All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this listicle: Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa, Archerfield, Mana Spa, Montigo Resorts, Bainland Lodge Retreats, Trump Turnberry, Wingrove House, Tickton Grange, Hilton Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury, The Marquis of Granby, The Priory Hotel, Lympne Castle.
With the weather getting colder and the days darkening sooner, now more than ever we need something to brighten up our every day.
Whether it’s visiting a relaxing spa nearby, a country house to enjoy nature, a city break to explore or something completely different, taking a short break is a brilliant idea.
To help you make your decision of where to go, we’ve found various UK spas, hotels and retreats which offer exceptional breaks to take you out of the ordinary and into the luxury.
Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel
Nestled in 43 acres of manicured gardens and mature woodland, the award-winning Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel provides a tranquil overnight country escape or relaxing spa experience, boasting extensive spa facilities, 41 treatment rooms, inclusive fine dining options, and much more.
The spa provides pure relaxation, from the healing saltwater pool and cleansing Detox Centre to the invigorating Aqua Massage area and Nordic Heat and Ice Suite with sauna and steam room. Complete your experience with an indulgent treatment, carefully selected from luxury spa brands such as Elemis and VOYA. For those who like to keep active, get moving in the Wellness Suite which offers both studio classes and a brand-new, including Matrix and Peloton equipment. Alternatively, head outside for tennis, archery, and much more.
As part of any spa day, enjoy a leisurely lunch over three delectable courses, created with seasonal and local produce. For those staying overnight, relish classic dishes with a contemporary twist in the AA Rosette-awarded Ballroom. For your favourite tipple, head to the famous Long Gallery bar which serves more than 100 different cocktails*.
When night draws in, it’s time to retreat to one of the Hall’s 104 elegant rooms or suites, hosting grand interiors, picturesque views, bubbling hot tubs, and private balconies.
Whether you’re looking to unwind with friends on a spa weekend, recharge on a solo spa day, or escape with a loved one on a romantic spa break, Hoar Cross Hall provides the perfect backdrop to a memorable spa day or stay.
Find out more: visit hoarcross.co.uk or follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
Where to go: Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 8QS
One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Set resplendent in the heart of Scotland’s capital, One Spa offers an urban spa experience which welcomes you to slow down and let your mind unwind in a sanctuary away from everyday life.
All spa days include full use of the unique Escape at One experience, comprising rooftop hydropool, Himalayan dry salt room, crystal steam room, rock sauna, bio sauna, Hammam, laconium and much more. Its 19m indoor swimming pool with an infinity edge, poolside sauna and fitness studio are also available throughout your visit.
One Spa comprises many tranquil treatment rooms, including a couples room where therapists will completely tailor treatments to your individual needs, resulting in a deeply relaxing and calming experience. From intensive facials to aromatherapy massages and salt and oil body scrubs, they will use some of the most luxurious products from TEMPLESPA and ESPA.
When combining a spa day with a break away, you will also be staying in the renowned, five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, with guestrooms overlooking Edinburgh Castle and an exceptional restaurant and bar team.
Find out more: visit marriott.com
Where to go: 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR
Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa
Family-owned and run, located in the stunning Dartmoor National Park, Ilsington is a four-star country house hotel with traditional character and a laid-back vibe.
25 bedrooms, 10 acres of land and a choice of dining in either the two-AA rosette restaurant or the more informal bar or terrace area make it a wonderful destination to kick back, chill out and relax.
The stunning spa creates its own oasis of calm and has won numerous awards including Devon Tourism Spa of the Year and Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice for Spa. There is an indoor pool, large hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna – all with unlimited use during your stay.
For the ultimate relaxation treat yourself to a hot stone massage, reflexology or maybe a facial all using Caudalie products from trained beauty therapists. For the more energetic there is a large fitness suite (as well as 360 square miles of Dartmoor!) to exercise in.
