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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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Ripon, Yorkshire and the Humber
Grantley Hall is an impressive countryside estate with a rich and colourful past – it has hosted royalty, members of parliament, celebrities and socialites. A private residence until 2019, the hotel opened its doors to guests and quickly gained a host of awards and accolades. The Three Graces Spa is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to soothing both body and mind, through treatments and individual spa journeys, personalised for each guest. Beyond the treatments, you can swim in the 18-metre indoor pool, take a dip in the indoor hydrotherapy pool or heat up and cool off in the sauna, steam room and snow room. The Nordic Spa Garden, with ice baths, outdoor sauna and hot tub, provides the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate.
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Chester, North West
Drawing inspiration from the tranquil 1,000 acre Carden Park estate, The Spa at Carden has carefully curated a range of treatments using natural botanicals to improve your well-being in the abundant spa facilities. The Spa at Carden features one of the largest spa gardens in the UK and has won multiple industry awards since opening, firmly positioning itself as one of the top destination spas in Europe.
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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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.
