Droitwich Spa (often abbreviated to Droitwich /ˈdrɔɪt.wɪtʃ/) is an historic spa town in the Wychavon district in northern Worcestershire, England, on the River Salwarpe. It is located approximately 22 miles (35 km) south-west of Birmingham and 7 miles (11 km) north-east of Worcester. The town is situated on massive deposits of salt, and salt has been extracted there since ancient times. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2+1⁄2 pounds per imperial gallon (0.25 kg/L) of salt; ten times stronger than sea water and rivaled only by the Dead Sea.