Britain’s wellness escapes

Spa hotels and retreats 

From grand country house hotels to eco-friendly farm retreats, Britain’s wellness escapes offer more than just a fluffy robe and a fancy massage. Whether it’s floating in a wild swimming pond, soaking in a treetop sauna, or indulging in a Michelin-starred feast after a spa treatment, these getaways take relaxation to the next level. So, if your clients’ idea of self-care involves fresh country air, thermal pools, and maybe a glass of wine, read on. 

Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire, England 

Escape to 500 acres of pure English countryside luxury at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, a Wiltshire countryside retreat with 42 uniquely styled rooms and suites. The spa is a sanctuary of calm, featuring a hydrotherapy pool and saltwater plunge, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure. Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Hywel Jones brings a taste of the region’s finest produce, while equestrian lovers can gallop through the estate or take a riding lesson. Little ones aren’t left out either – The Hideaway play lodge and outdoor adventure area make this a treat for all ages. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is London Heathrow Airport, with the journey taking around one hour 30 minutes by car. Alternatively, take a direct train from London Paddington to Chippenham, a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

Linden Hall Hotel, Northumberland, England 

For a spa break with serious country charm, Linden Hall delivers. Tucked away in the rolling Northumberland countryside, this Georgian mansion offers indulgent ELEMIS treatments, a 12-metre pool, sauna, steam room, and a state-of-the-art gym. Stay overnight or just for the day – either way, relaxation is guaranteed. When not wrapped in a fluffy robe, guests can tee off on the 18-hole golf course, sip afternoon tea by the fire, or explore the nearby Northumberland National Park. 

Getting there: The nearest major airport is Newcastle International Airport, around a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, Morpeth train station, served by direct trains from London and Edinburgh, is just a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Scottish Borders, Scotland 

Take a Scottish castle and transform it into a wellness haven – SCHLOSS Roxburghe blends historic grandeur with spa luxury. Set amid the lush greenery of the rolling Borders countryside, the estate boasts an outdoor heated infinity pool, bio and Finnish saunas, an aroma steam room, and a fully equipped gym. The spa’s thermal suite and relaxation areas are a top spot for unwinding after a round on the championship golf course or a bracing countryside walk. Add in indulgent treatments using locally inspired ingredients, and this is Scottish wellness at its finest. Whether sipping whisky fireside or soaking in the outdoor vitality pool, relaxation comes with a royal touch. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is Edinburgh Airport, around one hour 30 minutes from the estate by car. Alternatively, guests can take a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed or Tweedbank, both approximately 30 minutes from the hotel by taxi. 

Spa Treatments at Marine Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland 

Wellness meets the wild Scottish coast at Marine Troon, where the crashing waves provide a soothing spa soundtrack. Overlooking Royal Troon Golf Course, this stylish retreat offers marine-inspired treatments. Unwind with seaweed wraps, detoxifying salt scrubs and signature massages using organic Scottish ingredients. The thermal suite, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, awaits for post-treatment bliss. Whether your clients are gazing out over the Ayrshire coastline or sinking into a deep tissue massage, Marine Troon delivers relaxation with a side of sea air. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is Glasgow Airport, a 45-minute drive away. Alternatively, guests can take a direct train from Glasgow Central to Troon Station, which is a short taxi ride or a scenic 15-minute walk from the hotel. 

Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Cumbria, England 

Providing luxury with a personal touch, Gilpin offers two distinct escapes in the heart of the Lake District. Choose the elegant Gilpin Hotel, where spa lodges come with private hot tubs and cedarwood saunas, or retreat to the exclusive Gilpin Lake House, a six-bedroom sanctuary with its own lake, boathouse and spa. Sustainability meets indulgence here, with locally sourced menus at Michelin-starred SOURCE and vibrant pan-Asian flavours at Gilpin Spice. Look out for the resident alpacas and llamas too. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is Manchester Airport, around one hour 30 minutes from the hotel by car. Alternatively, guests can take a train from Manchester to Windermere Station, just a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

South Lodge, West Sussex, England 

In West Sussex, South Lodge offers luxury stays with a Nature Immersion Spa Experience focusing on wellbeing and reconnecting with nature. Located in the South Downs National Park and part of the Exclusive Collection, the 4,000 square metre facility boasts an indoor infinity pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and a wild swimming pool. The retreat also offers shinrin-yoku, known as forest bathing. Dining includes healthy, sustainable options at the on-site Botanica restaurant, and seasonally inspired Michelin-starred menus at The Pass. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is London Gatwick Airport, a 20-minute drive from the lodge. Alternatively, guests can take a train from London Victoria to Horsham Station, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

Louma, Dorset, England 

Nestled in the Marshwood Vale in west Dorset, Louma farm and retreat offers a green escape blending wellness, nature and sustainability. Spread across 100 acres of rolling farmland and a 30-acre vineyard, this Dorset retreat champions a farm-to-fork ethos, with organic produce straight from the land to your clients’ plate. Sleep under the stars in a cosy shepherd’s hut or a rustic timber stable, then rise for vineyard tours, organic farming experiences, or a restorative wellness session. Whether your clients want to recharge, reconnect, or just sip local wine, Louma is a slow-living sanctuary. 