Located in the picturesque village of Ilsington with a local pub, church, and village shop, it is only four miles from the A38 Devon Expressway – ideal for touring around the South Devon coast, the beautiful countryside or maybe just relaxing in the hotel.
Find out more: visit ilsington.co.uk
Where to go: Ilsington Village, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9RR
Archerfield
Fletcher’s Cottage sits in the glorious surroundings of a walled garden and Archerfield country estate, just 20 miles from Edinburgh.
Inside, it’s a restful fusion of Scandi-chic and cosy wood-burning fires, with an emphasis on holistic well-being in all the body and facial treatments. This super-relaxing haven works with just a handful of like-minded brands including Bamford and Irish global lifestyle brand, VOYA, with whom the spa has devised cancer wellness treatments using the rich minerals found in Atlantic seaweed.
Well worth booking is the individual bath huts, each one with its own little log burner, while the lavender sauna and marine salt steam room can both be used by anyone booking a facial or body treatment. Therapy rooms are kitted out with a stylish, rustic vibe and the barefoot therapists really deliver an incredible experience, whether you go for a deep massage or a tailored facial.
Take a day trip from Edinburgh or book one of the Pavilion Suites for two and stay over. Archerfield has acres of countryside and beach to explore, and you can indulge in a delicious dinner and full Scottish breakfast at the Clubhouse restaurant.
Where to go: Archerfield, Golf Green – Dirleton, East Lothian, EH39 5HU
Find out more: visit archerfieldhouse.com
Mana Spa
Come and discover the award-winning Mana Spa in Coventry.
Mana Spa is a place of relaxation and realignment. It’s where you come to find balance and peace again, to treat yourself and restore your energies.
Focusing on wellness and well-being, Mana Spa is great to add to your wider health and fitness regime. Nestled within a hidden oasis, you’ll discover a sanctuary complete with a spa pool, aromatic room, herbal steam room, sauna, and a luxurious foot spa.
Indulge in its extensive selection of spa treatments, skillfully administered by its skincare specialists. Each experience is meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring a personalised and revitalising escape from the demands of daily life.
Unwind and revitalise in Coventry’s best-kept secret, where your worries dissolve, leaving you feeling renewed and restored. It’s where you come to rediscover balance and inner peace, to pamper yourself and replenish your energies. With a steadfast focus on wellness and well-being, Mana Spa seamlessly integrates into your well-being journey.
Find out more: visit manaspa.co.uk or follow on Facebook and Instagram
Where to go: The Wave (Level 0), New Union Street, Coventry, CV1 2PS
Montigo Resorts, Somerset
Montigo Resorts, Somerset sets a new precedent for an English spa hotel in Somerset. KOP Group has been unrelenting in its pursuit of the highest standards in modern luxury by sensitively restoring and upgrading the infinitely charming Charlton House and introducing Asian hospitality to ensure guests feel genuinely cared for and respected throughout their stay.
Stop by and you’ll be sure to appreciate the hotel’s many idiosyncrasies reflected in every detail of your day or stay. Follow up your spa treatment or Asian massage with a contemporary take on afternoon tea. Or, couple your dip in the hydrotherapy pool with an evening sampling of flame-grilled meats at TIIGO, an alfresco dining experience set amidst the resort’s natural surroundings. You could also enjoy the best of English tradition with a unique Sunday roast experience at the Charlton House restaurant.
Restful, romantic, yet progressive and rightly inclusive in its interpretation of the perfect rural retreat, Montigo Resorts is a place where you can trust you and your loved ones will be catered for. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, birthday or corporate event, it is a destination where your special celebrations can be transformed into unforgettable experiences.
Find out more: visit charltonhouse.com
Where to go: Charlton Rd, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4PR
Bainland Lodge Retreats
Experience luxury in the English countryside as Bainland Lodge Retreats brings a luxe vibe to the great outdoors.
Beautiful scenery and memorable moments – that’s the appealing promise at Bainland Lodge Retreats. Set within peaceful 45-acre grounds on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this collection of luxury lodge retreats has a great range of accommodation options, all with outdoor hot tubs.
