Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowSpa breaks are the perfect way to relax and unwind with a loved one, and if you’re thinking of taking your mum away for a day of pampering as a gift for Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up the best UK spa hotels help you decide. Featuring riverside hot tubs, mood-boosting massages, stunning views and gourmet cuisine, here are some the country’s hottest wellness retreats that are guaranteed to leave you – and your mum – feeling rested and rejuvenated. Best spas in the Lake District Armathwaite Hall, Hotel & Spa Why go? Armathwaite Hall is situated at the top of the Lake District by Bassenthwaite Lake, which you can view beautifully from the hotel, especially when enjoying breakfast in the conservatory.
Armathwaite Hall is perfect for a couples getaway
(Image: Armathwaite Hall)
This spa hotel has the best of both worlds: the grandeur of an estate home nestled in large woodland grounds, merged with modern details, including the recently renovated suites, which are an interiors heaven. They’re spacious and have their own balconies, making them perfect for a couples getaway where escapism and privacy is high up on the agenda. The infinity hot tub outside the spa was the highlight, with a buzzer for ordering drinks to enjoy while soaking outside surrounded by bunnies – it felt like a scene from Beatrix Potter. The spa is for over 16s only, which we appreciated as we were on a minibreak away from our little ones.
The infinity hot tub outside the spa is a great addition to the hotel
(Image: Armathwaite)
The spa is spread out over two floors and has additional seating outside, so you really do have your own space to relax and unwind – there is nothing worse than a jam-packed spa with no spare loungers. It also boasts an indoor pool and separate hydrotherapy pool, plus aroma, sauna and steam rooms and a tropical ‘rain dance shower’ (which is highly amusing to watch your partner in!). The relaxation room up on the first floor has a veranda for another opportunity to take in the incredible views. Dinner at the hotel’s Lakeside View Restaurant is also a must and, as the name suggests, you will want a window seat. The chef uses locally produced food, and our scallops followed by the lamb were cooked to perfection. Time for one treatment The Organic Walker’s Recovery is a 55-minute targeted back and leg massage. As I work from home, I knew my posture wasn’t great and this treatment really helped to stretch out my neck and back. Seaweed is also wrapped around your legs during the treatment, which left my skin glistening – they even packed it in a bag so I could re-use it, as it’s still full of goodness. I reapplied to my arms that evening as I was wearing a sleeveless dress to dinner and wanted to make the most of that glow.
The estate is surrounded by picturesque scenery
(Image: Armathwaite)
What else can you do? It would be a crime to not explore the picturesque scenery or take a cold dip in the local lake, which is just a brisk 10 minute walk from the hotel. If you’re after a bit more of an adventure, we climbed the Cat Bells trail, a strenuous 7km walk up fells and along the lake. Afterwards we rewarded ourselves with lunch at The Lingholm Kitchen in Keswick, which has a beautiful walled garden and serves fresh delicious food. *Spa Garden Suites at Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa are available from £580 (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) per night based on two people sharing. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Why go? Situated in the heart of the Lake District, a ten-minute drive from Windermere, there’s certainly something special about Gilpin. Consisting of two properties, the main hotel and the 12-room Lake House, “posh but unpretentious” is how the family-run estate terms itself – and that perfectly sums up your experience there. Within a few minutes of arriving we were settled in comfy armchairs in the cosy lounge, glasses of champagne appearing in our hands as we chatted away to friendly staff. Whether you’re here for a serene spa break, outdoorsy adventures or a gourmet getaway, you’ll get five-star service with a hearty helping of northern charm at Gilpin.
One of Gilpin’s stunning new Spa Suites
(Image: Gilpin)
The spa There’s a spa offering in both properties – the Jetty Spa in the Lake House and the newly opened Spa Space in the main hotel – but as the absolute pinnacle of luxury, how about a fully equipped spa actually in your hotel room? That’s the idea behind Gilpin’s Spa Suites. Filled with natural light yet completely private, there’s plenty to coo over as soon as you open the door, from the floating fire and wine fridge to the huge circular stone bathtub. Then step through into your own personal spa, complete with steam room, sauna, infra-red lighting and state-of-the-art massage chair. Outside there’s decking, loungers and a sunken hot tub overlooking a plunge pond and, beyond that, a field of friendly alpacas. It’s the ultimate sanctuary. Time for one treatment As no spa experience would be complete without some hands-on pampering, Jetty Spa treatments can be arranged for in your suite. Following a rather vigorous pummelling from the massage chair the previous day, we opted for soothing full body aromatherapy massages (£75), designed to be soothing rather than strenuous. The treatment was the perfect pressure, and the blend of oils utterly snooze-inducing (and there’s something extra enjoyable about not having to make a dash back through the hotel in your robe and slippers).
