10 of the Best Spas in the North East and Yorkshire to Escape to
There's little more relaxing than a well-earned spa break away from the everyday stresses of life, and we're so lucky to have a number of amazing spa destinations to escape to
Headlam Hall
Gainford, Darlington DL2 3HA
01325 730238
headlamhall.co.uk
An authentic 17th century country house in the Durham Dales, Headlam Hall is an idyllic rural retreat and its luxury spa reflects the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Offering a place to relax, exercise and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water and authentic spa therapy, facilities here include a 15-metre swimming pool, outdoor hydrotherapy spa pool, sauna, steam room, drench shower, fully-equipped gym, exercise studio, beautifully-appointed treatment rooms and brasserie café. You’ll find an equally impressive selection of treatments and therapies with everything from a pro-collagen facial to a holistic muscular injury massage on offer, while little touches such as warmed couches, aromatic burning oils, candle light and herbal tisanes will help to create an unforgettable treatment experience.
Don’t miss: The spa lounge, with feature stone fireplace and log-burning stove, is a luxurious place to sit back and relax, whilst enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks from the comfort of a sofa.
Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
High Street, Helmsley YO62 5AG
01439 772930
fevershamarmshotel.com
Tucked away in the picturesque town of Helmsley, the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa is the epitome of a charming countryside retreat. Massages, facials and whole-body rituals are tailored to your needs, while the sauna, monsoon shower and outdoor pools can all be used as you please. We recommend booking the De-Stress Experience. With a two-hour prescriptive facial and massage, half day relaxation pass with full use of the spa facilities, lunch and a glass of Prosecco, it’s the perfect relaxing day out. For something a bit different, try the traditional Arabian mud ritual of Rasul where mineral-rich mud deeply absorbs into your skin and draws out impurities, leaving your skin smooth and nourished.
Don’t miss: With plush pillows and sofas to sink in to, the Relaxation Lounge is the perfect place to flick through a magazine or simply lie back and soak up the peace and tranquility.
Wynyard Hall
Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees TS22 5NF
01740 644811
wynyardhall.co.uk
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Wynyard Estate, this award-winning spa provides a tranquil hideaway surrounded by 120 acres of Northumberland countryside. Perched on the edge of the lake, the spa is the epitome of relaxation with a range of facilities including outdoor hot tubs, a herbal sauna, salt inhalation room, ice fountain, relaxation room and Rasul mud chamber. Make a full day of it by choosing from an inspired collection of personalised treatments from world-renowned spa experts, ESPA. Results-focused facials, high-performance body treatments, immersive massages and signature rituals await, to nurture your body, calm your mind and leave skin looking radiant. Wynyard also offer several bespoke packages to make your spa visit extra special such as exclusive use of facilities or packages combined with overnight stays in their charming cottages.
Don’t miss: The lunch menu in the spa conservatory, featuring small plates, grazing platters, healthy salads and cream tea – it’s the perfect way to refuel after a long day of relaxing.
Rockliffe Hall
Hurworth on Tees, Darlington DL2 2DU
01325 729999
rockliffehall.com
Rockliffe Hall has all the special touches you’d expect from a five-star country retreat and that’s equally true for the spa here. At around 50,000 sq ft, the spa at Rockliffe has everything needed for total wellbeing. From a thermal suite comprising both hot and cold experiences, to spa pools which enhance circulation and boost the immune system, as well as a range of treatments cultivated by their spa experts, there’s an extensive array of facilities both inside and out. Plus at 20-metres long, the indoor pool is perfect for an energising swim or a quick dip between heat rooms. Complimentary iced tea, water and fresh fruit are available for all guests, or for an extra treat alcoholic beverages are available in Nu Sana, with in-robe dining welcomed, and a selection of Champagnes, wines and beers are available by the glass in the Spa Garden.
Don’t miss: Upgrade your spa day with access to the Spa Garden – with an infinity-edge experience pool, glass-fronted sauna, Tepidarium beds and views over the 375-acre estate, what more could you ask for?
No. 1 by Guest House, York
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 644744
guesthousehotels.co.uk
What it lacks in size, No. 1 by Guest House makes up for in hushed, cocooning calm. Tucked away under the arches of this historic and newly-refurbished hotel in the heart of York, the down-to-earth treatment rooms here include a couple’s room and an elegant relaxation breakout room. The eco-luxury products used here are all formulated and blended in Britain by Pinks Boutique and all the pure, vegan, organic, sustainably- and ethically-sourced ingredients can be fully traced back to source for completely natural and effective treatments.