Couples can cosy up in The Ponds, its new luxury lakeside one-beds, or choose one of the many other romantic retreats, while groups of family and friends will find lodges and villas sleeping anything from four to 24.
An on-site farm shop makes self-catering simple but there’s also a restaurant, bar, The Nest, and an in-lodge private chef option for those special occasions.
There’s plenty to do, too. On-site there’s a new swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. There are instructor-led activities such as climbing, archery, Segway tours, dog-friendly woodland walks, an adventure playground and electric bikes for exploring further afield.
Find out more: book your escape at bainland.co.uk and follow Instagram for the latest news
Where to go: Horncastle Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6UX
Trump Turnberry
Trump Turnberry is steeped in 117 years of history, but the Ayrshire landmark is also home to an immersive spa that boasts many of the facilities, amenities and treatments you can think of.
Nestled in 800 acres of picturesque Scottish countryside, there you can surrender to a menu of expertly performed treatments, including signature treatments you won’t be able to enjoy anywhere else.
Explore sensory showers, ice fountains, saunas and steam rooms – or kick back in the heated infinity pool with panoramic views across the Irish Sea that make the spa feel like an oasis at the edge of the world.
Find out more: visit turnberry.co.uk
Where to go: Maidens Rd, Turnberry, Maidens, Girvan, KA26 9LT
Wingrove House
Escape to the Sussex countryside and discover the boutique bolthole, Wingrove House.
Nestled in the picturesque village of Alfriston in the heart of the South Downs, this 19th-century country house boasts roaring log fires, an impressive three-bedroom lodge and 16 rustic-chic guest rooms with exposed wooden beams, New-Orleans style balconies and modern marble bathrooms.
Wingrove’s excellent restaurant, which, on warmer days, spills onto the lovely walled garden terrace, sources produce from within a 40-mile radius for its seasonal menu, including Sussex lamb and beef, and fish off the Newhaven boats.
There’s an impressive gin menu, hand-picked wines* and decadent afternoon teas – tasty fuel for hikes or cycle rides on the undulating South Downs. Book direct for the best available rates and a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability on the day of arrival.
Find out more: call 01323 870 276, email info@thewingrove.com or visit thewingrove.com to book now
Where to go: High Street, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TD
Tickton Grange
Four miles from the historic market town of Beverley, a stone’s throw from the Yorkshire coast, due south of Hockney’s Yorkshire Wolds and right in the heart of the nature trail ‘Wild East Yorkshire’, discover a family-owned Georgian hotel and restaurant set within 16 acres of gardens, fields and meadowlands.
Tickton Grange is home to 21 charming bedrooms, including ‘The Granary’, a William Morris-inspired red brick cottage in the grounds, an Edwardian farmstead primed to throw a hooley and the renowned restaurant, The Bloomsbury Room.
Sitting at the heart of the main Georgian house, The Bloomsbury Room takes its inspiration from the creativity and innovation of the famous Bloomsbury set. Setting the pulse of the home, it offers a delicious à la carte throughout the week, a seven-course tasting dinner each weekend and an acclaimed afternoon tea.
A firm favourite for locals and guests alike, afternoon tea is served on a breath-taking blue brush stroke China designed exclusively for the hotel by Royal Crown Derby and potter Maham Anjum.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect micro-escape, look no further – explore East Yorkshire from the comfort of this quality family home.
Find out more: visit ticktongrange.co.uk
Where to go: Main St, Tickton, Beverley, HU17 9SH
Hilton Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury
Set within 140 acres of picturesque landscape, Hilton Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury, serves as an ideal destination for a short break. This historic property blends the charm of its traditional architecture with modern comforts, ensuring a stay that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Indulge in the luxurious spa, or unwind with a dive into the refreshing indoor pool. The hotel also offers wellness gift sets, the perfect addition to relax in your hotel room.
