Skip to main contentSkip to footer

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

The spas with outdoor features you'll want to visit

Looking for a spa day with delightful outdoor features? Look no further... 

spas
Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Share this:

If you're looking for a break but don't have the time to spend a week abroad, a spa weekend can be just the trick to rejuvenating and relaxing. Luckily there are some beautiful hotels across the UK which offer not only luxurious accommodation and jaw-dropping gorgeous surroundings, but also have stunning spas with outdoor pools and zen gardens.

We've rounded up the top 10 spas you'll want to visit – click through for the full list. 

pennyhill

Pennyhill Park

This luxury five-star country house has 123 bedrooms and suites – all individually designed so that no two are the same. There's plenty to do if you want to be active, with 123 acres of grounds to explore whether you want to try your hand at golf, croquet, or take in the breathtaking views along one of the walking trails.

We're particularly impressed by its stunning spa which not only offers a wide range of indulgent treatments, but also boasts eight indoor and outdoor swimming pools – with one of the fabulous heated outdoor pools connected by an accessible archway to one of the indoor pools. During the summer months, the pool is surrounded by sun loungers and a pool bar, ideal for a spot of lunch, a light bite or even a glass of bubbly – so you'll feel like you're truly on holiday! If you want to make the most of the fresh air, there are also three heated outdoor Canadian Hot Tubs.

Top treatment: The Rosemary and Lavender Body Therapy makes for ultimate pampering. You begin with a natural rosemary salt scrub, followed by a hydrating and cleansing Kaolin clay body wrap to draw out toxins. You then receive a tension releasing scalp massage, before a personalised full body massage to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

To book, visit spabreaks.com.

welcombe

The Welcombe Golf & Spa Hotel

This beautiful quintessential country house has everything from grand open fireplaces to stunning bedrooms, and is surrounded by extensive Italian landscaped gardens and water features in the Shakespearean town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. The hotel is ideal if you're a fan of sports, boasting tennis courts as well as an 18 hole, 70 par championship golf course where you can make the most of the country air.

The gorgeous spa, which is built in the hotel's original coaching stables, has an outdoor vitality pool for those wanting to make the most of the fresh country air, as well as an impressive indoor swimming pool, heated loungers and foot spas. There's also a wide range of thermal rooms including a Finnish Sauna, as well as Tropical and Polar Storm showers for an invigorating finish.

Those on a romantic getaway might want to book into treatments at their Dual Treatment Room which allows couples to enjoy treatments simultaneously.

Top treatment: The Cellutox Aroma Ocean Wrap is ideal if you want to relax and enjoy a spot of pampering. While you're cocooned in a comforting foil wrap you'll be treated to a pressure point facial massage and de-stressing scalp treatment. As a bonus, because the wrap uses sea plants and Marine Algae, your skin will be left silky soft and smooth. 

To book, visit booking.com

Gilpin Hotel & Spa

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Looking for a romantic country break? Then this hotel, nestled in Windermere in the Lake District, is ideal, with its elegant Country House which boasts fine dining and suites with sumptuous interiors. Couples looking for something a bit more private should try the hotel's stunning Garden Suites, which all have access to a hot tub on a private deck, and include free use of the spa.

If you're a fan of the outdoors, there's options to try horse riding or even bicycle hire so you can explore the area. Meanwhile, one of Gilpin Hotel's must-see features is the Lake House Jetty Spa, a Swedish style treatment room which is raised three metres into the tree canopy. Its floor to ceiling windows overlook a beautiful, small, private lake so you can totally relax while enjoying the view.

Top treatment: The aromatherapy massage, which takes place in the Jetty Spa, makes for ultimate indulgence. There's a blend of essential oils which you choose to suit your own particular needs, while the full body massage brings complete peace and relaxation.

For more information head to booking.com

alexanderhouse

Alexander House

This stunning five star hotel is surrounded by 120 acres of gorgeous grounds in the Sussex countryside, and has 58 rooms which have been designed for absolute comfort. There's a fully equipped gym with a wide range of classes, tennis courts, a putting green and even a trekking trail for the more adventurous.

The Grecian-inspired Utopia Spa boasts an exercise pool, bubble tubs and a variety of saunas and steam rooms. However, one of its hidden treasures is the private Zen Garden, which has has an outdoor hot tub and barrel sauna, as well as a collection of private outdoor hot tubs!

Top treatment: If you're after luxurious pampering then you need to try the Champagne & Truffles facial. It contains ingredients such as Champagne, silk, diamonds, gold and black truffle, while the facial consists of special lymph drainage techniques to leave your skin feeling fresher, as well as helping to iron out fine lines and wrinkles. As a bonus, you also receive a glass of bubbly to enjoy after your treatment!

