My Yearlong Search for the UK’s Best Wellness Spa Hotels

I read 1,200 UK wellness spa recommendations — then spent a year visiting the top 11 — each one reachable by an easy train ride from London. Here’s my personal ranking...

Photo: The Newt, Somerset | © Keli Lee

Why I Started This Journey

It was a British author asking her followers a question on Instagram. My good friend forwarded the post to me because she thought I would find it interesting, but she had no idea just how much. She would never have guessed that her simple forward would turn into a personal travel challenge for me:

"What’s the best spa hotel near London for a girls’ weekend — not too expensive, easy to get to, and worth the experience?”

The response? Over 1,200 comments — and the same 10 or so hotels kept surfacing. I read every single one.

That’s when I decided: I’d visit them myself. During my recent health recovery journey, I had made wellness and longevity a top priority — and I wanted to continue that focus by experiencing these places firsthand. I wanted to see what made each one special and which ones aligned best with my own travel style and wellness priorities. And, just as importantly, I wanted to get to know the English countryside — which I hadn’t truly experienced before.

So after a year of travel, wellness days, and hotel stays — here’s what I found.

I based my judgment on what I personally value most:

• Beautiful design, rooms, and common areas

• Great food (I’m a big foodie — and breakfast is my favorite meal)

• Exceptional wellness treatments and facilities

• Activities that make the experience feel full and inspiring

• Thoughtful hospitality (warmth, care, personalization— like remembering your name or welcoming repeat guests, which you might not get at big hotels)

• And above all — service (professionalism, attention to detail, and excellence)

Each hotel had to have a wellness spa facility and be easily reachable from London by train.

Over the course of a year, I carved out time for solo trips, romantic escapes, midweek breaks, groups of friends, and girls’ weekends to explore each one.

This list is not sponsored — it’s based entirely on my personal experiences. I hope it helps you find your perfect UK spa escape.

At-a-Glance: What Each Hotel Is Best For

(Based entirely on my personal stays and reflections — shaped by what I genuinely experienced and valued most at each hotel)

1. Beaverbrook (Leatherhead/Surrey Hills)
   Best for: Food (my favorite Japanese restaurant), spa facilities, gorgeous grounds (470-acre estate), glamorous bar & lounges, boutique charm

2. The Newt (Bruton/Somerset)
   Best for: Sprawling gardens, myriad of activities, connection to nature, curated garden tours, wellness classes, gym, extensive dining options, grand estate (900 acres)

3. Estelle Manor (Witney/Cotswolds)
   Best for: Thermal Journey (Eynsham Baths — the most impressive in the UK), glamorous escape, access to members’ club amenities, couples, groups or family getaways, 60-acre estate surrounded by 3,000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland

4. Heckfield Place (Heckfield/Hampshire)
   Best for: Pure serenity, restorative spa (The Bothy), fitness + nature, 438-acre countryside estate

5. Lime Wood (Lyndhurst/New Forest)
   Best for: Personal hospitality, contemporary English countryside rooms (huge, gorgeous suites), spa café (Herb House spa café), 17-acre estate

6. Chewton Glen (New Milton/New Forest)
   Best for: Family-friendly luxury, treehouse stays, multi-generational escapes, approx. 130-acre estate

7. Soho Farmhouse (Great Tew/Cotswolds)
   Best for: Social spa weekends, group escapes, 100-acre countryside campus

8. The Grove (Watford/Hertfordshire)
   Best for: Close-to-London escapes, excellent massage, standout weekend brunch, social weekends, approx. 75-acre estate

9. Dormy House (Broadway/Cotswolds)
   Best for: Girls’ weekend, cosy Cotswolds base, spa + village exploring, located within 400-acre Farncombe Estate

10. South Lodge (Horsham/West Sussex)
    Best for: Social spa weekend, outdoor thermal suite, spa dining (Botanica), 93-acre estate

11. Coworth Park (Ascot, Berkshire)
    Best for: Elegant grounds, outdoor pursuits, quick escapes from London, 240-acre estate

⟡ Full Reviews Below ⟡

Scroll down for the full details of each destination — including spa highlights, food notes, and personal tips from my visits.

1. Beaverbrook (Leatherhead/Surrey Hills)

Best for: Food (my favorite Japanese restaurant), spa facilities, gorgeous grounds (470-acre estate), glamorous bar & lounges, boutique charm

Photos: Beaverbrook | © Keli Lee

Beaverbrook was my favorite overall — and just a short train ride from London. Set within 470 acres of picturesque countryside, the estate is expansive but still retains a boutique and elegant feel. I’ve stayed in two different areas so far: The Village, which includes a golf cart, and the Garden House — and I’m already planning to return to experience both the Main House and the Coach House.

