring as well as for the latter Georgian gentrification (lead photo above of the Circus), Bath seems to be top of the list for quite a few tourists to the UK. F.i. Tripadvisor puts Bath in it's top 10 of popular UK destinations with the baths being the most popular destination of Bath. Bath is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For us soakers there's two significant features in Bath:

* one: of course the Roman Baths, 

* two: the current day bathing facilities known as Thermae Bath Spa.

A sojourn to Bath is by no means cheap. Rated regularly as one of the most expensive places to stay in the UK (source), the costs of visiting some attractions in the city are not cheap either. Visiting the Roman bath remains will set you back a pound or 15, while a two hour stay at Bath's soaking establishment would set you back from 35-38 pounds; this no peanuts for us cheap skating natural soaking lovers.

But cutting back on costs is well possible if you choose to stay in nearby Bristol, a funky city along the lower Avon with a younger more worldly culture along it's harbour.

We thought that a bike ride from Bristol would be the way to go. To Bath.

There's a cycleway on the former track bed of a Bristol to Bath railway line. However the English (and with them the Tourist) see cycling as a summer activity, there was no way to rent a bike in winter.

Well, that meant a large part of our day was spent in vain in search of bikes; we then jumped on the train instead.

Seeing the prices mentioned, we had opted to make the Bath visit, a visit to just the Roman side of Bath.

Situated in the center of town next to the Abbey, late morning there's a line of visitors snaking it's way outside. That's encouraging! After being allowed in, we discover that there's another line to contend with, we had just be lining up to join the next line! 

Anyway, maybe 10-15 minutes in total we have our tickets and allowed access to the ancient springs themselves.

Someone has certainly gone out of their way to highlight and showcase the site / sights. Take an audio tour, it's an easy way to get more insight. I ended up following the on the hour tour guide who had even more insights, well worth it.

You'll discover a lot about how Roman's bathed, how the actual bathing took place, the wider surroundings of Bath and how the Roman baths were tweaked about becoming what they are today. 
Odd thing is that you can't actually bathe, as if this would be some kind of sacrilege. But maybe due to health issues (original lead piping?).

As said there were plenty of fellow tourists, it means that making the rounds is quite difficult, unless you have extreme patience.

I won't bore my readers with the history of the baths of Bath, there's plenty available on the internet. Check Bath's tourism website or owlcation.

Notable among the history was that in fact there's a pre-Roman history with the springs used by Celts with a deity being worshipped here, Sulis, a fact that even the Romans thought noteworthy hence they called Bath's baths Aquae Sulis. 
During the Roman times, the bathing establishment was in fact very well-developed, complete with piping and a jacuzzi. 
After the Romans surrendered their reign so did bathing; at least it seems to be the case for a few centuries. What has remained is that usage of the springs has always been an upper class thing, not necessarily for commoners ...

For those seeking a challenge in soaking in England, the Thermae Bath Spa seeks to entice you. Though it has excellent status on Tripadvisor, it's not always the case: overpriced, bad experience, expensive, gimmicky, a 90 minute wait to get in, run down and shabby, too busy are just some of the accolades, though most were very accomadating.
But these are just some of the recent reviews of the 5,000+ listed on Tripadvisor .... One should also note that the bathing etiquette is rather non-European so to speak.