10 Best Spa Towns in the UK
UK's Best Places to Relax and Get a Massage
The best spa towns in the UK have been welcoming visitors for over a thousand years. The natural mineral springs and thermal waters that are scattered across the country were seen, even by the Romans and the ancient Britons before them, as special places of healing.
These days, those same springs are centres of wellness and relaxation, often surrounded by the echoes of their history. You can discover where kings and queens went to ‘take the water’, as it’s said, and sip some of that clean, natural spring water yourself. Walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen, enjoy spectacular sea views or get off the grid in the Welsh countryside. You’re sure to be charmed by these amazing historic towns.
1. Bath
The original spa town
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It would be impossible to talk about UK spa towns without mentioning Bath. Archaeological evidence indicates that humans have been coming to the springs of Bath for around 10,000 years, and ancient Britons and Romans all came here to pray to their gods and take in the waters. There are multiple spas in the city and if you head to the Thermae Bath Spa you can experience the natural thermal spring waters.
The city’s ongoing popularity with visitors has left it full of elegant buildings and gardens as well as restaurants and other sights to see. Stroll through museums and historical sites and have an elegant high tea in The Pump.
Bath
2. Harrogate
Yorkshire spa town on the doorstep of the Dales
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Up in Yorkshire, you’ll find the classic Victorian holiday spa town of Harrogate. There are still spas to this day, including the original Turkish Baths in the centre of the town. You’ll also find other spas available for rest and relaxation, but that’s not the only draw to this charming northern town.
Those with kids will love Stockeld Park and its treetop trails, maze and other fun activities, open weekends and school holidays. For the grown-ups, Harrogate has gin tastings, museums and historical sites. There’s also the RHS garden at Harlow Carr, a great place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon after relaxing in the spa.
Harrogate
3. Cheltenham
Regency elegance at this spa town in the breathtaking Cotswolds
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The beauty of the Cotswolds is on your doorstep when you visit Cheltenham. Once a holiday destination for renowned author Jane Austen and other regency socialites, the attraction of Cheltenham hasn’t dulled with time. The many spas available in the town include manor houses and sleek modern locations. There’s even one in a 15th-century tower.
Outside of the spas, take some time to explore the town at your own pace. Take in the museums, or hike through the scenic countryside. To speed things up a bit, you might be able to spend a day at the races. Then head into the centre of town for a bite to eat at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Cheltenham
4. Buxton
Famous spring in the heart of the Peak District
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Buxton is known for its spas and spring water, which is sold throughout the country. Deep in the majesty of the peak district, this quaint town is a wonderful spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and towns and just relax. Where better to do that than at one of its magnificent spas?
Housed in a spectacular Georgian building, the Buxton Crescent Wellness Spa is fed by an ancient spring with waters of around 26°C. Let the warm waters wash away your stress and trouble and sip on the delicious local mineral water.
Buxton
5. Malvern
Hillside town with luxury spa facilities
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In the west of England, you’ll find the Malvern Hills and the small town of Great Malvern. The Victorian architecture lends a charismatic, old-fashioned vibe to the quiet setting. The luxury Malvern Spa Hotel resides in one of these elegant buildings on the outskirts of town and you’ll find other spas closer to the centre.
The streets of the town can be quite steep in places, so be prepared for some walking here, even if you don’t go up the hills themselves. But if you do hike the slopes, you’ll discover some amazing views of England and Wales, and maybe a highland cow or 2. There are also some incredible theatres in town, so why not take in a show?
Malvern
6. Royal Leamington Spa
A spa that once hosted Queen Victoria
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Queen Victoria herself granted Royal Leamington Spa the ‘royal’ in its name. She visited this town and liked it so much she renamed it. It grew quickly from a sleepy village to a popular spa town thanks to the queen’s favour and the rediscovery of the Roman spa.
The Elan Spa at Mallory Court carries on the tradition with its pool, saunas, steam room and hot tubs. Elsewhere in town, you can come across hidden independent shops selling local produce, antiques and more. Don’t miss the pump rooms, the botanic gardens or Warwick Castle, which is just across the river.
Royal Leamington Spa
7. Llandrindod Wells
Welsh spa town with Victorian streets and grand spa facilities
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Llandrindod Wells, in Powys, Wales, was also a favourite spot for Victorian wellness travellers. The colourful shopfronts and buildings still proudly display the town’s history with picturesque streets that feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Rock Park is still home to the old Victorian Spa buildings as well as a host of delightful carvings and wooded pathways.
In terms of spas, the Metropole Hotel will welcome you with its grand green façade and turrets. Inside, it’s just as deluxe. See the ornate conservatory that houses a 5.5-metre heated pool and experience the luxurious spa facilities, just waiting for you to sit back and relax.
Llandrindod Wells
8. Royal Tunbridge Wells
Spa town with over 400 years of popularity
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Not far from London is the historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. While many spa towns on this list became popular in Victorian times, this one is older yet. Linked to King James I, the town’s spa rose to prominence over 400 years ago after a member of the king’s court found that drinking the waters improved his health, and it’s been popular ever since.
To refresh and relax in a genuine Georgian manor, head to the simply named Spa Hotel and experience a spa that lives up to the ‘royal’ name. Here, and at the other Tunbridge Wells spas, you can pamper yourself with luxurious treatments and see what a sip of those famous waters can do for you.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
9. Newquay
Coastal views and eco-friendly spas
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Although it doesn’t have the history of some other spa towns, the coastal resort of Newquay is quickly becoming a UK hotspot for wellness and relaxation. The fresh sea air has long been said to be good for what ails you and there’s plenty to see and do here as well.
The Scarlet Hotel is an eco-lodge where you can look after the environment even as the spa technicians are looking after you. Check out the outdoor spas with beautiful sea views if you’d prefer to have something awe-inspiring to look at as you indulge.
Newquay
10. Llangammarch Wells
A spa in the seclusion of the Welsh countryside
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It would be easy to drive through the tiny Welsh village of Llangammarch Wells, but you’d be missing out. The historical well that gave this village its name has since been closed, but the cosy white buildings huddled in the rolling green Welsh hills invite you to enjoy the countryside and the winding river.
The spa in question, The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, is not in the village, but in the hills nearby, a secluded spot in the heart of nature. Its selection of treatments and facilities give you a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Welsh scenery and give you the break you deserve.
Llangammarch Wells
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