{"id":4610,"date":"2022-03-06T13:30:04","date_gmt":"2022-03-06T12:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homesandantiques.com\/?p=16723"},"modified":"2022-03-06T13:45:13","modified_gmt":"2022-03-06T12:45:13","slug":"best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/rss_feed\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"Best spa breaks in heritage spa towns"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Sophie Hannam\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 06 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Ancient history, beautiful architecture, covetable antiques shops<\/a> and a stay at a boutique hotel<\/a> \u2013 what could be nicer than visiting one of Britain\u2019s many Georgian spa towns for a weekend of pampering? There\u2019s nothing more relaxing than a spa weekend or an overnight hotel stay with our family and friends. And, for an authentic experience, we can\u2019t think of anything better than a weekend of massages, facials and manicures in a Georgian spa town!<\/div>\n\n
Here are a few of our favourite spa hotels around Britain located in heritage spa towns\u2026<\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath<\/h2>\n
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The only hotel in Bath fed by the city\u2019s natural springs, The Gainsborough has several thermal pools in which to unwind.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

It <\/span>was the Romans who first developed a penchant for bathing in Bath\u2019s naturally warm thermal waters, expanding the city into a haven of relaxation that they called Aquae Sulis. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was the fashion-forward Georgians<\/a> who popularised the healing qualities of the waters.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, Bath is still fed by three natural springs, which pump over one million litres of mineral-rich water into the city every day. A haven of independent antiques shops<\/a> and cutting-edge restaurants \u2013 not to mention the array of museums<\/a> and heritage sites for a cultural hit \u2013 Bath is the ideal spot for a city break.<\/p>\n

And The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel spa with access to Bath\u2019s natural thermal waters, which bubble up from the ground at a toasty 45 degrees. Rooms start from \u00a3290 per night and\u00a0are decked out in a wonderfully swish contemporary style with nods to Georgian grandeur.<\/p>\n

Beneath the grand glass atrium is a labyrinth of indulgent spa spaces, including natural thermal pools, saunas, a steam room and a refreshing ice alcove. There\u2019s also the option to book into one of\u00a011 treatment rooms for a range of therapies such as a warming massage with organic ginger oil, or a brightening facial that\u2019s fresh with peppermint.<\/p>\n

Visit The Gainsborough Bath Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

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Thyme, Gloucestershire<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Dive into the Thyme outdoor swimming pool, fed by a natural subterranean stream.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Who\u2019d have thought that one of Britain\u2019s most famous spa towns had such humble beginnings? Rumour has it that an entrepreneurial landowner in the 1700s spotted a flock of pigeons pecking at salt deposits from a nearby spring and, having been alerted to the health benefits of natural waters, began cashing in on the action.<\/p>\n

Over the next 100 years, Cheltenham became a healing hotspot for the great and good, attracting historic trendsetters such as King George III, Queen Victoria, Jane Austen and Lord Byron.<\/p>\n

Today, it is still a popular haunt for a mini break and nestled in the nearby village of Southrop (around 45 minutes from Cheltenham itself) is Thyme \u2013 a charming retreat for those who\u00a0crave an escape devoted to beautiful countryside and design. Made up of a cluster of restored historic buildings, Thyme offers both stylish hotel rooms and self-catering properties, with prices starting from \u00a3300 per night.<\/p>\n

The decor\u00a0<\/span>is cool and considered: think soothing hues, classic antiques<\/a> and plenty of indulgent upholstery<\/a>. The Meadow Spa is equally calming, offering both indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces so guests can engage with nature.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an outdoor pool and hot tub, shaded by Cotswold stone walls and filled with pure spring water. Plus, you can choose from a menu of massages and facials created in collaboration with beauty experts Aurelia Probiotic Skincare.<\/p>\n

Visit Thyme Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

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Grantley Hall, Yorkshire<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Take a dip in the indoor-to-outdoor hydrotherapy pool at Grantley Hall.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Besides the tearooms<\/a>, antiques-shopping galore, inspiring art galleries and quaint architecture, Harrogate\u2019s rich history as an 18th-century spa town is still a key pull for modern-day visitors. And the Royal Pump Room Museum still offers the chance to see (and smell!) Europe\u2019s strongest sulphur well.<\/p>\n

For an impressive stay with all the mod-cons of a luxury hotel, Grantley Hall (near Ripon, 30 mins from central Harrogate) is a Palladian gem swathed in rugged woodland and prim ornamental gardens. Rooms start from \u00a3350 per night \u2013 but this escape offers far more than a standard hotel.<\/p>\n

The vibe is classic luxury, with bedrooms clad in creamy neutrals<\/a>, sash windows with traditional pelmets, plus decadent marble bathrooms<\/a> and minibars filled with seasonal treats \u2013 damson gin, anyone? And, when it comes to dinner options, the hotel boasts five restaurants (including menus from the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin), plus a late-night champagne<\/a> and cocktail bar that\u2019s prime for dancing the night away.<\/p>\n