There are many dining options across the estate — including the Garden House restaurant, where we had delicious breakfast and lunch, and Mrs Beeton’s Restaurant in The Village, where I also enjoyed a fantastic breakfast. The standout, however, was The Japanese Grill in the Main House, which was easily the best meal of my entire spa journey. Exquisite in presentation and flavor — it’s a reason to visit all on its own.

The spa is beautifully designed and features an indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam rooms, and a variety of treatment spaces. In the gym, I tried the hyperbaric oxygen treatment with Roy, which was a unique wellness experience, booked a private Pilates session with Helen, and trained with Ross, a fantastic personal trainer — making this a well-rounded fitness, spa, and food escape.

The Main House is glamorous and inviting, with a stunning bar, various salon rooms for lounging, a beautiful fireplace, and outdoor seating with sweeping countryside views. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous — perfect for wandering or simply relaxing. The golf course is reserved strictly for members.

This is a perfect escape for couples, solo travelers, or a small group of friends. Stylish, comfortable, and delightfully indulgent.

Train from London: About 45 minutes from London Waterloo to Leatherhead, followed by a 10-minute taxi.

Address: Reigate Rd, Leatherhead KT22 8QX, UK
Phone: +44 1372 571300

2. The Newt (Bruton/Somerset)

Best for: Sprawling gardens, myriad of activities, connection to nature, curated garden tours, wellness classes, gym, extensive dining options, grand estate (900 acres)

Photos: The Newt, Somerset | © Keli Lee

A destination in itself. The Newt is even larger than Beaverbrook — set within 900 acres of beautifully maintained orchards, sprawling gardens, woodlands, and fields — with a sense of scale that still feels intentional and serene. I stayed both in the main house and in one of their stand-alone cottages in the Farmyard Room — complete with its own steam room. If you're staying at the Farmyard Rooms, you’ll get a golf cart too since it’s a bit far from the main house. At night, I recommend asking for someone to escort you back — it gets very dark and can be hard to navigate.

The spa is spectacular, with one of the most stunning pool designs I’ve seen in the UK. It features a hydrotherapy circuit that seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor pools — an elegant, flowing experience that adds to the sense of calm. There are a myriad of activities — from cycling and wellness classes to curated garden tours, which they hold nearly every day and I highly recommend. Their mat Pilates sessions were excellent, and I had fantastic private sessions with Lyndsey. Yoga classes are also very popular. The gym is spacious, beautifully lit, and fully equipped.

You’ll also find cows, sheep, horses, and other animals throughout the estate — as well as a thriving apple orchard. The Newt has its own farm and a beautiful food market, The Farm Shop, selling produce and goods grown and made on the property. You can also order many of their products online.

There are multiple restaurants spread across the estate, offering fresh, seasonal food in a variety of settings. The main house itself is warm and welcoming, with a gorgeous bar, elegant salon rooms for reading or conversation, and outdoor terraces with expansive views of the landscape. Service throughout was exceptional — especially from Antonella (head of experiences), Ross at the front desk, and Kyra, who made check-in so welcoming.

This is a great destination for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups of friends. There’s truly something for everyone.

Train from London: Around 2 hours from London Paddington to Castle Cary, then a 20-minute taxi.

Address: Hadspen, Bruton BA7 7NG, UK
Phone: +44 1963 577700

3. Estelle Manor (Witney/Cotswolds)

Best for: Thermal Journey (Eynsham Baths — the most impressive in the UK), glamorous escape, access to members’ club amenities, couples, groups or family getaways, 60-acre estate surrounded by 3,000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland

Photos: Estelle Manor, Witney | © Keli Lee

Estelle Manor is a private members’ club, but it’s open to hotel guests — with a few lounges reserved for members only. It’s glamorous, expansive, and packed with activities. I wish I’d had more time to try some of them — we were too busy in the spa. In fact, I ended up staying here twice because I loved the spa so much. The second time, I had a room with a huge terrace — big enough for a little BBQ with friends. It’s a fantastic place for a group of friends, couples, or families — especially since you can also rent private houses on the property.

Estelle Manor spans a 60-acre private estate surrounded by 3,000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland —offering intimacy and grandeur in its setting.