Gilpin’s new Spa Space
(Image: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House)
What else can you do? You’d be a fool to stay here without booking a table at at least one of Gilpin’s two new restaurants. Formerly called HRiSHi, SOURCE restaurant is headed up by former Fat Duck sous chef Ollie Bridgwater, and has just retains its Michelin star. New offering is Glöð, meaning “glowing embers” and “gladness”, with a menu based around cooking with charcoal and wood. Meanwhile Gilpin Spice delivers a laid-back, tapas-style array of delicious pan-Asian flavours – and all most definitely ticking the “posh but unpretentious” box. Of course, here you’re also in the middle of some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, with plenty to explore by foot or by car. Wherever your day takes you, though, you’re sure of a warm welcome back at Gilpin. * Rooms at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House cost from £220 per night based on two adults sharing a Classic Room on a B&B basis. The Spa Suites are available from £670 per night based on two people sharing. Brimstone Hotel & Spa Why go? Situated on the Langdale Estate just north of Lake Windermere, Brimstone offers that most perfect combination for a UK spa getaway: luxury accommodation, brilliant facilities, top notch treatments and an unbeatable location. But the hotel also has plenty of unique features that make this place extra-special, and a favourite with celebs such as Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury. Firstly, bedrooms aren’t your typical at Brimstone; instead, most accommodation is plush suites, with “wow factor” features like mezzanine levels, freestanding baths and log fires. You also won’t find a reception desk, as instead you’re settled in by tweed-clad hosts who are fountains of knowledge about the local area. A couple of other lovely little perks for guests include top-of-the-range outerwear available to borrow from the boot room (handy if you’re not a regular rambler) and complimentary snacks all day long in The Reading Room, including afternoon tea, cheese boards and wine.
The Mezzanine Loft Suite at Brimstone
(Image: Lee John Mann Photography)
To eat, there’s the hotel’s Stove Restaurant, a spacious yet cosy space with something for everyone. But the staff aren’t shy to suggest other local eateries, from nearby traditional pubs such as Wainwright’s and The Old Dungeon Ghyll to options further afield. They can even whizz you over in the hotel branded Land Rover if enthusiastically sampling the local ales is on the cards. The spa The spa at Brimstone is pretty special too, going well beyond the usual sauna/steam room/jacuzzi trio of facilities. Here, guests take a “thermal journey” through 13 different rooms and experiences. It ends with a relaxing soak in the indoor/outdoor hydropool, enjoying the warm jets of water while a log fire crackles nearby, sending up its aromatic smoke into the surrounding woodland. The spa also has its own deli, where you can re-energise with snacking platters and glasses of fizz. Time for one treatment There are two spa brands at Brimstone, both unique to the hotel and using local Pure Lakes products. Pure Alchemy creates a bespoke treatment based on your lifestyle and needs, including various face, body and scalp massages. tRiBe517 therapies are slightly more prescriptive, with options including hot stone and bamboo massages, and treatments for pregnant women. All treatments last for 50 minutes and cost £125.
