20 best spas in the UK, from hydrotherapy pools to treatment rooms with their own rasul
Nothing beats a day (or weekend) at a spa, whether the stress is mounting and you need some me-time or you're celebrating something special with a loved one.
The best spas in the UK are the perfect places to relax, be pampered and just soak up the serene surroundings. From relaxing on heated marble loungers to wrapping up in a hotel robe to enjoy the zen vibes, we love a good spa break.
Luckily for you, we've rounded up some of the best spas in the UK. With the help of our friends at Spabreaks.com, we thought we'd bring you our ultimate pick of luxury, affordable, most-picked and thoroughly British spa breaks to add to your bliss list.
From London to the Cotswolds and Leicestershire to Bristol, our favourite UK spas take in some of the most glorious locations in the UK.
These spas offer more than just massages, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools, too. Many of these impressive spaces come with sprawling countryside settings that are perfect for runs or rambles, inspiring views (which you can enjoy from rooftop infinity pools) and unique experiences that are perfect if you're visiting with the girls.
Whatever your budget and wherever you're looking to relax, you'll want to browse the best spas in the UK for a staycation. Here are 20 worth checking out...
AIRE Ancient Baths London
One of London's best spas, AIRE Ancient Baths London is housed in the 18th-century townhouse where Peter Pan author JM Barrie resided (you can even see a first edition of the book in the reception area). This beautiful spa is like stepping into another world. As you leave the busy streets of London behind, you'll enter a hidden oasis.
Set underground, this series of seven thermal baths is the epitome of indulgence. Taking a tour at your own pace, you can start with the bath heated to body temperature, before cooling off in one of the Frigidariums (10C and 14C). The 40-degree Caldarium will have you feeling toasty again, before you head into the steam room, which has another Frigidarium.
The Thousand Jet Bath is the perfect place to be massaged by the water and the Flotarium is where you will float on the water for a blissful end to your spa journey. While all this is enough to send you into a state of calm and rejuvenation, AIRE also has a selection of massages available, as well as a Wine Bath Experience, perfect for couples. This is where you can submerge yourselves in Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes and relax with a grapeseed oil massage.
Fairmont Spa and Wellness at Fairmont Windsor Park, Windsor
Set within 40 acres of grounds and gardens leading on to the historic Windsor Great Park and within the orbit of Windsor Castle, just an hour outside London, Fairmont Windsor Park is a five-star hotel that represents the best of history, contemporary elegance and exceptional hospitality, as well as being home to an exceptional spa.
Here, you can expect state-of-the-art facilities, holistic therapies and innovative health assessments and wellbeing treatments. Its beauty and luxury offerings make it perfect for a romantic break, while the size, space and variety of experiences make it ideal for groups of friends.
Aztec Hotel and Spa, Bristol
A girls’ weekend is all about creating fun and memorable times with plenty of relaxation thrown in and the Aztec Hotel and Spa offers that and more. Tribute nights, which can be booked as part of a spa break are a fun option, but so too are the individual treatments on the menu that will leave you feeling relaxed and gorgeous.
There’s a gym for workouts and a pool for swimming, but if that’s too tiring, check out the hotel’s Curious Kitchen restaurant for a bite to eat.
Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa, Lake District
Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, the breathtaking scenery and superb facilities of this hotel set the scene for a romantic getaway with a loved one. Enjoy country walks or a stroll along the jetty for fresh air adventures, then head to the spa where the trained therapists will ease you into a state of total relaxation during your luxury massage or facial.
With a thermal suite to chill out in and magnificent views to look out on, you’ll be in total bliss.
Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Hailed as one of the most prestigious spas and hotels in the UK, Lucknam Park is a spectacular country house hotel hidden among 500 acres of grounds just outside Bath.
Offering outstanding levels of luxury, from the Michelin starred restaurant Hywel Jones to the immaculate spa facilities including an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with arboretum views.
Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase, Gloucestershire
The lively restaurant and outdoor terrace at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel may provide the venue for good food and good times, but the health club and spa is the place to head to unwind and enjoy some pamper time.
There’s a pool, hot tub and steam room to chill out in, as well as a relaxation room just right for cosy group relaxing. Indulge yourself in a calming facial or massage if you want to bring on the bliss. Alternatively, opt for a manicure or pedicure to get feet and hands looking polished and perfect.
Ragdale Hall Spa, Leicestershire
One of the best-loved spas in Britain, Ragdale Hall is where you can really escape to the country (think acres of glorious views) while you relax, catch up with your number one and soak up the serenity.
Here, you'll find a heated infinity rooftop pool of dreams, as well as an array of treatments available, an exquisite restaurant and an impressive spa. Its country house exterior and the fact that it's a destination spa, not a spa inside a hotel, make Ragdale a place that should be on every spa seeker's list.
King Street Gym and Spa, Manchester
Located in a magnificent Grade II listed building, its exceptional design and luxurious interiors make the King Street Gym and Spa a very special experience. The spa and gym are located in a separate building and are a destination in their own right.
The only spa in the North West to have a salt inhalation room, it is also the only spa in the UK to work with Perricone MD to offer a range of bespoke, specialist spa treatments and results-driven facials.
Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, Hertfordshire
Another of the best hotel spas in the UK, state-of-the art Cottonmill Spa is a private members' spa, offering pampering and culinary experiences in a wonderful location on the outskirts of St Albans. There are hydrotherapy pools, outdoor hot tubs, heated loungers and more to try.
