From a rooftop infinity pool to a relaxing sun deck – Rudding Park near Harrogate is a blissful spa escape well worth the trip from Newcastle.
I confess: I stalked Rudding Park’s Instagram profile for quite a while (translation: more than a year) before booking a visit. The gorgeous outdoor setting and leafy spa garden looked like the stuff of a spa-goer’s dreams.
I couldn’t resist sharing (multiple) posts with my boyfriend, gently reminding him that Rudding Park was still firmly on our bucket list.
And so, with a mini heatwave on the horizon and no plans in our diary, the spa gods finally aligned, and we booked the evening rooftop spa and dine package at this luxury, family-owned resort in Yorkshire.
The vibe at Rudding Park
Set within 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is the first UK spa I’ve been to that reminds me of the QC Terme spas in Italy. If you haven’t heard of this spa group, take a peek here. I’ve been to their spas in Milan, the Dolomites and Lake Garda – and they really are something else!
But, back to Rudding Park and its own charms; it offers such a good mix of thermal spa facilities and pockets of relaxation spaces. You really do get your money’s worth. And unlike some other venues across the north, it’s in tip-top condition – no tired spa facilities in sight.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s set in beautiful surroundings that create a peaceful ambience – the kind of place where you can switch off and reconnect with nature.
The spa facilities
Whether you’re someone who likes to glide into a pool or prefers the intense heat of a sauna – you can take your pick here.
Rudding Park has two pools. The 17-metre indoor pool is perfect for a gentle swim. But it’s the outdoor infinity pool that steals the show thanks to its serene views across the gardens and hydrotherapy massagers targeting your neck, legs and back.
The thermal journey continues with a panoramic sauna, juniper log sauna, steam room with starlight ceiling, tepidarium infused with soothing vapours, foot spa and various relaxation spaces.
Its experience showers – think tropical rain one moment and a cool mist the next – are always fun, and perfect for reinvigorating your body in an instant.
Guests who book a 50-minute treatment can also access an escape zone, and for something more exclusive, the VIP room features a copper bath.
The spa garden
Stepping outside felt like I had stumbled into a secret sanctuary.
Loungers and cosy cuddle chairs are tucked among the plants and trees, with little nooks to explore.
It was surprisingly easy to find a quiet corner away from other spa guests on the sun deck, and with a Mimosa in hand, it was my definition of bliss!
In the rooftop garden, you’ll also find a bubbling spa bath (my go-to during our visit), a sauna cabin, ice baths and a cabana with a fire bowl and comfy sofas.
Rudding Park’s chic rooftop hideaway is designed for unwinding and forgetting the world outside – it’s pure relaxation and all about indulgent me time.
Dining at Horto
Our spa experience, which ran from 4pm until 8.30pm, was perfectly rounded off with a two-course meal in Horto, described by Rudding Park as having a ‘fun social vibe’. It’s an unfussy but stylish restaurant, with large windows looking out onto the terrace.
Horto’s menu showcases British dishes influenced by the chef’s global travels. I had butter-poached cod with potato and kale followed by a rich chocolate marquise with tonka cream – both were delicious, balancing familiar flavours with a touch of flair!
Planning your spa visit
Rudding Park is just three miles south of Harrogate, and roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Newcastle, making it an easy escape from the North East.
It’s more than just a spa, with 90 bedrooms and suites, two additional restaurants, a private cinema and two golf courses.
Rudding Park also hosts special events throughout the year, from festive shopping pop ups and night golf with LED golf balls to wedding showcases – giving you plenty of reasons to return.
Worth the wait?
As you may have already worked out, after waiting more than a year to visit Rudding Park, I loved my spa experience.
It perfectly blends luxury with simple pleasures, offering a wide range of facilities, both indoors and out.
If you’ve been craving a spa break: this is it.
For more details about Rudding Park, visit its website at www.ruddingpark.co.uk.
Looking for more spa inspiration? Check out my blog post on 5 blissful spa breaks you can drive to from Newcastle or sign up to my free monthly newsletter.