Brimstone’s spa is surrounded by woodland
(Image: Lee John Mann Photography)
What else can you do? Sat right in the heart of the Lake District, there’s plenty to explore nearby. For an easy amble, wander around the Langdale Valley and its fields filled with sheep, or for something slightly more taxing, take the ascent up Silver How then down into the quaint village of Grasmere (famous for Wordsworth and gingerbread). Make time to take the easy 45-minute walk along Elter Water to Chesters By The River, a popular vegan deli and bakery (dairy lovers don’t be put off by the word “vegan”; they really are the most delicious cakes, pizzas and breakfast dishes). Of course, Lake Windermere and its many attractions is just a short drive away too – but for those after rest and relaxation may find it hard to drag themselves out of the Brimstone spa pool… * A night at Brimstone Hotel & Spa costs from £416.50 including breakfast, Reading Room treats, spa access and outdoor kit hire. Best spa in Cornwall The Headland Why go? The award-winning Headland Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to escape your usual surroundings in favour of the Great British coast. The hotel sits atop, you guessed it, a headland in Newquay and overlooks the sea, so you’ll enjoy stunning views of the ocean while you eat your breakfast or sip a cocktail on the terrace. An iconic listed building, film fans may recognise its grand exterior from the 1990 movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. The decor is a little old-fashioned in places, but this only adds to the hotel’s charm and it has an exceptionally cosy feel, with plenty of sofas and open fireplaces. Staff are all friendly and cheerful, the beds are very comfortable and dogs are permitted, meaning you’ll spot many a furry friend around the hotel during your stay. All in all, it’s a lovely place to visit if you want to feel properly rested.
The Headland Hotel’s building featured in the film ‘The Witches’
(Image: The Headland Hotel)
The spa The hotel’s spa is on the smaller side but has everything you need in terms of facilities and a nice, modern feel. Inside you’ll find a sauna, Cornish salt steam room, hydrotherapy pool, hot tub and tropical showers, plus a relaxation room. Next door to the hotel you’ll also find more facilities at the £10 million The Aqua Club, which opened in the summer of 2020 and houses an additional six pools (both indoor and outdoor), an outdoor hot tub and a sauna, plus Mediterranean restaurant The Deck. Time for one treatment In my opinion there are few better ways to switch off and kickstart your relaxation than with a massage, and the Bespoke Headland Massage (£95) did just that. After a chat with my therapist to ensure the treatment was tailored to my needs (i.e. whether I preferred a relaxation or a deep muscle massage), she expertly applied the Elemis oil that best suited. Afterwards, be sure to head to the cosy relaxation lounge where you can curl up with a hot drink or order yourself a glass of fizz.
The Aqua Club has just been through a £10million renovation
(Image: The Headland Hotel)
What else can you do? All of the food we ate in the hotel was delicious, but The Samphire restaurant in particular is a must-visit with plenty of local seafood and meat from local farms (try the melt-in-your-mouth beef short rib). Away from the hotel, there are plenty more dining options in the area to get more of your seafood fix during your stay by the sea. There’s also plenty to do nearby, with a 30-hole golf course right next door and pretty Fistral Beach is just a stone’s throw from the hotel. If you’re the adventurous type, Newquay is famous for its surfing – with many still taking to the sea with the hotel’s Surf Sanctuary school despite the chilly winter temperatures. The picturesque fishing port town of Padstow is half an hour down the road by car and is home to four of celebrity chef Rick Stein’s outposts, while St Ives and The Eden Project are both around 45 minutes away. You’re spoilt for choice! * Rooms at The Headland start at £195 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. Best spa in Yorkshire The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa Why go? The Coniston Hotel is a soft centre in the heart of some rugged countryside. Around you are the Yorkshire Dales, which have beautiful but exposed scenery, popular with walkers wrapped up against the elements. More fool them! You’re in a fluffy robe, considering which jet of hot water to lean against next or when to order a glass of Prosecco.
The Coniston is nestled in the Yorkshire Dales
(Image: The Coniston Country Estate)
If you absolutely feel you must drag yourself away from the spa facilities, then you’ll find the hotel has a range of other activities. There’s a good restaurant, a Land Rover experience, even shooting, if you like that kind of thing. It’s like a swanky part of town in the middle of the country – the best of both worlds, you could say. The spa The Coniston, a family-owned place, is one of those hotels that has used the lemon of the pandemic to make lemonade: refurbishing their rooms, and investing a lot of money into its Nàdarra Spa. And it shows. Formerly more of a leisure/gym kind of place, it’s now focused completely on wellbeing, an oasis of tranquility, with nothing as vulgar as an exercise bike to intrude on your calm. From the modern, Japanese-style reception you can look through to the 15 metre pool with its neighbouring steam room, plunges and plentiful loungers. Remember what we said about the best of both worlds? The al fresco baths are wonderful, the best of inside and out: you take a brisk walk outside in your costume to be rewarded by a ferociously bubbling hot jacuzzi and a leisurely contemplation of the view. Time for one treatment While my treatment-averse partner relaxed with a book in an area of subdued lighting, I headed for the massage table. Once there, I was given a thorough Ishga Full Body Massage (£95). It included a variety of techniques, including using a warmed bamboo stick to stretch muscles and focus on myofascial release. On trend for the latest movement in wellbeing, we both then headed out from the post-massage chill-out room for a cup of tea outside. To be precise, a whole bath of tea. This wasn’t the milk and two sugars kind, but a hot and herbal infusion bath in the open air – into which the final ingredient was us. I enjoyed a bath of “Peppermint” which was refreshing, while my husband indulged in “Mince Pie”, a spicy and fruity kind of soak with healthy, cholesterol-reducing benefits, they say. Totally unlike a real mince pie, in fact, and all the better for being able to enjoy it outside, amid the sounds of nature.
