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Discover a new pace of wellness with our legendary collection of luxury spas.
The best spas in the UK and Ireland. Picked by our spa experts. Backed by our readers. The 2026 shortlist is live, with winners crowned in November.
Meet the shortlist
Burton-on-Trent, West Midlands
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Knutsford, North West
At Fairmont Cheshire The Mere Spa, the 20-metre indoor pool is the perfect place for an unhurried swim, while the thermal suite offers everything from a calming steam room to an invigorating ice fountain. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the relaxation spaces with natural light, and if you’re spending the day here, it’s easy to lose track of time between the hydrotherapy pool, sauna and comfortable loungers overlooking the grounds. Whether you’re visiting for a treatment or simply making the most of the facilities, the atmosphere feels peaceful without ever being overly formal.
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Burnley, North West
Set within 100 acres of Lancashire countryside with its rolling landscape, The Woodland Spa has a sense of intimacy and peace. The Thermal Experience Journey includes a range of heat rooms, plus a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor infinity pool, and a tranquil “serenity pool” in a low-lit relaxation room. Allow time to enjoy the facilities before heading off for treatments. The treatment menu includes face and body therapies from Temple Spa, Medik8 & Neom with manicures and pedicures from OPI. The award-winning Restaurant is located above the spa with stunning views over the outdoor terrace and surrounding countryside. The Woodland Spa is part of Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort. Take a guided tour of the spa with the latest Woodland Spa video.
South WestFrom the spa town of Bath to the sunset pools overlooking the Cornish Coast; the South West has spas in the bag.
South EastFrom country house hideaways in the Surrey Hills to sea-air retreats on the Sussex and Kent coast, the South East is spoilt for spa choice.
North WestA huge section of the UK with an equally huge selection of spas
LondonFrom Mayfair hotel spas to riverside retreats on the Thames, London has a spa for every lunch break and long weekend
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St. Albans, South East
Sopwell House is a beautiful whitewashed Georgian manor turned stylish country hotel. The spa was refurbished, refreshed and had a brand-new extension built in 2019, and now houses the latest spa facilities and technology. The spa has two distinct areas: Cottonmill and The Club at Cottonmill. Cottonmill facilities include a 14-metre indoor pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, steam room, poolside terrace and The Sitting Room. After a treatment, guests are invited to rest in the Rose Relaxation Room. You can also upgrade your experience to The Club at Cottonmill where the facilities are among the best in the UK. There are three floors of saunas, steam rooms, experience showers, relaxation space and a gorgeous indoor/outdoor hydro pool which opens onto the spa garden -- an experience of it’s own where you will find cabanas, loungers and bubbly hot tubs surrounded by a Japanese style waterway. Our review and bubble rating applies to The Club only.