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is London Heathrow Airport. From there, the journey to Louma is around two hours 30 minutes by car. Alternatively, take a train from London Waterloo to Axminster (two hours 30 minutes), followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to the retreat. 

Wellness experiences: Relaxation on the move and in the moment 

Forget a typical spa day – Britain’s wellness experiences are all about shaking things up. Whether your clients are unwinding in a seaweed bath with views of Anglesey’s stunning coastline, stretching out on a train ride through the countryside in Belmond’s luxurious spa suite, or basking in the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest, these retreats take relaxation to a whole new level. 

Belmond Britannic Explorer Wellness Suite, UK 

All aboard this dreamy wellness escape with Belmond’s new Britannic Explorer Wellness Suite, where luxury and relaxation meet the open rails. This pioneering spa on wheels offers guests a fully equipped wellness suite, featuring a private treatment room, steam shower, and an array of rejuvenating treatments. With panoramic views of the British countryside, clients can unwind as they journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in the UK, with trips to the Lake District, Wales and Cornwall among those on offer in 2025 and 2026. From soothing massages to yoga sessions, this mobile retreat brings the spa experience to life, combined with Belmond’s renowned approach to luxury and top-notch cuisine. 

Getting there: Experiences aboard the Britannic Explorer depart from London Victoria station. The nearest international airports are London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport, both of which have quick connections to the centre of London. 

Halen Môn Seaweed Baths, Anglesey, Wales 

At Halen Môn’s Seaweed Baths, your clients will soak in hand-harvested Anglesey seaweed, packed with skin-loving minerals and enough antioxidants to make a superfood jealous. The therapeutic waters are rich in sea salts, helping to detoxify and refresh the skin while leaving your clients with a calm, radiant glow. All this, with stunning views over the Menai Strait, separating the island of Anglesey from the Welsh mainland.  

Getting there: The nearest major international airport is Manchester Airport. From there, take a direct train to Bangor (around two hours), then a 20-minute taxi across the Menai Bridge to Halen Môn on Anglesey. 

Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Sherwood Forest, England 

Even Robin Hood may have considered taking a break from outlaw life for Aqua Sana’s Sherwood Forest spa. The forest retreat offers steamy saunas, bubbling hydrotherapy pools, and the signature Forest Aromatherapy Ritual – because even a legendary bowman needs a bit of self-care. The showstopper? The treetop sauna, where your clients can sweat out their worries while gazing over the woodland canopy. Finish with a dip in the outdoor thermal pool, because stealing a moment of pure relaxation is the only crime worth committing here. 

Getting there: The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport and the spa is a 50-minute drive. Alternatively, hop on a train to Newark North Gate, followed by a short taxi ride. 

Wild swimming: Make a splash 

Who needs a heated pool when it’s possible to plunge into Britain’s pristine lakes, rivers, and seas? Wild swimming offers a refreshing way to reconnect with nature, whether it’s braving the chill of Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) waters, swimming along Somerset’s Jurassic Coast, or mastering the art of cold-water immersion at Ullswater. These retreats are about more than just the swim – think fire pits, saunas, breathwork, and eye-catching surroundings. Dive in for a wild, rejuvenating experience! 

The Wild Swimming Co., England and Wales 

Take the plunge into Britain’s stunning waters with The Wild Swimming Co., offering lifeguard-led retreats in the Lake District, Snowdonia (Eryri) and Dorset. Whether your clients are first-time dippers or seasoned cold-water converts, expert guides ensure a safe and invigorating experience. Retreats include coaching sessions, breathwork techniques to master the chill, and post-swim warm-ups with fire pits and local food. Many locations also feature natural hot tubs and wood-fired saunas – because nothing beats the contrast of an icy plunge followed by a toasty unwind. 

Getting there: Retreat locations are easily accessible from Manchester Airport, Birmingham Airport, and the main London airports, with a range of train and taxi connections. 

Somerset Swim Retreat, Somerset, England 

Swap chlorinated pools for the pure, refreshing waters of Somerset’s natural swimming pond at this idyllic retreat at Manor Farm and Gardens. Guests can take guided sea swims along the county’s Jurassic Coast, warm up in a wood-fired sauna, and explore coastal and woodland trails. Expert-led sessions cover cold-water immersion techniques, breathwork and open-water confidence, aimed at both beginners and seasoned dippers. Post-swim, refuel with wholesome, locally sourced food and unwind in the peaceful countryside setting. 

Getting there:Bristol Airport is the nearest major hub, with train connections to Taunton or Bridgwater, followed by a short taxi ride. 

Ullswater Swim Place, Cumbria, England 
Book a three-day wild swim camp in the heart of the Lake District to experience the open water alongside expert coaching. Based at Another Place The Lake Hotel, this retreat in the idyllic Ullswater Valley provides an invigorating combination of wild swims, stunning views and wellness experiences. The swimming club also has treatment rooms, a sauna and outdoor hot tub, alongside an indoor pool. 

Getting there: The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, with direct trains to Penrith, just a 15-minute taxi ride from Ullswater.