Bedrooms at The Coniston
(Image: The Coniston Country Estate)
What else can you do? The hotel has everything you need for a relaxing break, whether you’re staying for the weekend, or are visiting the spa for the day. The main hotel offers a good restaurant and a couple of cosy bar areas – what’s to dislike about cosying up by a roaring fire? Particularly worthy of note, though is the Blossom Kitchen, the dining room that’s part of the spa. Fear not, though, this wasn’t a carrot stick and a glass of water territory. Instead we enjoyed an Asian-inspired tuna salad which was tasty and filling. Beyond the hotel itself, cobbled and historic Skipton is your nearest town. We checked out the castle and the friendly local record shop before heading back for more pampering. * Rooms at The Coniston Hotel start from £159 inclusive of breakfast. Best spa in Northern Ireland Galgorm Resort Why go? Situated on the River Maine and surrounded by idyllic woodland, the warmest welcome is given as you arrive at this charming County Antrim estate. This stunning 380-acre residence is half an hour from Belfast, and guests can choose to stay in one of the main hotel’s 125 rooms or in one of Galgorm’s more unique types of accommodation, from riverside cabins to new shepherd’s huts. The hotel’s award-winning Thermal Spa Village is the first of its kind in Ireland, with meandering paths leading through pretty gardens that have a range of hot and cold spa experiences. It’s a peaceful and fairytale-like setting for an unforgettable stay.
Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village
(Image: Galgorm)
The spa The spa boasts a menu of specially-designed treatments, while The Skin Clinic offers treatments from top brands SkinCeuticals and IMAGE. The Spa Village is made up of three gardens (Alpine, Riverside and Walled), and between them include 16 hot tubs, saunas, a snow cabin, indoor and outdoor pools, a salt cave and experience showers. Plus you can enjoy relaxing river views hopping from one cosy heated cosy lounger to another. When you’re in need of refreshments, pop into The Palm House or Elements for a cocktail or light bite. Time for one treatment The 90 minute “Taste Of Galgorm” (from £125) experience is the ultimate full-body pamper. Beginning with a foot scrub and rose hand mask, we were then asked to choose a scented Aromatherapy Associates oil for our upper body massage. Our arms and legs were stretched before the therapist concentrated on pressure points across our backs, necks and shoulders, followed by a head massage with conditioning oil. Emerging refreshed and rejuvenated, we were shown to the relaxation room to end with herbal tea and refreshing sorbet.
The Salt Cave at Galgorm
(Image: Galgorm)
What else can you do? For something unique, book a riverside bathing experience (£80). We were led through gates and shown to a private hot tub perched on the weir, where Prosecco on ice awaited. Our tub time was made even more magical when the resident heron made a regular appearance right beside us as the sun was setting. For food, the resort offers a variety of dining options. Enjoy afternoon tea in the conservatory, a relaxed meal at Gillie’s Grill, fine dining overlooking the water in The River Room, or Italian cuisine at Fratelli. There’s also a free shuttle service to Castle Kitchen and Bar at nearby Galgorm Castle Golf Club. After dinner, we headed for drinks at McKendry’s, the estate’s whisky bar, which hosts live music every night. There’s also the Mulberry Garden for al fresco drinks, and a cocktail bar for gin lovers, with one of the most extensive gin menus in the country.