To book, visit spabreaks.com.

ruthin

Ruthin Castle

From the moment you arrive in Ruthin Castle in Wales you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. Whether you stay in one of their luxury rooms or opt for a larger deluxe room, there's everything from four poster beds to gorgeous views of the grounds to have you feeling like you've escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Their rustic Moat Spa is a glamping heaven with indoor and outdoor areas, including a sauna inside a tent and an outdoor hot tub so you can enjoy the evergreen surroundings. There's a host of luxurious treatments from salt and oil scrubs to massages, facials and manicures or pedicures, so you'll be spoiled for choice.

Top treatment: The Salt & Oil Scrub is a skincare hero, combining sea salts and essential oils to exfoliate the skin and leave it nourished, smooth and supple. It lasts for 25 minutes, so you can try it as a stand-alone treatment or you can have it ahead of a massage if you're looking for ultimate indulgence.

To book, visit booking.com.

BathSpa1

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel

Nestled in the heart of historic Bath, this hotel is ideal whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or just a short break with the girls. Its newly launched suites are the epitome of luxury, with gorgeous roll top baths and comfortable four poster beds – and some even include private butler service if you're after ultimate luxury!

The spa has everything you need for a relaxing break, with treatments ranging from a Hot Stones Full Body Massage to a Lime & Ginger Salt Glow, or even deluxe manicures and pedicures. We're particularly loving their outdoor hydrotherapy pool, ideal if you want to unwind.

Top treatment: We're loving their Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap (£88 per person) which provides complete muscle relaxation thanks to its warm blend of essential oils that ease aching or tense muscles. You'll be sure to drift away as you lie in the foil wrap or unique dry float while being treated to a pressure point facial massage and a de-stressing scalp treatment.

To book, visit macdonaldhotels.co.uk

aquasana

Aqua Sana Woburn Forest

Enveloped in the stunning Bedfordshire countryside, this one-of-a-kind spa is nestled in the heart of the forest, ideal if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Their luxurious 'World of Spa' includes six unique spas each with a selection of multi-sensory rooms, and there's even an outdoor pool if you want to make the most of the sunshine and take in the breathtaking views.

Their Luxury Spa Break not only gives you access to the spas, but also includes overnight stay in the luxurious hotel, an indulgent 55-minute Signature Treatment for both guests, as well as a continental breakfast, lunch, and a meal voucher for the evening. For those who love their fitness, there's also complimentary use of their impressive gym facilities.

Top treatment: The Elemis Brighten and Glow face and body treatment (From £79) combines a brightening facial with a warm Frangipani oil and hot stones massage, designed to make for the ultimate soothing experience to induce a deep level of relaxation.

To book, visit tripadvisor.com.

mottram

Mottram Hall

Located in the picturesque grounds of the Cheshire countryside, this spa is ideal for those who love to make the most of the outdoors. It boasts the UK's largest alfresco thermospace facilities, including a heated outdoor hydrobath and outdoor treatment suite. We're particularly impressed by their Brechelbath® and Stonebath®, two luxurious warm thermal rooms that gradually increase your body temperature with a view over the grounds' beautiful gardens.

If you're after a short break that will leave you refreshed and relaxed, try one of their luxury spa breaks which includes a 60 minute spa treatment ritual, a three-course evening meal, overnight accommodation, an extensive breakfast buffet, and access to the spa and health club facilities including the gym.

Top treatment: The Revitalising Ritual with ESPA makes for a refreshing full body exfoliation, which combines sea salts with essential oils or body brushing and body polish that will leave your skin feeling nourished, smooth and supple. It also comes with a therapeutic back massage to soothe tension and leave you feeling revived.

To book, visit spabreaks.com.

ragdalehall

Ragdale Hall

This privately-owned country house in the Midlands is tucked away in the Midlands' gorgeous countryside, so you can enjoy a quiet getaway from your hectic schedule. For those wanting a healthy detox there's a gym and a range of exercise classes to try out, as well as tennis courts, mountain biking and even archery lessons.

If you're after a pampering session, you need to try their outdoor Waterfall Pool which includes massage jets, waterfall features and beautiful lighting in the evening if you want to unwind at the end of the day. There's also their striking Candle Pool which feels like and underground secret cavern so you'll really feel like you've escaped. Their endless list of treatments includes everything from sports massages to hypnotherapy, ideal if you're looking to try something new. Beauty addicts can also enjoy their skincare and make-up workshops to pick up some tips!

Top treatment: If you're going to try one treatment, make it The Golden Indulgence. This all encompassing, anti-ageing treatment will give you top-to-toe pampering. There's a relaxing foot soak, a full body exfoliation with caviar extracts, a champagne and grape body wrap, as well as face and neck massages. Plus, it concludes with a full body massage that uses hot stones on the back, neck and shoulders to truly help you unwind.

To book, visit spabreaks.com.

More Skincare And Fragrances

See more