Relax, rejuvenate and indulge in much-deserved ‘me time’ at one of these luxurious spas, all within two hours of Newcastle.
Whether you crave a dramatic poolside backdrop, secluded pockets of calm or tip-top A-list facilities, there’s a spa for you across the north of England and the Scottish Borders, all within easy reach of Newcastle by car.
Prepare for the perfect pamper sesh at one of these dreamy spa destinations!
The Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge
Middleton Lodge is set within a 200-acre Georgian estate near Richmond and, true to its name, the Forest Spa is surrounded by a plush oasis of trees, plants and wildflowers. Think leaves rustling in the wind, echoes of birds softly chirping, and sun beams breaking through the clouds.
A soothing soak awaits in its 15-metre-long heated pool, overlooked by a sheltered outdoor hot tub. Six treatment huts are also tucked away in the woodland. Escaping indoors, relax and rejuvenate in its thermal spa featuring a sauna with countryside views, a tadelakt steam room and a stone-arched plunge pool.
This Japanese-inspired spa is the definition of a hidden gem and, after booking it as a surprise for my boyfriend’s birthday, I’d say it’s well worth the splurge.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel and Spa
SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel and Spa is just over an hour from Newcastle, close to the market town of Kelso.
Comfy beds and squishy cuddler-style seating create one of the most sumptuous relaxation areas I’ve ever encountered in a UK spa, and from here you can step into its outdoor infinity edge pool equipped with underwater speakers.
A marble-tiled hot tub, plunge pool, aroma sauna made from larchwood, and dry Finnish sauna with floor to ceiling windows complete this state-of-the-art spa, best described as a sanctuary of tranquility within this charming Scottish estate.
The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall
This boutique hotel and award-winning spa is located atop a cliff along Durham’s stunning heritage coastline.
Inside, the Serenity Spa’s centrepiece is a 20m pool. There’s also a eucalyptus steam room, salt sauna, Asian herbal sanarium, Hammam with a jacuzzi, and ice-cold plunge pools.
However, its outdoor Zen Garden is the place to retreat to during your visit for a truly blissed-out vibe, with two sunken hot tubs and a hydrotherapy infinity pool set within an enclosed, leafy space. This was my favourite spot for a dip during my four-hour Twilight Experience, which felt extra exclusive after dark.
Low Wood Bay
Offering the most serene lakeside views, Low Wood Bay in the Lake District almost feels like Cumbria’s answer to the chic Riviera!
It has two outdoor infinity pools, two hot tubs and a sauna that overlook the gleaming waters of Lake Windermere – the largest lake in England. Make a beeline for the dinky outdoor bar and chill with your tipple of choice in a swinging egg chair.
Indoors, you’ll find the thermal spa area with a pool, herbal lounge, Himalayan salt sauna, coconut and vanilla steam cabin, and relaxation lounge where you can help yourself to little cubes of brownies. Pure indulgence!
Wynyard Hall
As you drive past this exquisite Grade II listed country house in Stockton-on-Tees, you may feel a sense of déjà vu, as it was the impressive wedding venue for Netflix’s Love is Blind TV series last year.
Perched on the edge of a lake, Wynyard Hall’s spa boasts two outdoor hot tubs, a salt inhalation room, herbal sauna, ice fountain and a relaxation room.
There’s no pool, but the sweeping views and affordable spa packages (starting from £40) make this a top choice for unwinding with a glass of fizz. It rained during my visit, but I can imagine it being a fabulous destination during the summer!
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*For up-to-date spa days, packages, facilities and treatments, please refer to each spa’s website for more details.