The Eynsham Baths feature the most impressive Thermal Journey I’ve experienced in the UK — with hot-hot vitality pools (a rare find), cold plunges, ice bucket showers, steam rooms, and a grand tepidarium, all within stunning Roman-inspired surroundings. Worth the trip in itself.

Breakfast at Estelle Manor was also a highlight — absolutely fantastic. I could have stayed in the breakfast rooms all day — the setting was beautiful, and the food was exceptional. I also had an excellent dinner at The Billiards Room, their Cantonese restaurant. I liked it so much that I came back to eat there again!

Also worth noting: The Edit by Eliza — the onsite boutique — was one of the best gift shops I’ve visited. I heard the buyer is one of the owners, and her taste is impeccable. From clothing to homeware, I wanted to buy everything — if it weren’t so pricey!

Train from London: About 1 hour from London Paddington to Hanborough Station, then a 10-minute taxi.

Address: A40, Eynsham Park Estate, North Leigh, Witney OX29 6PN, UK
Phone: +44 1993 223300

4. Heckfield Place (Heckfield/Hampshire)

Best for: Pure serenity, restorative spa (The Bothy), fitness + nature, 438-acre countryside estate

Photos: Heckfield Place, Heckfield | © Keli Lee

Heckfield Place is set on a peaceful 438-acre estate — ideal for restorative walks and quiet reflection — a place to truly recharge — both in body and mind. The Bothy Spa is truly special: on the outside, it looks like a classic English countryside home, but inside, it evokes serene Japanese-inspired design. This was where I felt the most relaxed. It’s deeply quiet and immersive — with no phones allowed, a tranquil café offering delicious bites, and a thoughtful gift shop with books. I even bought a few and read while waiting for treatments. Everything about the experience was serene and well-designed. I booked excellent private Pilates and boxing sessions with Karolina — a rare and welcome offering. The property is stunning, with beautiful outdoor spaces for walking and reflection. The house is gorgeous, the rooms are beautiful, and the food was exceptional. I also had an outstanding massage with Morell — highly recommend both.

Train from London: Around 1 hour from London Paddington to Reading, then 25-minute taxi.

Address: Heckfield Pl, Hook RG27 0LD, UK
Phone: +44 118 932 6868

5. Lime Wood (Lyndhurst/New Forest)

Best for: Personal hospitality, contemporary English countryside rooms (huge, gorgeous suites), spa café (Herb House spa café), 17-acre estate

Photos: Lime Wood, Lyndhurst | © Keli Lee

Lime Wood’s hospitality truly stands out — warm, personal, and thoughtful at every turn. I had a huge, gorgeous suite — beautifully designed in contemporary English countryside style — that made the entire stay feel indulgent and deeply comfortable. The décor is beautiful throughout the property, with stylish furnishings that add personality and charm. The common rooms are equally inviting. There were fantastic options for breakfast — easily one of the best morning spreads. The spa offers a wonderful balance of treatments and relaxation, and I especially loved dining at the Herb House spa café — the food was excellent, and the space reflected an English countryside vibe. Overall, even though it’s not as big as The Newt or Beaverbrook, it’s really special — and I would definitely want to come back to stay longer. On a previous trip to the region, I had explored the New Forest, Beaulieu, and the Isle of Wight — this time, Lime Wood was a pure spa retreat.

Train from London: Around 1 hour 40 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst, then a 10-minute taxi.

Address: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ, UK
Phone: +44 23 8028 7177

6. Chewton Glen (New Milton/New Forest)

Best for: Family-friendly luxury, treehouse stays, multi-generational escapes, approx. 130-acre estate

Photos: Chewton Glen, New Milton | © Keli Lee

Chewton Glen offers a luxurious and playful countryside experience that’s ideal for families or multi-generational weekends. The property is expansive, welcoming, and caters to all ages, making it a standout for those looking to combine relaxation with togetherness.

While I didn’t stay in the famous treehouse suites, they’re said to be truly special — whimsical yet high-end, with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor hot tubs, and elevated forest views. Instead, I stayed in the main house, which was also very nice — beautiful and comfortable, with a cozy and elegant feel.

The spa is well-equipped, with an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room — perfect for a classic unwind. The treatments were good, and the overall atmosphere felt relaxed and spacious.

Dining was excellent — everything I had was very good, especially the breakfast and lunch, which were both delicious.

I didn’t get to explore the beach during my stay since it was chilly and rainy, but I’d love to return in warmer weather to enjoy that part of the experience.

