Best Spa Hotels UK 2025

Whether you’re seeking an indulgent reset or want to work up a sweat with an array of wellness activities, there's a UK spa ideal for a couple’s getaway this Valentine’s Day.
Best of all, it doesn't need to break the bank.

Which? Travel’s undercover team of inspectors has visited some of the UK’s best spa hotels. Our secret inspectors stay at hundreds of UK hotels to bring you honest and impartial reviews you can trust.

Here, we round up some of our most highly rated spa hotels, including a romantic Scottish retreat for under £140 per night, a glamorous Cotswold bolthole and a countryside stay just 20-minutes train ride away from London.

The inspectors completed overnight stays at these hotels within the past three years. Prices are for a Saturday night (peak price) and correct at the time of magazine publication. 

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The best UK spa hotels we’ve visited

• Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire

• Another Place, The Lake District

• Dormy House Hotel & Spa, The Cotswolds

• Sopwell House, Hertfordshire

• No. 15 by Guesthouse, Bath

• Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa, Dumfries & Galloway

Best spa hotels in England

Middleton Lodge spa hotel, North Yorkshire

Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Peak price: £305

Check rates at Middleton Lodge

With a grand, tree-lined drive and Georgian stone buildings set amid a sprawling 200-acre estate, Middleton Lodge is a relaxing retreat. A forest spa sits at its heart and, beyond the thickets, an outdoor pool beckons. Although it’s serene, we have reservations about getting into the pool on a grizzly day in Yorkshire. These soon melt away as we slip into the welcoming balmy water. It’s difficult to believe we’re minutes from the A1 as we swap gentle laps for a dip in the toasty hot tub before reclining on fireside sofas. Access to the spa for up to 2.5 hours, costs £90pp. Treatments are additional (however a two-course dinner is included in the price).

Rooms: Our Coach House ‘comfy’ room is an idyllic terraced cottage with duck-egg blue sash windows and a door bordered by pink roses. Inside, exposed beams, handmade wooden furniture and a claw-foot freestanding bath continue the chic, country aesthetic. A tartan throw on the indulgent super-king bed and olive and cream wallpaper add homely touches to the neutrals elsewhere.

Food and drink: The Coach House’s menu is inspired by produce grown in the bountiful on-site walled garden – and is where the onions in our deliciously rich soup come from. Our tasty fresh spaghetti topped with bolognese and whipped (extremely garlicky) aioli uses locally sourced lamb. The continental breakfast is just as impressive, with steal-one-for- later tasty granola bars, sizeable buttery croissants made by an in-house pastry chef, and baps cooked to order.

Our verdict: A pricey Yorkshire pile, especially with add-ons, but the spa oasis and flavourful dinner are worth the splurge.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the January 2025 issue of Which? Travel

Another Place spa hotel, The Lake District

Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Peak price: £390

Check rates directly at Another Place

Weeks before visiting Another Place they’re asking us to make a reservation for breakfast and to download their App in order to ‘plan our itinerary’. A blackboard in the lobby of the gleaming, white-washed Georgian house confirms the sensation that this is a hotel for go-getters who want to make the most of their time in this most beautiful part of the world. There’s a list of walks, kayak trips and other ways to enjoy glorious Ullswater. But, even if you’re not someone who can predict what time you’ll want your bacon and eggs a month before you wake up, you’ll still have a wonderful time here. We loved the Living Space lounge and dining area with its stylish, modern pine interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the Lake District come to you. Even better is the ‘Swim Club’ – described as ‘our take on a spa’. This includes a 20 metre pool where you can swim lengths while looking at the hills on the other side of the lake, as well as a sauna and a Swedish-style outdoor hot tub. Friendly, relaxed service belies all that pre-visit prep. We didn’t look at the App once, and nobody minded that we didn’t arrive for breakfast at the appointed hour.

Rooms: ‘Standard Rooms’ are small and simple given you’ll probably pay at least £300 on a Saturday night. An extra £20 or so gets you a huge ‘Better Room’, with a free standing bath and either a lovely chaise longue in the bay windows or French doors to access the garden. During the winter, a Saturday stay in a standard room can be found for £220.

Food & drink: We chose to eat in the Living Space, rather than Rampsbeck the formal restaurant.  Numerous vegan options pass the test of being dishes you’d order even if not vegan, (mains from £18-£21).

Our verdict: We’d be happy to never leave - quite the compliment when you consider the glorious scenery on its doorstep.

This hotel was last reviewed by an inspector for the May 2022 issue of Which? Travel. Factual details were verified in January 2025.

Dormy House Hotel & Spa, The Cotswolds

Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Peak price: £495

Check rates at Dormy House with Booking.com

A sense of calm embraces you the moment you step inside this tastefully modernised 17th-century Cotswold mansion. Greeted by personable staff, we wandered through a warren of interconnecting intimate lounges with flickering fireplaces and hushed voices, past a formal restaurant, The Back Garden, and the entrance to the House spa. It’s ideal for couples but you’ll need to book ahead to secure a spot. Whether you want to soak in the indoor pool, relax in the steamy outdoor hydro pool flanked by a fireplace, or perk yourself up with a lavender sauna and multisensory shower (Caribbean rain, cold mist or tropical storm anyone?), there is just enough to keep you occupied. Treatment options are extensive and expertly performed (from £85 for a back massage to £235 for  'the golden truffle experience’), and you can head to a spa bar to unwind if you don’t fancy shedding your dressing gown.

Rooms: The 38 soothing bedrooms are awash with cream decor, Netflix on tap and heated  bathroom floors. 

Food & drink: Overlooking the garden, the restaurant has an eclectic aesthetic with Asian/Art Deco/mid-century touches. Large plates of ribeye steak (£38) with sides (£5-£6) were enjoyable. Breakfast is included.