The aptly named Three Graces Spa is blissful to its core. An underground swimming pool is encircled in marble and stone, looking more akin to an Ancient Roman bath than a contemporary spa. While outside, guests can unwind in nature, thanks to the cedar hot tub, sauna and snow room.<\/p>\n

The treatment menu is varied and unique \u2013 while the Inner Peace Immersion (including a body scrub, shower, massage and Ananda face therapy) promises a boost in positive energy, there\u2019s also reiki, reflexology and crystal healing therapies to enjoy.\u00a0 <\/span>Prepare for pure relaxation in God\u2019s own country\u2026<\/p>\n

Visit Grantley Hall<\/a><\/p>\n

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The Elms Hotel & Spa, Worcestershire<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Elms Hotel\u2019s Queen Anne fa\u00e7ade is an Instagrammer\u2019s dream.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

For a calming escape in the Worcestershire countryside, look no further than The Elms. Not far from the sweet, green village of Abberley (around 40 minutes from Malvern) The Elms Hotel & Spa is a prime spot to unwind in Queen Anne grandeur surrounded by rolling hills.<\/p>\n

Rooms start from \u00a399 per night, and are as homely as you would hope from a country house hotel. Expect traditional furniture and plenty of cosy throws in brushed wool. Meanwhile a drink in the downstairs Badger Bar is pure gentleman\u2019s study.<\/p>\n

The Greenhouse Spa is clean and verdant, tucked away behind the hotel in a glass-fronted building, which is ski chalet meets Victorian orangery. We recommend a brief meditation in the steam room, engulfed in eucalyptus-scented vapour, and a Deeper than Deep hot stone massage with soothing frangipani monoi oil, followed by tea and cake in the spa cafe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just a short drive from the hotel, the spa town of Malvern is known for its excellent hiking routes<\/a> and vibrant cultural scene. But, in Georgian and Victorian times, it was the perceived medicinal qualities of the natural springs that attracted visitors in their droves.<\/p>\n

Soon known as the \u2018Water Cure Town\u2019, an enterprising doctor duo introduced the Austrian art of hydrotherapy, opening a practice in 1845 that promised to relieve skin conditions with a quick dunk. The springs were also used by drinks giant Schweppes, which took to bottling Malvern Soda in 1850.<\/p>\n

Visit The Elms Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

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Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, Nr Royal Tunbridge Wells<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Fancy a dip in the indoor spa bath? A session in the Isopod? Or a walk-through rainforest shower? The spa at Ockenden Manor has it all.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

It\u2019s quite something to step into a 19th-century walled garden,\u00a0 <\/span>surrounded by clipped lawns and sweet smelling foliage, and find oneself face to face with an ultra-modern spa. Clad in rust-coloured metal panels, the contemporary structure feels like something straight out of Grand Designs.<\/i><\/p>\n

But, somehow, situated alongside the former Elizabethan manor house that makes up the main hotel, it works. While the rooms and suites at Ockenden Manor adopt a classic countryside feel, the spa is pure modern luxe, with a choice of treatments designed to revitalise and restore.<\/p>\n

Submerge in the indoor-to-outdoor pool (the best way to admire the beautiful gardens) or enjoy a session in the Isopod: a salt-rich floatation tank that promises meditative calm. Of course, there are massages, facials, body therapies and manicures on offer too, plus spa packages, which include delicious afternoon teas<\/a>, or supper in the award-winning hotel restaurant.<\/p>\n

Ockendon Manor is\u00a0 <\/span>around 50 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells, the only spa town in the South East of England. Nowadays, there aren\u2019t many spots to take a dip in the town itself, but those interested in history can visit the Chalybeate Spring to sample the iron-rich waters that our ancestors believed would cure even the worst hangover!<\/p>\n

Visit Ockenden Manor<\/a><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Sophie Hannam Published: Sunday, 06 March 2022 at 12:00 am Ancient history, beautiful architecture, covetable antiques shops and a stay at a boutique hotel \u2013 what could be nicer than visiting one of Britain\u2019s many Georgian spa towns for a weekend of pampering? There\u2019s nothing more relaxing than a spa weekend or an overnight […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":4611,"template":"","categories":[1,30],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"7"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns.jpg",2560,1708,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-1536x1025.jpg",1536,1025,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2022\/03\/best-spa-breaks-in-heritage-spa-towns-2048x1366.jpg",2048,1366,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Sophie Hannam Published: Sunday, 06 March 2022 at 12:00 am Ancient history, beautiful architecture, covetable antiques shops and a stay at a boutique hotel \u2013 what could be nicer than visiting one of Britain\u2019s many Georgian spa towns for a weekend of pampering? There\u2019s nothing more relaxing than a spa weekend or an overnight…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/4610"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}