The staff were warm and accommodating throughout — and while there were lots of families during my visit, the environment remained gracious and pleasant.

Chewton Glen also offers cooking classes, outdoor activities, and easy access to the New Forest National Park and nearby beaches — which gives guests the option of adventure beyond the spa.

Overall, Chewton Glen stands out as a welcoming, versatile choice for families or groups who want a luxury stay with both indulgent and playful elements.

Train from London: Around 1 hour 50 minutes from London Waterloo to New Milton, then a 5-minute taxi.

Address: Christchurch Rd, New Milton BH25 6QS, UK
Phone: +44 1425 275341

7. Soho Farmhouse (Great Tew/Cotswolds)

Best for: Social spa weekends, group escapes, 100-acre countryside campus

Photos: Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew | © Keli Lee

Soho Farmhouse has a completely different vibe than most of the other spa resorts on this list — more casual, playful, and very social. It’s not just a spa hotel, it’s a full-on 100-acre countryside campus.

Important note: Soho Farmhouse operates as a private members’ club — meaning you must be a Soho House or Soho Friends member (or a guest of one) to book a stay. It’s not open to the general public like many other hotels listed here.

The spa itself is solid, with a range of treatments and charming outdoor hot tubs, but the overall appeal is in the total Farmhouse experience. There’s a lively, communal energy here — outdoor spaces, cozy cabins, firepits, and shared experiences — ideal for groups of friends. It’s a place where you might start the day with a treatment, then spend the afternoon lounging lakeside, paddling in a boat, or catching up over casual meals at the Barn or Pen Yen — my favorite restaurant on property. Their weekend brunch buffets are also fantastic. I love that there are many different options for dining and drinks throughout the property.

They also have a great big gym and lots of fitness classes — but you’ll need to reserve in advance, as they book up fast.

Every cabin comes with its own bike, which is a great way to explore the sprawling grounds — and given how often it rains, wellies are thoughtfully provided. The bike is both practical and fun, and adds to the countryside experience.

That said, it can get very crowded on weekends — during my last stay, it was difficult to find a seat or lounging space in some of the common areas. My favorite accommodation has always been the original cabins, especially the 2- and 3-bedroom ones, which are ideal for a group of friends. I’ve also stayed in the Garden Rooms and seen the Piglet Rooms, but nothing beats the cozy charm and self-contained convenience of the cabins — with their kitchens and living areas, you could stay in all weekend if you wanted to.

Soho Farmhouse is not particularly suited for families — only a few accommodations are designated for guests with children. But for an adult group escape, especially on the weekend when the Little Bar transforms into a DJ-backed dance party, it’s incredibly fun.

It’s also just about 30 minutes from Bicester Village, one of the UK’s best luxury outlet shopping destinations — a fun and easy day trip that we’ve done as part of a weekend stay.

As my original introduction to the English countryside, I had always held a soft spot for Soho Farmhouse — and I returned as part of this journey to see how it compared with the other destinations. While it didn’t top the list for serenity or spa luxury, it delivered on atmosphere, fun, and social connection. A great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed, communal, and rustic-chic countryside weekend.

Train from London: Around 1 hour 25 minutes from London Marylebone to Banbury, then 20-minute taxi.

Address: Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS, UK
Phone: +44 1608 691000

8. The Grove (Watford/Hertfordshire)

Best for: Close-to-London escapes, excellent massage, standout weekend brunch, social weekends, approx. 75-acre estate

Photos: The Grove, Hertfordshire | © Keli Lee

Just a short 20-minute train ride from London, The Grove makes for an easy wellness escape — close enough for a spontaneous reset or even a work-remote getaway. While the property often hosts corporate events, it still offers moments of relaxation and excellent service.

I had one of the best massages of my entire spa trip here — tied with Heckfield Place. A true standout. I also booked two personal training sessions with Jensen at the Sequoia Spa, which added a great fitness element to the experience.

The hotel has a very buzzy, packed bar that makes it great for social weekends. Their restaurant with the weekend buffet also gets very busy — so I recommend reserving breakfast and especially brunch in advance. Another major highlight: their Friday-to-weekend lunch buffet is incredible — generous, beautifully presented, and absolutely worth visiting for on its own.

My room was spacious and beautifully appointed, with a large bathtub and wonderful views — perfect for unwinding after a day at the spa or gym.

Special thanks to Oliver, the front desk manager, Jensen, my personal trainer, and Joselita, my massage therapist — each elevated the experience with genuine warmth and care.