Don’t miss: The Herbal Healer, a ritual for two that encapsulates the healing benefits of the lavender that grows in Yorkshire with a smoothing scrub, tension-easing massage, and a glow-inducing facial.
Yorkshire Spa Retreat
Gale Lane, York YO62 7SD
01439 413102
yorkshire-spa-retreat.co.uk
In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, surrounded by luscious parkland, the Yorkshire Spa Retreat has been designed to perfection to help ground you and bring you closer to nature. A beautiful outdoor spa, it is centred around a unique wild swimming pond and following an invigorating swim experience (great for detoxing and stimulating white blood cells) guests can indulge in a range of thermal therapies including the hydrotherapy pool, Himalayan salt sauna, herbal steam room and herbal lounge. For the ultimate relaxation, enjoy enriching therapies in the treatment cabins, all of which use products from Tribe517 that are blended with 100 percent natural ingredients.
Don’t miss: Housed within two giant pods that overlook the natural swim pond, The Dome spa restaurant is a truly unique space to relax while making the most of a diverse food and drink menu crafted from locally-sourced ingredients.
Swinton Country Club & Spa
Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
01765 680950
swintonestate.com
The contemporary Country Cub and Spa at Swinton Park is in direct contrast with the historic, castellated country house hotel to which it belongs. The 18-metre indoor pool is great for lengths, whilst the indoor hydrotherapy pool provides therapeutic relaxation with a choice of massage jets. Outdoors there’s a spa garden with a 10-metre natural pool for eco-friendly bathing in the bio-filtered water, and a hot tub and fire pit on standby should you need to warm up post-swim. There’s an impressive thermal suite complete with aroma steam room, a salt room and Finnish sauna, plus a high-tech gym and exercise studio. Meanwhile, you can enjoy treatments in the first-floor treatment suite and there’s a breakout space here for relaxation.
Don’t miss: While poolside service is available, we recommend making time to visit The Terrace Restaurant & Bar featuring estate-grown seasonal produce in its dishes – it’s the perfect place to end a relaxing day at the spa.
Raithwaite Sandsend
Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST
01947 661661
raithwaitesandsend.co.uk
The light-filled spa at Raithwaite Sandsend is the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re spending a few hours of downtime by the heated pool, taking a relaxing circuit through the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi, or enjoying a fragrant and rejuvenating spa treatment at the hands of expert therapists, this country-escape-meets-coastal-retreat has it all. With a range of offers and packages you can even enjoy treatments in the comfort of your own room.
Don’t miss: The crème de la crème of facials, the 90-minute Champagne & Truffles Deluxe Treatment is a serious celebration for the skin, containing super-indulgent ingredients including Champagne, silk, diamonds, gold and black truffles.
Grantley Hall
Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
01765 620070
grantleyhall.co.uk
This luxurious Palladian-style hotel has an impressive spa where you can sit back, relax and let the experts work their magic. You’ll find a full treatment menu, offering everything from a full body ritual to hand and feet treatments, as well as a specialist high performance wave facial workshop. Meanwhile, to complement the range of treatments and therapies available, guests can relax next to the 18-metre indoor swimming pool, take a dip in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool or enjoy the thermal experiences including the sauna, steam room and snow room. A tranquil relaxation area is also available with direct access onto the pretty outdoor terrace, while the Three Graces Spa Lounge offers a delicious range of healthy, nutritious drinks and snacks to be enjoyed throughout the day.
Don’t miss: The Champagne Afternoon Tea Spa Day including a welcome ritual, 60-minute treatment, Champagne afternoon tea in the lounge, and access to the spa and thermal facilities until 4pm.
Ramside Hall
Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD
0191 386 5282
ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
With four sophisticated thermal suites, five pools including one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools, a state-of-the-art gym and a huge range of specialist treatments on offer, Ramside Hall is home to one of the best luxury spas in the area. Ramside has a selection of experiences on offer including the brand new Voyager Spa Day which includes a full day’s use of spa facilities, tapas in the Fusion restaurant and an 85-minute Voya treatment – choose from a crystal restore ritual, mindful dreams ritual or nourishing cocoon ritual. Complement your tranquil treatments with the spa’s offerings of crisp cucumber and tangy orange water, fresh fruit and an extensive drinks menu, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a lounger poolside.
Don’t miss: Booking private use of the outdoor infinity pool where you can take in stunning views across 350 acres of beautiful private grounds.