The hotel overlooks the River Maine
(Image: Galgorm)
* The Two Night Deluxe Dining Retreat at Galgorm Resort costs from £730 for two guests and includes two nights B&B, choice of spa experience, Celtic sauna infusion, dinner on one night, seasonal afternoon tea and relaxation in the Thermal Spa Village. Best spa in Buckinghamshire Horwood House Hotel Why go? Horwood House Hotel really is a hidden gem, situated in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, and before you’ve even stepped inside you already feel like you’ve escaped. The hotel and spa have recently been refurbished to have a chic, modern vibe that still complements its historic values. If you’re after a break from the daily grind, this is the place to discover.
Horwood House is a chic country house in Buckinghamshire
(Image: Horwood House)
The spa The brand-new H Spa area is spread out, so the large pool, sauna, steam room, two heated loungers and changing rooms aren’t all together. There isn’t an abundance of seating around the pool, but the large windows overlook the courtyard and beautifully connect the additional relaxation section. There are more daybeds here, which link to the treatment rooms. There is also a section filled with tables and chairs, where you can order a spot of afternoon tea, plus a gym, which admittedly we didn’t partake in – enjoying the sauna and lounging about leisurely reading a book is what we were here for. Time for one treatment There are a number of day and overnight spa packages available when visiting Horwood House, with a good variety of face and body treatments on the menu, from the standard facials and massages you’d expect to more unique offerings like contouring wraps and eye-firming facials. As part of the Rural Retreat packaging, my husband and I chose to have the Caudalie Thé des Vignes Full Body Massage in the couples room (£85), 55 minutes of pure heaven which left my skin feeling super soft and hydrated.
The H Spa
(Image: Horwood House)
What else can you do? After your spa session, head for a walk around the picturesque grounds. It’s like a secret garden here, where you can get lost in your thoughts and embrace the surroundings. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head for dinner at Harry’s Bar & Kitchen (named after Harry Thrower, Horwood House’s original head gardener – I love learning about the history of where I am staying). The menu is small and on-point, so you can easily enjoy three courses. Top tip: the battered halloumi starter is divine. Our bedroom had also recently been renovated, with modern touches like quirky bathroom floor tiles and a massive shower head (I judge a room largely by the bathroom), and the bed was huge enough that my husband’s snoring sounded like a distant hum. In the morning a buffet breakfast is served in the “1911” restaurant, named after the year the house was built. Feeling fully re-charged, it was time to head back to the noise… * Rooms at Horwood House Hotel start from £179 based on a double occupancy. The Rural Retreat package starts from £229 (per person based on two people sharing). Best spa in Cheshire The Spa at Carden A sprawling 1,000-acre estate in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Carden Park has something for everyone, whether you’ve looking for adventurous activities, fine dining or a soothing spa experience. Celebrity guests include Molly-Mae Hague, Saira Khan and Coleen Nolan, plus rumour has it that a certain Hollywood actor stays here when he’s visiting his newly acquired football team in nearby Wrexham… While Carden Park typically caters to golfing parties, corporate away days and those visiting nearby Chester, there are two real gems in the hotel’s crown: The fine dining Vines restaurant and the Spa, both of which are relatively new additions.
The Spa at Carden’s impressive spa garden
(Image: Carden Park)
The Vines, headed up by Head Chef Graham Tinsley, who has previously worked for the Royal Family, is a real must-visit. The tasting menu (£95pp) delivers eight beautifully presented, utterly delicious courses, served by waiting staff who are friendly, knowledgeable and professional. You’d be mad not to visit without experiencing the £10m Spa at Carden, too. Sweat it out in the numerous thermal suites, relax in the perfectly manicured spa garden, and dip in and out of the various outdoor hot tubs, ordering a glass of fizz from the Bollinger bar directly to your lounger. Make time for lunch in the Elements spa restaurant – which is healthy yet tasty – and be sure to book in for a face or body treatment. My 50-minute Botanical Massage by my therapist Natasha was one of the best massages I’d had in a long time, that perfect combination of relaxing yet restorative. * Spa experiences at The Spa at Carden start from £75pp. Overnight spa breaks at Carden Park start from £180pp.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnBeautyTravel
