Looking for the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking or walking through the beautiful landscapes of the UK? Discover 10 of the best spas for walking holidays across the country.
Walking is often underestimated, as a fitness activity, as entertainment, and as a form of inspiration. However, this humble form of exercise is not only powerfully good for us, but also one of the easiest ways to support mental and physical wellbeing, and in the UK we have access to some of the most spectacular walking territory in the world.
Whether you're exploring the tranquil hills of the Lake District, the scenic trails of the Scottish Highlands, or the charming paths of the Cotswolds, these top spas offer the ideal blend of relaxation and wellness to complement your outdoor adventure. From soothing massages to serene spa facilities, these destinations are the ultimate way to recharge during your walking holiday in the UK.
From the South West Coast Path to the Pennine Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path to the Norfolk Coast Path, the Thames Path to the South Downs, the UK has a unique network of over 140,000 miles of public footpaths and rights of way to explore, taking you from coast to country, exploring nature, history and more.
Amongst 2025's wellness trends, walking has made its way into the list of top recommended and enjoyed activities. Spa Executive writes:
"Very Well Health reports that “millions” of people have started prioritizing daily walks to boost their physical and mental health. And that some are taking the trend to the extreme, walking 10 miles, or more, in a single day. This trend is merging with luxury travel to create a new kind of wellness experience."
From simply being a wonderful way to spend time on your own or in the company of a loved one, to the mental and physical health benefits, walking has much to recommend it. However, amongst the health benefits, a few favourites include:
One of the things that we often find is that sitting down in a sedentary job all day can really give you cold feet and hands. Lots of people suffer from poor circulation, but walking can increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. It also helps to increase cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness. UCLA Health writes:
"According to a 2013 research study, walking briskly can help your health just as much as running. When you walk regularly and at the right pace, you can get all the cardiovascular exercise you need, plus added health benefits."
Consistent walking is a wonderful way to improve muscle strength and tone. In particular, if you choose to walk in hilly terrain, you can really get a good workout from it. It’s a sustainable way of exercising and pretty low risk on the injury front. Amongst a host of benefits, from improved balance to strengthening the immune system, the Mayo Clinic says walking can strengthen your bones and muscles.
From simply wearing you out to the exposure to natural light from walking outside helping entrain a strong circadian rhythm, which promotes healthy sleep, walking can really help with sleeplessness, as well as improving memory and mental cognition, particularly as we age. The impact walking has on stress levels and anxiety can also help you to sleep better, so it’s great for all round wellbeing.
Harvard Medical School writes: "Exercise can also boost memory and thinking indirectly by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment."
The British Heart Foundation reported on a review of 17 studies by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, writing that it:
"found that walking in nature improved people’s moods, helping them to feel positive and less stressed and anxious."
The Beach Club Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel that offers exceptional modern design and an enviable location right next to the beach. Quite literally a stone's throw from the sand, the hotel is perfect for romantic spa breaks, family holidays or celebrations with friends. It is near the popular sailing town of Salcombe, and includes a stylish spa complete with marine-inspired spa therapies.
One of England's best loved walking treasures, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail at 630-miles long. An adventure around the coastline of England’s south west peninsula, it starts at Minehead in Somerset and runs along the coastline of Exmoor, North Devon and into Cornwall before going across the mouth of the River Tamar, continuing into Devon, Dorset, and finishing at Poole Harbour.
This exquisite hotel has so much to offer in the way of beauty, service and activities, however The Spa at South Lodge is a destination in its own right. Designed with sustainability in mind, the spa lets the outdoors in as much as possible, so you can expect spectacular South Downs views from many vantage points including the indoor pool and relaxation space. Outside, the luxury continues, with an infinity edge pool, natural wild pool and a hydrotherapy pool. Inside, the spa has a superb thermal suite and 14 nature-themed treatment rooms to enjoy massages, facials and body rituals.
Enjoy 100 miles of National Trail on the South Downs Way, taking in the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. See wildlife, history, fine pubs and pretty villages along the route, which starts in Winchester and ends at Eastbourne.
Full of historic charm, you’ll feel like a king or queen at this friendly, heritage hotel. Despite its period features, it provides all the modern amenities to make it an ideal venue for short breaks or memorable stays to mark a special occasion. The spa at the Manor House Hotel has a variety of treatments including tailored spa breaks for those staying over. The Manorcure Nail Bar is a luxurious and fun way to relax before a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s Lounge restaurant.
