White Wells - Ilkley, UK - Spring Houses on Waymarking.com

The spring water here was regarded as particularly pure and healthy. Bathing started here in 1703 but the original building only had walls behind which one could undress but there was no roof.

Despite the limitations of the facilities it grew in popularity and in 1791 this building was erected with two separate plunge baths.

Ilkley went on to become a major spa town with a number of successful establishments especially after the arrival of the railways. Charles Darwin stayed in Ilkley and took the waters, but not at this site.

Today this is the only remaining spa facility, and one of the plunge baths is still on display. The building however only opens at weekends during school holidays. When open it mainly operates as a small cafe but one of the plunge baths can be viewed.

If you want to try the plunge bath, the cafe owners will unlock the railings around the bath and let you try it for free, but you have to provide your own bathing costume and towel.

The spring house is on the side of the hill above the town at the start of open moorland and there is a track popular with walkers and hikers.

There is a small car park about 100 metres away but from there you have to walk up the track. If you're only wanting to go there to look at or use the plunge pool then check to see if there is a flag flying from the roof. If there is not one flying the building is not open.

If you are brave enough to take the plunge you can buy a certificate to prove you have done so.

There is also a free tap at the rear of the building that you can use to try the water for drinking if you wish. During dry periods of weather the flow of water to the tap may be limited.

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