Spring Bottom

## Overview Spring Bottom is a public drinking spring located near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, England. Situated at the western edge of the Cotswolds — an area renowned for its limestone geology and abundance of natural springs — Spring Bottom sits at approximately 51.8849°N, 2.0502°W. The Cotswolds' oolitic limestone bedrock naturally filters rainwater as it percolates through the hills, and the region has been celebrated for its spring water since at least Roman times, when the nearby town of Cheltenham rose to fame as a spa destination in the 18th century after the discovery of its mineral springs. While detailed historical records specific to Spring Bottom are limited, its name — combining "spring" with "bottom," an old English term for a valley or low-lying area — suggests it has long been recognized as a place where water naturally emerges at the base of a slope or hollow. Springs like this one have historically served as vital freshwater sources for local communities across the Gloucestershire countryside. The water from Spring Bottom has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## What to Expect Spring Bottom is located in the rolling countryside near Cheltenham, one of the Cotswolds' most elegant towns. The surrounding landscape is characterised by green pastures, hedgerows, and the gentle limestone hills typical of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As a public drinking spring, visitors can expect a modest but functional water source — likely a spout, trough, or natural emergence point rather than a dramatic waterfall or large pool. Many Cotswold springs of this type feature old stonework or simple infrastructure installed over the centuries to channel the flow. The Cheltenham area experiences a temperate maritime climate, so the spring is likely to flow year-round, though output may increase during wetter months (autumn and winter) and decrease during dry summer spells. The GPS coordinates (51.88488, -2.05017) place the spring just outside the main urban area of Cheltenham, so access is relatively straightforward compared to more remote natural springs. Visitors exploring the area will find themselves well-positioned to enjoy the wider Cotswolds, with its network of walking trails, historic villages, and other notable springs and water features.