Caldas da Rainha means “the queen’s baths” and was christened thus when Queen Dona Leonora came across locals bathing in the mud at the side of the road so as to cure their ailments. She became convinced of the therapeutic qualities of the local waters and founded what is now the oldest thermal hospital in the world. This still functions today when the plumbing is not playing up.

Caldas is also renowned nationally for its locally-produced cakes and pastries - try the Pastelaria Machado opposite the entrance to the park if you have a sweet tooth.

The daily flower and produce market really should not be missed as this is a fascinating and colourful insight into a way of life which is dying out. Much of the produce is grown locally and could not be fresher, being sold as it is by the same people who have planted and tended it.

Otherwise Caldas is a good base for shopping and for necessities such as banks, post office, pharmacies etc.

The park has a boating lake and a children’s playground and a café where you can sit under the shade of the trees and watch the world go by. The town is home to the region’s best restaurant - Sabores de Italia, close by the post office.