5 U.K. Spa Towns for a Weekend Break

Pamper yourself at some of the best spas this autumn – because you deserve it.

As the leaves turn auburn and temperatures fall, a spa break makes for a great weekend getaway. If you’ve been dreaming of that long-awaited spa holiday to sort out those kinks and knots, look no further as we’ve rounded up eight standout spas in five spa towns across the country for you to check out. These towns are not only idyllic but they also boast noteworthy spas that are still upholding the rich spa traditions of yore.

Renowned for its ancient Roman-built baths, this city’s natural hot springs remain a huge draw today. This year, Bath — the only city in Britain — was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’, so this would be a natural destination for a blissful day of self-care. Explore the different neighbourhoods and discover a mix of independent local shops and restaurants amid golden-hued Georgian buildings.

Thermae is a crowd favourite for it is Britain’s only natural thermal spa. Housed in an 18th century building, its open-air rooftop pool has become Bath’s most popular outdoor pool, offering views of the charismatic city as you soak in the mineral-rich waters. Pro tip: Get to the spa as early as possible (the reception opens at 9 a.m.).

If you’re looking for a more private affair, consider Thermae’s best-kept secret: Cross Bath, an intimate open-air thermal bath just across the main building. Should you be in a group, this could be just the hang-out for you. They’re available for exclusive hire on weekends and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

This is Britain’s only hotel spa with direct access to the hot springs. Take the waters at three different pools, with the largest set within a striking four-storey glass atrium. In addition to a sauna and steam room, they have multiple treatment rooms that offer a diverse range of massages and Asian therapies. For quality time with your partner, pick their couple’s room or VIP suite which grants you private access to the thermal waters. The spa is currently reserved for hotel guests only, but you can check this link should there be changes made to their spa days.

Set in North Yorkshire, Harrogate was known as ‘The English Spa’ during the Georgian era. It was one of Europe’s most desirable spa resorts for its waters were rich in sulphur and iron. Adorned with elegant buildings, beautiful gardens, and a bucolic countryside, this spa town has often made the list of happiest places to live in the U.K.

This spa is set within a sprawling Regency country house hotel hugged by parkland and golf courses. Rudding Park Spa seeks to recapture the town’s heritage by drawing upon natural waters from the grounds at Rudding Park. One of the highlights is its rooftop spa and garden, which has a hydrotherapy infinity pool, sun deck, and a suite of treatment rooms. Do make it a point to book before setting off on your trip as they have received an influx of reservations and enquiries in the past couple of months.

If you’re looking for a more affordable respite, the ornate Turkish Baths Harrogate won’t disappoint. Travel back in time as you enter this restored Victorian Turkish bath, which can be traced to the 19th century, embellished with Moorish architectural features, Islamic arches, and Italian terrazzo floors. Fully refurbished in 2004, it offers a contemporary spa experience with three chambers, a steam room, and a plunge pool. An eclectic range of treatments are available, from hot stone massage to reiki and Indian head massage.

Besides Bath, Buxton is the only other British spa town that was built by the Romans. Situated in Derbyshire, this spa town is enveloped by Britain’s oldest national park, Peak District National Park. With its elegant streetscape, vibrant arts scene, and lush surrounds, Buxton is a balm for your soul.

Newly reopened in Oct 2020 after 17 years, the Buxton Crescent Spa ensures that the town’s spa history continues into the present. This Grade I-listed Georgian building was built in the 1790s and formed the centrepiece of the Fifth Duke of Devonshire’s plans to establish a spa destination. The luxurious spa today has a refurbished Victorian pool, a new stained-glass dome, and an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool. That’s not all, it also has a salt cave, three saunas, and two steam rooms. Pro tip: As the spa is connected to the hotel, the best time to visit would be when guests have checked out — between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. are the golden hours.

Situated within five acres of gardens, you’re in for a quintessential Derbyshire retreat at the Palace Hotel. Its doors opened way back in 1868, so it’s been an integral part of the Buxton townscape for a long time. Take a dip in their heated indoor pool or treat yourself to one of their spa packages; they also offer specially-tailored treatments for men, like a deep tissue back and shoulder massage.

Since the discovery of mineral springs in Cheltenham in 1716, the town has gained a following for being a hub for spa retreats. Known for its Regency architecture, theatres, and vivid green spaces, Cheltenham is a great weekend destination. You can discover the history of this spa town at the Pittville Pump Room.

Set within a 15th century Cotswold manor, Ellenborough Park is a five-star hotel that keeps Cheltenham’s spa traditions alive. The Indian-inspired spa pays homage to Lord Ellenborough, the Governor-General of India from 1824–1844. As a full-service spa that offers a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and a spectrum of Asian therapies, it’s one of the best places in Cheltenham to catch some downtime. If you love horses like the Queen, Ellenborough Park is a stone’s throw away from the world-famous racecourse.

Located in Worcestershire, this spa town sits at the foot of Malvern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its history dates all the way back to the Bronze Age. Malvern was transformed into a water cure town in the 1840s after natural mineral water springs were discovered and doctors built the first water cure house. Today, it’s widely regarded for its Victorian architecture, natural beauty, and thriving cultural scene.

Decked with Roman columns, olive trees, and Jerusalem stone floors, the spa is located within a destination hotel, The Malvern. The spa’s centre of attraction is none other than their indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, which is maintained at a comforting 35℃. Alongside wellness treatments, they have a salt grotto, crystal steam room, herb sauna, and kelo sauna. Constructed from wood originating from the Arctic Circle, their kelo sauna is reportedly the first of its kind in the U.K.

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