Ep 7. Salt Of The Earth

In Travels by Narrowboat season 4 episode 7, "Salt of the Earth," viewers are taken on a journey through the historic and picturesque city of Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire, England. The episode begins as the narrowboat "Lilyanne" and its crew, Tim and Pru, approach the Droitwich Barge and Marina, where they plan to moor for the night. This marina is steeped in history, as it was once a bustling cargo port during the Industrial Revolution and has been in use for over 200 years.

Once settled in at the marina, Tim and Pru set out on foot to explore the town, and they are immediately struck by its charm and character. Droitwich is known for its natural salt springs, which have been prized for their medicinal properties for centuries. The town was once a major center for salt production, and visitors can still see evidence of this industry all around them.

The first stop on Tim and Pru's tour is the Droitwich Heritage Centre, which is housed in a beautiful old timber-framed building. Here, they learn all about the history of the town and its salt industry, from ancient Roman times through to the present day. They also get to see examples of the tools and machinery that were used to extract and process the salt, and even get to taste some of it for themselves.

Next, Tim and Pru pay a visit to the Old Bell pub, which is one of the oldest buildings in the town. This cozy establishment has been serving up pints of ale to thirsty locals and travelers alike since the 16th century, and it's still going strong today. Tim and Pru enjoy a pint of real ale and some delicious pub fare, all while soaking up the atmosphere of this historic watering hole.

After lunch, Tim and Pru continue their exploration of Droitwich by visiting the Lido Park. This beautiful green space is home to a large outdoor swimming pool, which is filled with saltwater from the town's springs. Tim and Pru take a dip in the pool and talk about the rejuvenating properties of the saltwater, which is said to be good for the skin and joints.

As the day draws to a close, Tim and Pru head back to the marina to prepare for a special evening event. They are attending a concert by the Droitwich Spa Choral Society, which is being held at St. Andrew's Church. This beautiful and historic church has been standing since the 12th century, and it boasts some stunning examples of stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings. The concert is a beautiful celebration of the town's rich musical heritage, and Tim and Pru are thrilled to be a part of it.

Overall, "Salt of the Earth" is a delightful and informative episode of Travels by Narrowboat that highlights the unique history and culture of Droitwich Spa. Tim and Pru's enthusiasm and sense of adventure make them the perfect guides for this charming town, and viewers will come away feeling inspired to explore more of England's hidden gems.