Spa-ing by train

Given that you can turn up to a spa these days with just your cossie in a small bag, spa-ing by train has never been easier. And let’s face it: we don’t all drive. Even those that do can shun the traffic jams, the parking costs and the sustainability issues and let the train take the strain. These spas are all easily accessible from a main train station, says Stylish Spy, broken down by distance.

5-MINUTE WALK

THE SPA AT MANOR HOUSE HOTEL (ALSAGER), CHESHIRE

You can probably see Manor House Hotel as soon as you step off the platform of Alsager’s train station, it being just a five-min stroll away. This is the only spa in the UK with two swim-up bars, ideal for in-pool cocktails or glasses of bubbles; the rest of the facilities are top notch - and the Spa Garden as pretty as a picture. Make sure to experience the pool house, vitality pool, hydrotherapy tub, salt steam inhalation chamber, potting sauna shed and plunge bath before finding that swim-up bar. The hotel has been owned by the same family since 2013 giving it a home-from-home feel.

10- MINUTE WALKS

FIELD SPAS AT GUESTHOUSE HOTELS

All of the Guesthouse properties – namely No. 15 Bath, No. 42 Margate, No. 124 Brighton and No. 1 York – are located around a 10-minute walk from their respective train stations. The hotels even have a retro bike to collect your luggage if staying overnight (and we recommend you do) – call ahead and a staff member with pootle down, grab your luggage and hand you a map to get to the hotel. Each of the properties has a gorgeous vintage feel, with Crossley record players and Roberts Radios as standard. With your beau? Book the unforgettable Copper Cove treatment for two.

THERMAE BATH SPA, BATH

With easy access from London Paddington, Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Mead and Portsmouth, Thermae Bath Spa is just a 10-minute walk from Bath’s main station. Given that the route in will take you past Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and through streets of golden Georgian terraces, a 20-minute stroll might be more appropriate. Fancy a second look? Head straight to the spa’s rooftop pool (do not pass Go), filled with water from the town’s natural spring. The view is jaw-dropping – and the pool busy - morning, noon or night; come early morning or just before closing for a more peaceful wallow.

HOPE STREET HOTEL SPA, LIVERPOOL

Liverpool Lime Street is the station to head for when visiting Hope Street Hotel Spa, a lovely addition to Liverpool’s Georgian quarter. This easy-on-the-eye area has cobbled streets, Georgian buildings and black railings; the city’s Anglican Cathedral, Philharmonic Orchestra, Music College and stylish bars are all on the doorstep. Expect city views from most rooms. This Spa Spy loved walling in the warm waters of the outdoor hydropool whilst looking out across the red rooftops, as well as swimming towards the city in the indoor pool – a view afforded through floor-to-ceiling glass.

10-MINUTE TAXI RIDE

SIGNET SPA AT THE RETREAT AT ELCOT PARK, BERKSHIRE

Not really up for walking? Elcot Park is just a 10-minute taxi ride from Kintbury station, a 90-minute journey from London Liverpool Street. As well as an indoor hydropool, sauna, steam room and four treatment rooms, the hotel’s Signet Spa also offers alfresco cold plunge tubs, an outdoor infinity pool, a salt floatation tank, a longevity lane (the mind boggles), a padel court and an outdoor Yoga studio. The views of the North Wessex Downs will not disappoint. Staying the night? Book a table at 1772 Brasserie or Yü (the hotel’s fine dining Pan-Asian restaurant) or enjoy afternoon tea in The Orangerie.