The Pennine Way is steeped in history, covering immense landscapes across its 268 miles. From the Peak District to the Scottish Borders, it's Britain's first National Trail and 'the backbone of England'.
With the Lake District as its backdrop, this hotel prides itself on offering a warm and relaxing atmosphere that follows through to its Garden Spa. Here, you’ll be treated to a menu of over 80 decadent spa therapies designed to ease you into a feeling of deep relaxation. Your experience includes the aqua thermal facilities, which involve different heat experiences and a hydrotherapy pool, as well as two outdoor hot tubs and a gorgeous spa garden area.
The famous Hadrian’s Wall Path became the UK's fifteenth National Trail in 2003, running 84 miles from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. Stretching from coast to coast, it takes you in the footsteps of Romans alongside the ancient, eponymous monument, exploring one of the most iconic areas in England.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage city centre of Edinburgh, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa is a luxurious hotel that’s perfect for romantic breaks, special occasions or simply just because. An urban resort, it offers everything you could want from a city spa break, complete with modern luxury surroundings and a full hydrotherapy suite and a rooftop hydro pool, where you can enjoy an indoor-outdoor warm water whole body experience.
Climb to the rocky summit of Arthur’s Seat as it towers over Edinburgh. This significant hill walk is well worth the hike, rewarding you with fabulous views across the city from a point of total tranquility.
A perfect girls’ treat, Imagine Spa inside the Best Western Knights Hill Hotel has the facilities and the space to ensure your group has a fun and relaxing time. Work up a sweat together in the gym, then cool down in the large swimming pool area, which includes a bubbling spa pool and poolside loungers. There’s a thermal suite to enjoy as part of your experience and a menu of gorgeous therapies plus some lovely finishing touches to add glamour to your day.
The Norfolk Coast Path offers thousands of different walking loops along its 83-mile stretch from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. It covers the North Norfolk Coast AONB, enjoying scenic views of seaside towns, tidal marshes, sandy beaches, and pine woodlands.
With leisure and relaxation at its core, Donnington Valley is an ideal getaway for a weekend or overnight stay where the emphasis is on laidback leisure. An 18-hole golf course set in rolling countryside presides, but for non-golfers, head to the health club to work up a sweat in the gym, take some time out in the pool or totally unwind in the tranquil spa. There are seven treatment rooms including a duo, where facials, massages and scrubs offer the ultimate in time out.
The Thames Path follows the UK's famous River Thames from the source in Gloucestershire to the Woolwich foot tunnel in South East London. It covers 185.2 miles of meandering walks through water meadows, unspoilt rural villages and historic towns.
A welcoming family hotel in picturesque Cirencester, Stratton House Hotel and Spa is family owned and charmingly decorated. Located close to the town, it’s surrounded by pretty gardens, giving it a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The boutique hotel includes a purpose-built spa in the grounds. With floor-to-ceiling windows it lets in lots of natural light, creating a charming space for a day of rest and relaxation.
The Cotswold Way covers 102 miles in scenic southern England, taking in idyllic views through the Cotswolds to the Roman city of Bath. Discover circular and linear trails depending on how long you wish to wander for, exploring Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes and historic battle sites.
Nestled in the heart of North Wales, the Wave Garden Spa at Ixora Hotel and Spa offers an unparalleled wellness experience, blending luxury with the breathtaking beauty of nature. The luxurious hotel sits alongside the Wave Garden Spa, offering a restorative journey with exceptional facilities, including soothing hydrotherapy pools, and welcoming foot spas amongst many other facilities.
The Wales Coast Path invites you to explore 870 miles of unspoiled coastal walking along the entire Welsh coast, heralded as the first of its kind for its unbroken path.
Oban Bay Hotel and Spa sits in the most picturesque of locations on Scotland’s west coast. With views of the mountains and the water, it's tranquil and romantic, perfect for quiet getaways. One of our favourite features is the outdoor hot tub, which one again takes advantage of those gorgeous views. Spend your days exploring the surrounding landscapes and unwind in the evenings, dining on local seafood.
Scotland's West Highland Way spans 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, and is a much-loved set of trails taking in spectacular scenery from moorlands to mountains.
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