Our verdict: Flawless service and luxury touches make this a restful rural sanctuary. 

This hotel was last reviewed by an inspector for the September 2022 issue of Which? Travel. Factual details were verified in January 2025.

Sopwell House spa hotel, Hertfordshire

Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

Peak price: £339

Check prices at Sopwell House with Booking.com

It’s hard to believe this four-star whitewashed Georgian country house, set in 12 acres of peaceful countryside, is just a 20-minute train ride from London. Inside, the glass atrium reception sets the tone – luxurious with just a hint of footballers’ wives. We had free access to the Cottonmill spa, which has a 14.5-metre indoor pool, steam room and hot tubs. Yet we found ourselves straining our necks to peer into the VIP section with its indoor/outdoor hydro pool and sea-salt steam room. You need to be on a Club spa day/break or staying in a Mews suite to enter (which costs an extra depending on the package you choose). However, our exquisite 60-minute signature massage (£135) pummelled away some of the envy, with a choice of music and aromatic oils.

Rooms: We chose the cheapest room, a deluxe double overlooking the garden. The geometric feature wall saves it from feeling too corporate, with a comfy king-size bed and sumptuous Elemis products in the black-tiled bathroom. 

Food & drink: Dine on the terrace of the Brasserie or in its airy open-plan restaurant. Our smoked aubergine starter with rose harissa and pistachio crumb (£7.50) was a festival of flavour. Leave room for the excellent breakfast buffet.

Our verdict: A relaxing escape in opulent surroundings, but you may wish you’d splurged on the Club. 

This hotel was last reviewed by an inspector for the September 2022 issue of Which? Travel. Factual details were verified in January 2025.

No. 15 by Guesthouse, Bath

Score: 3.5 stars

Peak price: £346

Check prices for No.15 by Guesthouse at Booking.com

As I  reach for my bag of boiled sweets, swaying my head to strains of Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ coming from the record player, I realise that something special lies behind this property’s Georgian façade. Kids and dogs are welcome (with Norland and puppy nannies available to book) but whether they’re in tow or not, No. 15 is designed to unleash your inner child. There’s an LP library, pantry stuffed with complimentary ice cream, popcorn and cake, plus vibrant pops of art everywhere – from a replica Big Ben in the lobby to neon lights on the staircase. In our room we find a coffee maker inside a dolls house, and military hats at the ready in case we have the urge for fancy dress. For grown-ups, the bar and basement spa offer escape. Quirky design touches continue in the spa - glass bubbles lining the corridors, 18th century silhouette portraits and an apothecary style water station in the waiting room - all hinting that something special awaits. Thankfully, a blissful full body massage (£115) delivers total relaxation. 

Rooms: Despite the pared-back aesthetic of untreated plaster walls and a vinyl sticker canopy, the Georgian grandeur seeps through with an abundance of mirrors and chandeliers. Sash windows overlook a city skyline and their shutters treat us to a pitch-black, quiet slumber.

Food & drink: A basic buffet and full English hit the spot.

Our verdict:  You may have to splash out for this fun central weekend base with playful touches galore.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the May 2024 issue of Which? Travel.

Best spa hotels in Scotland

Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa, Dumfries & Galloway

Score: 3 stars

Peak price: £160

Check prices for Trigony House at Booking.com

Access to the micro garden spa at this 18th-century former hunting lodge is via well-kept grounds. Guests can book exclusive use of the secluded sauna cabin and wood-fired hot tub with far-reaching views out over the Nith Valley (£75 for two hours). It’s just a shame that occasionally traffic on the busy A76 and cawing rooks in the trees above can spoil any peace and quiet. To truly unwind, opt for a holistic facial (from £45) or bespoke massage (from £40) in the tranquil treatment room instead.

Rooms: With plenty of countryside walks close by, including a nine-and-a-half-mile circular trek from Drumlanrig Castle, it was nice to find two chairs – as well as ample floor space for a tired dog – in our classic double room. All of the hotel’s nine bedrooms are uniquely furnished, with the ground floor garden suite having its own heated conservatory.

Food & drink: Gressingham duck, wild boar ragu and onion bhajis with saag aloo and tarka daal were among the memorable mains available in the two dining rooms during our stay (three courses £40.50). Even more delicious was the first-class full Scottish breakfast with tattie scone and haggis. There’s a sausage menu for pampered pooches too.

Our verdict: A remarkably affordable and romantic spa retreat offering outstanding food, and very popular with guests who have four-legged friends.

This hotel was last reviewed by an inspector for the September 2022 issue of Which? Travel. Factual details were verified in January 2025

How we reviewed these spa hotels

Unlike all other national UK travel magazines and newspaper travel sections, Which? Travel never accepts freebies. We pay wherever we stay.

All our hotel inspections take place anonymously. We book a standard double room online, just as you would, and we sample the hotel’s facilities, just as you would. We never let on that we are from Which?

That means no special treatment, no reviewer upgrades and no opportunity for the hotel to influence our verdict.

And no matter how badly the hotel fares, we always publish the review, warts and all.

Our hotel ratings

We use an overall star rating for the hotel based on what we think you should expect for the type of accommodation (B&B, luxury hotel etc) and price.

All our ratings strictly adhere to the following criteria:

0 stars – A dreadful hotel. We would not recommend staying here.

1 star – A sub-standard hotel we think is well below average in its category.

2 stars – An adequate hotel we think has room for improvement.

3 stars – A solid hotel that meets our expectations.

4 stars – An excellent hotel we think is above average in its category.

5 stars – An exceptional hotel we think is among the best of its type.