Train from London: Around 20 minutes from London Euston to Watford Junction, then 10-minute taxi.

Address: Chandler's Cross, Watford WD3 4TG, UK
Phone: +44 1923 296010

9. Dormy House (Broadway/Cotswolds)

Best for: Girls’ weekend, cosy Cotswolds base, spa + village exploring, located within 400-acre Farncombe Estate

Photos: Dormy House, Broadway | © Keli Lee

Dormy House is charming and welcoming — a more intimate property than some of the larger estates I visited, but full of character and warmth. It’s especially well-suited for a girls’ weekend or a relaxing small group getaway.

The spa is cozy and thoughtfully designed, offering a lovely selection of treatments and quiet spaces to unwind. While the scale is smaller, it doesn’t feel limited — it feels intentional. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and the staff were kind and attentive throughout.

One of the highlights here is the location — it’s perched directly along the Cotswold Way, a famous 102-mile walking path that stretches from Chipping Campden to Bath. The adorable village of Broadway is just a short stroll away. I loved being able to walk into the village, explore the local shops and cafes, and return for a bit of spa time before dinner. It's also a great base for visiting other charming Cotswold villages nearby — ideal for balancing spa time with countryside adventure.

The food here is also excellent — thoughtfully prepared, seasonal, and delicious.

If you're looking for a smaller, beautiful spa hotel with easy access to nature, charming villages, and cozy communal spaces, Dormy House is a lovely choice.

Train from London: Around 2 hours from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, then a 25-minute taxi.

Address: Willersey Hill, Broadway WR12 7LF, UK
Phone: +44 1386 852711

10. South Lodge (Horsham/West Sussex)

Best for: Social spa weekend, outdoor thermal suite, spa dining (Botanica), 93-acre estate

Photo: South Lodge, West Sussex | © Keli Lee

South Lodge offers a very social, fun spa experience — we spent an entire day and night enjoying the outdoor heated thermal hydrotherapy pool and sauna, which were the heart of the spa experience and where most guests gathered. The atmosphere here is lively and relaxed, making it great for a group of friends.

Dining options were somewhat limited — mostly at The Billiard Bar or The Pass, which offers a prix fixe multi-course menu. Since we didn’t want a long, formal dinner, we opted for lighter bites and appetizers at the Billiard Bar and most of our meals at Botanica, the spa restaurant, which we absolutely loved. The food was fresh, delicious, and made for a perfect complement to a day of relaxation.

An approachable, enjoyable choice for a casual and cheerful wellness weekend.

Train from London: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from London Victoria to Horsham, followed by a 10-minute taxi.

Address: Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PS, UK
Phone: +44 1403 891711

11. Coworth Park (Ascot, Berkshire)

Best for: Elegant grounds, outdoor pursuits, quick escapes from London, 240-acre estate

Photos: Coworth Park, Ascot | © Keli Lee

Coworth Park offers beautiful grounds and a more modern take on the traditional country house — just a short drive from London and conveniently close to Heathrow, making it ideal for a quick countryside escape or a pre/post-flight retreat. It’s part of the Dorchester Collection, and the experience has a polished, refined feel throughout.

The spa is elegant, with two steam rooms but no sauna, and beautifully appointed locker rooms featuring built-in safes, flip flops, robes, and towels. I booked a personal training session with Andrew, who was excellent and a highlight of my visit. While the gym is on the smaller side, the serene setting and equestrian offerings make up for it. The food throughout my stay was also fantastic — fresh, beautifully prepared, and thoroughly enjoyable.

A refined escape with picturesque surroundings, great food, and understated charm.

Train from London: Around 55 minutes from London Waterloo to Ascot, followed by a short 5-minute taxi.

Address: Blacknest Rd, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 7SE, UK
Phone: +44 1344 876600

P.S. While I’ve visited many of the UK’s best wellness spa destinations in close proximity to London, there are still so many beautiful places on my list: Thyme (Cotswolds), Cliveden House (Berkshire), Pennyhill Park (Surrey), The Lakes by Yoo (Cotswolds), Lucknam Park (Wiltshire), Fairmont Windsor Park (Berkshire), Four Seasons Hampshire (Hampshire), and Gainsborough Bath Spa (Bath). Further afield: The Scarlet in Cornwall — and more.

I’d also love to expand the list to include Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland,

Have a favorite wellness spa hotel you’ve loved — or one I should try next? Please share! I’m always looking for new places to discover.