Dinner in Coopers Restaurant provides a wonderful selection of seasonal dishes along with international favourites, which can be paired with the perfect wine from its well-curated selection.
Take a round of golf on the championship golf course with stunning views over the English countryside, or enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
If you’re planning a wedding you could be in for a treat. Available for exclusive use, the hotel has a separate Grade II-listed, historic Grecian-style building, the Puckrup Hall Manor House. This hosts 33 guests with 16 bedrooms, two reception rooms, three function rooms and a private bar. The hotel also caters for weddings of up to 200 guests.
Find out more: visit hilton.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram
Where to go: Puckrup Ln, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
The Marquis of Granby
Nestled in the picturesque Alkham Valley in Kent, a stone’s throw away from the White Cliffs of Dover, the Channel Tunnel and the ferry ports, The Marquis of Granby is more than just a venue.
With 10 individually designed hotel rooms, this charming establishment offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking respite from the everyday.
Winner of the Best Pub in Kent 2023, The Marquis of Granby is a culinary gem. Boasting an inventive kitchen and an exceptional front-of-house team, the Marquis of Granby is dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience. The menu, a masterpiece of culinary innovation, features a tantalising array of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is a journey through flavour.
And speaking of journeys, the well-curated drinks list complements the menu perfectly. From fine wines to local ales, The Marquis has something to satisfy every palate.
The breathtaking Alkham Valley provides a perfect backdrop for your stay, inviting you to explore the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in the elegant dining room or retiring to your uniquely designed room, The Marquis promises an unforgettable experience.
For a getaway that combines luxury, gastronomy, and stunning surroundings, make your next stop The Marquis of Granby.
Find out more: visit marquisofgranby.co.uk
Where to go: Alkham Valley Rd, Alkham, Dover, CT15 7DF
The Priory Hotel
The Priory is a former monastery and Grade II-listed boutique country house hotel, surrounded by four acres of English cottage gardens, on the bank of the River Frome.
The history of the building, which dates to 809, is evident in each of the 17 charming rooms, many of which have original wooden beams and some of which have views of the Purbeck Hills, with others overlooking the gardens or inner courtyard.
Choose between staying in the main house or the all-suite Boat House right by the water’s edge, with its vaulted ceilings, antiques and four-poster beds.
Start the evening with an aperitif in the Drawing Room, the Cloisters Bar or, in the summer, on the terrace, before sitting down to try head chef Stephan Guinebault’s three-course dinner menu in the Garden Room restaurant – you can also book in for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday.
The peaceful gardens are ideal for drinking morning coffee while reading the newspapers or afternoon tea, after a day exploring the Dorset coastline. The hotel is in the market town of Wareham, with gorgeous Studland Bay and Lulworth Cove both a short drive away.
Find out more: visit theprioryhotel.co.uk
Where to go: Church Green Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND
Lympne Castle
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the “Garden of England”. Relax surrounded by nature ever-present throughout the 139-acre estate of Lympne Castle. Take in the breathtaking views of the English Channel or sip its delicious coffee as you watch the sunrise from the castle terrace.
Sounds like a dream setting for a wedding? It is, and Lympne Castle has helped realise that dream for many. But you don’t have to renew your vows or get married in the castle to just relax and enjoy all that Lympne Castle offers.
The cottages are available to let to those who want the unique experience of staying at one of England’s most beautiful castles.
Just a brief stroll from Lympne Castle’s entrance, you’ll discover the beautifully appointed self-catering cottages. These inviting abodes provide cosy accommodations; a perfect starting point for immersing yourself in the captivating environs.
The quaint and unassuming historic stone exterior of the cottages unfolds into spacious havens fitted with period-piece furniture, decorated in a manner fit for a stay at a Historic English castle. The cottages at Lympne Castle offer two to three bedrooms each and boast distinctive layouts, full kitchens and the promise of a memorable experience.
Find out more: visit lympnecastle.com
Where to go: The St, Lympne, Hythe, CT21 4LQ
