Craving a relaxing getaway without having to travel far? London is surrounded by stunning spas that offer a world of tranquility. From lavish manor houses to serene countryside retreats, we’ve curated a list of 7 incredible spas within easy reach of the capital.
Each one boasts unique features, luxurious treatments, and a touch of magic to help you unwind and recharge. Whether you’re seeking a day of pampering or a full weekend escape, prepare to be swept away.
Sopwell House: Tranquility in the Gardens
Nestled in peaceful gardens designed by an RHS Gold Medal winner, the Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House is a haven of relaxation. With an array of thermal rooms, salt and steam rooms, and the UK’s largest panoramic sauna, there’s enough to explore for a full day.
For those who live nearby, the Club at Cottonmill offers access to the botanical steam room, quiet zones, and cozy cabanas around the fire pit.
Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates partnerships ensure a comprehensive treatment list, including the Signature Inner Harmony massage. This unique blend of Swedish and neuromuscular techniques relieves tension and promotes deep relaxation with lymphatic drainage and a selection of 12 plant and flower oils.
Getting there is a breeze. Just a short 20-minute train ride from St Pancras International to St Albans, followed by a quick 5-minute taxi.
Beaverbrook: A Victorian Mansion with Modern Charm
Escape to the Surrey Hills and discover Beaverbrook, a magnificent Victorian mansion that once hosted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill.
The modern Coach House Spa is a sight to behold, with its bold design reflecting the surrounding countryside. Stained-glass windows, intricate tilework, and a resident naturopath offer a unique blend of luxury and holistic healing.
Indulge in the seasonal Autumn Nourishment package, featuring a breathwork session, hot stone treatment, and a full-body massage.
Located just a 45-minute train ride from London to Leatherhead, followed by a 10-minute taxi, Beaverbrook is easily accessible.
The Grove: A Five-Star Retreat with a Touch of Bamford
Immerse yourself in the luxurious world of The Grove, a five-star retreat just 18 miles from London. The recently revamped Sequoia Spa is the ultimate destination for pampering, offering rituals, massages, and facials from the renowned British brand Bamford.
The sleek black mosaic-tiled pool and heat experience rooms provide the perfect escape from the winter chills, while the lush gardens and plush loungers beckon you to relax during warmer months.
Experience the full spa day or opt for a more affordable midweek De-Stress Experience, which includes a Bamford full-body massage and access to the facilities from 9 am to 9 pm.
Reach The Grove in just 15 minutes by train from central London to Watford Junction, followed by a 10-minute taxi.
South Lodge: A Modern Spa with Natural Beauty
This impressive spa has it all: sleek, modern design, indoor and outdoor spaces, and a stunning 18m-long heated wild swimming pool.
14 nature-themed treatment rooms, a thermal suite with infused sauna, a marble-lined salt steam room, jasmine herbal steam rooms, and a multi-level terraced sun deck ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
The Comfort Zone Pro-Sleep Treatment is a must-try for those seeking a peaceful night’s sleep. Soft brushes are used to activate sensory receptors on the skin, promoting deep relaxation and healing.
Just under two hours’ drive from London, South Lodge is easily accessible by car. Alternatively, a 13-minute taxi ride from Horsham station will get you there.
Cliveden: Luxurious Privacy and Escapism
Nestled in 376 acres of magnificent gardens and parkland, Cliveden is the ultimate in privacy and luxury. The recently renovated spa, open to members and hotel guests, invites you to unwind by the indoor pool or explore the garden featuring the Profumo pool, England’s last remaining listed outdoor pool.
All treatment rooms boast water mattresses, providing the perfect solution for tight muscles. Oskia leads the treatment menu, offering holistic massages and facials that combine acupressure, specialist bodywork, reflex, and lymphatic drainage with results-driven formulas.
Cliveden is just a 45-minute drive west of London or a 20-minute drive from Heathrow airport.
Ockenden Manor: Step Back in Time and Be Rejuvenated
Step into the enchanting grounds of this Elizabethan manor house and feel transported to a different era. Ockenden Manor’s state-of-the-art spa offers a captivating experience, with an in-and-outdoor heated swimming pool, eight luxurious treatment rooms, and a flotation tank.
Nestled within a 19th-century walled garden, the spa is fed by the hotel’s natural underground spring. The Elemental Herbology Rebalancing Ritual is a must-try, incorporating hot Thai compresses, stretches, acupressure, a foot scrub, and a brightening facial for two hours of pure bliss.
Located in the picturesque village of Cuckfield, Ockenden Manor is just a ten-minute taxi ride from Haywards Heath station.
Heckfield Place: A Serene Retreat for Realignment
The Bothy at Heckfield Place, five years in the making, is a vast space that elevates the UK hotel spa experience. Open only to hotel guests, this serene retreat offers treatments using Wildsmith Skin products, designed to help you rebalance and realign.
No clocks in the spa and a phone-free policy encourage complete relaxation. Experience Wildsmith Time, a 135-minute heavenly treatment that combines kinesiology, craniosacral holds, and a top-to-toe massage.
The closest station is Winchfield, accessible from Waterloo via Farnborough. Or, take a scenic drive along the M4, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes from central London.
Elcot Park: A Quick Fix for Relaxation
The Retreat at Elcot Park is a popular choice for a quick rural escape. This charming spa offers extensive facilities, including hydrotherapy pools, sauna and steam rooms, a salt flotation room, and mud rasul.
Indulge in the Gaia Jade Facial for glowing skin, which uses healing crystal wands to stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood flow.
Located around 1 hour and 45 minutes from London, Elcot Park is a 15-minute taxi ride from Newbury station.
The Langley: A Subterranean Escape
Discover The Langley, a former country estate of the third Duke of Marlborough, now one of Buckinghamshire’s best-kept secrets. A million-pound renovation unveiled an impressive subterranean spa featuring a 16m marble-lined swimming pool, hammams, vitality pools, Himalayan salt-walled sauna, and an amethyst steam room.
For the active, PT Matt Roberts offers bespoke wellness programs in the cutting-edge fitness suite.
Indulge in treatments from Sisley, La Sultane de Saba, and Margaret Dabbs. The Sisley Supreme Facial will leave your skin feeling restored, while the signature Spa Journeys are two-hour treatments inspired by native wellness traditions.
The Langley is a 40-minute drive from central London or a 13-minute train ride from London Paddington to Slough, followed by a 10-minute taxi.
These 7 luxurious spas offer the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Each one promises a unique experience tailored to your needs, whether you’re seeking a day of pampering or a longer weekend escape. So, pack your bags and get ready to unwind in style!