The treatments range from Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue Massage to Aromatherapy Associates Intensive Muscle Release. Even relaxing in the steam room or sauna is a treat, with a panoramic sauna, salt steam room and botanical steam room to experience.
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
Tucked away in 130 acres of countryside in Hampshire and hidden away from the world, Chewton Glen is the perfect place to enjoy total relaxation. Book yourself in for a super restorative massage and treat yourself to some me time in the inviting relaxation area.
Taking inspiration from its coastal surroundings, the spa at Chewton Glen is dedicated to holistic lifestyle programmes and indulgent treatments, and it has a plethora of awards for its efforts.
ESPA Life at Corinthia, London
As beautiful as it is relaxing, ESPA Life at Corinthia is one of the best hotel spas in London and offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. The sleek space includes an indoor swimming pool, an impressive sauna with 360-degree views and a vitality pool with jets creating a massage-like experience.
When you've taken a tour of the thermal facilities, there are heated marble loungers and fireplaces to set the scene and help you to further relax. There are also sleep pods for if you're in need of a post-spa snooze.
Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, London
With Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on your doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you busy with sightseeing, and when you’re ready to indulge in some serious relaxation, Rena Spa is an oasis of calm. Elegant facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool next to a Jacuzzi, a steam room and sauna to spend time relaxing in.
The spa is all about pampering, so you can expect to find an indulgent treatment menu to choose a range of beauty and holistic therapies from, designed to leave you glowing and gorgeous.
Manor House Alsager, Cheshire
Set in the Cheshire countryside, Manor House Hotel, is complete with a contemporary spa and top-notch facilities. The modern architecture lets in lots of natural light and details have been designed with tranquillity and relaxation in mind, while treatments are inspired by nature and in keeping with the rustic surroundings.
As the only spa in the UK to have a swim-up bar, and with gorgeous breakout areas like the summer house and heated bed pavilion, this spa makes a truly tranquil getaway.
The Lanesborough Club & Spa, London
An award-winning London day spa set between elegant Knightsbridge and Mayfair, The Lanesborough Club & Spa is one of the most exclusive health clubs in the city. Chic and stylish, it brings mindfulness, fitness, beauty and wellness to the metropolis, surrounded by history and with luxury running through its veins.
Offering personal butler service from your lounger, this is a place to really indulge. Highlights include an exquisite restaurant, a dual treatment room with its own rasul, and beautiful holistic therapies.
Macdonald Frimley Hall, Surrey
Frimley Hall's Leisure Club and Spa sits at the heart of this attractive manor house hotel, lending itself perfectly to a laid-back getaway where spa treatments courtesy of Elemis skincare are the order of the day.
There’s a gym and fitness classes for an invigorating workout, as well as a pool for swimming lengths or to relax beside if you prefer. All of this, plus easy access to Ascot Racecourse and LEGOLAND.
Langdale Hotel & Spa, Lake District
The Lake District might just be one of the most peaceful places in the UK, and nowhere more so than Langdale Hotel & Spa. The hotel's Brimstone Spa has made a name for itself with its three-hour thermal experience. This includes an indoor relaxation pool full of jets and fountains, a refreshing outdoor swimming section and a traditional Finnish sauna.
There's also the Bubble Private Spa, which can be reserved for two (including access to the rest of the spa). Enjoy a private ritual and a glass of prosecco – the other all-important bubbles.
The Nici, Bournemouth
There are many reasons to love The Nici in Bournemouth, from its position on the city's West Cliff and spectacular sea views to its fun, vibrant, Cali-cool aesthetic (including a very photogenic heated outdoor pool). But one of the highlights of this hotspot is the spa.
There are lots of tempting packages on offer (including 'The Nici Sunrise' and 'The Nici Siesta'), but no matter how you experience this luxurious coastal cocoon, it will be infinitely rejuvenating. There's a gleaming indoor pool as well as a hydrotherapy pool, an aromatherapy sauna and a relaxation room full of crystal energy loungers.
Bulgari Hotel London
The very glitzy Bulgari Hotel London has a bona fide temple of wellness tucked away within its gleaming walls. As well as a pretty pool and every other facility you could hope for, the treatments are pioneering and the partnerships are world-class.
Intuitive massages come exclusively from GROUND, but there are also Ayurvedic rituals, cellular facials and a host more to get excited about. The Onyx Spa Suite is a private spa space for two with side-by-side treatment beds and an oversized hydro-massage tub.
Carden Park Hotel & Spa, Cheshire
The Spa at Carden Park is a classic set among the scenic Cheshire countryside. There's an extensive range of thermal features, inside and out, so this can be enjoyed in any weather – though take note, it's strictly adults-only with no under-18s allowed.
Facials are a speciality here, as is keeping in touch with nature, with whole Spa Garden to explore. Some packages include dinner at Redmond’s Brasserie to The Vines Restaurant, or even an overnight stay.
Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon
Is there anything more soothing than spending time by the sea? Spending time at Saunton Sands Hotel and its dreamy Source Spa is even better. Spread over three levels, the oceanfront spa is a South West icon, harnessing the power of nature to soothe and invigorate.
Try a Gold Rush facial, a Sole Energiser body scrub ritual, or simply enjoy a day of pampering while soaking up the gorgeous coastal views.
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