10 of the most beautiful spa gardens in the UK

We know that spending time in nature is good for mind, body and soul. It increases energy levels and improves our mood, which is probably why outdoor spaces are a key part of some of the UK's top spas. Here are some of the UK’s most beautiful spa gardens for health, wellbeing and a little luxury as well …

Hallmark Hotel The Menzies Welcombe, Stratford-upon-Avon

Over 150 acres of scenic grounds and landscaped spa gardens surround this beautiful historic hotel and spa. It’s ideal for a walk, cycle, jog, round of golf or game of tennis. Situated near the M40, it’s within easy walking distance of the centre of Shakespearean Stratford-upon-Avon, so you could even take in a play or add a river cruise to your stay.

Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire

Escape to the Staffordshire countryside with a spa break at stately home Hoar Cross Hall, where period style meets modern luxury. The relaxation begins as you make your way up the long drive and once there, take a stroll around the elegant formal gardens and see the exquisite Italian water garden or 30 acres of woodland. The emphasis is on calmness and tranquillity at this adult only spa which includes outdoor terraces and pools. Archery, boules, croquet, tennis and cycling are also available.

The Spa at Carden, Cheshire

On a 1,000 acre estate in Cheshire, The Spa at Carden Park is an adult-only retreat that’s a beautiful day spa destination as well as being an exceptional part of an overnight break. In addition to having its own vineyard within the estate and producing its very own Carden Park Estate Reserve sparkling wine, one of the most recent additions has been the magical spa garden. A  2,500 square metre space, it turns the new spa into an indoor/outdoor experience all year round, honouring the surrounding environment and providing a range of exquisite facilities.

Rockliffe Hall, Durham

Rockliffe Hall is celebrated for a catalogue of reasons. It’s a world-class country retreat offering five star facilities from afternoon tea, to the golf course, to the award-winning spa. Amongst its exceptional features, is a dedicated spa garden. It’s run in pre-booked sessions throughout the day, with a maximum of 16 people at a time and no one under the age of 16. Facilities include two hot pools including an infinity edge experience pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, decking and lounging areas as well as landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds.

Danesfield House Hotel, Buckinghamshire

This hotel is like a piece of confectionary amidst the Buckinghamshire landscape. A beautiful, historic hotel with a contemporary spa and leisure experience within its midst. The approach is dramatic, and if you happen to be lucky enough to visit in the snow it’s like something from a fairytale, while the summer sees you greeted by swathes of purple lavender against the white facade.

Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa, Bedfordshire

Remember Four Weddings and a Funeral? That second wedding scene? Or Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut? or Sean Connery in Never say Never Again? Well you can take a spa break where all these films were shot if you go to Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa.

Set in more than 1,000 acres of gardens, parkland, woodland and golf course, this beautiful mansion hotel and spa offers you a terrific range of ESPA treatments to help you get ready for summer and if you fancy heading out into the great outdoors you can walk, or hire a bike and explore. On second thoughts, maybe watching the pheasants from your lounger by the indoor pool may suffice?

Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall, Devon

A historic hotel with abundant history, combined with a modern spa that’s a destination in its own right, and all surrounded by Dartmoor drama. A swim-through hydrotherapy pool takes you from indoors to out, so you feel like you’re in your own private escape. Meanwhile, the historic hotel and gardens are peppered with secret archways, stone towers, and the character that hints at the rich history throughout. 

Celtic Manor, Wales

This vast and splendid hotel and spa is surrounded by acres of grounds and golf courses, amidst the Usk Valley. There’s plenty of activity to enjoy within this enormous space, from Go Ape to archery. Meanwhile, the celebrated spa, an all-singing, all-dancing health Mecca, has a range of facilities including a 20-metre pool overlooking the Rooftop Garden.

Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire

This exquisite luxury hotel has every possible element to recommend it. However, the grand 17th century property is perfectly presented within exceptional formal grounds and gardens to wander in. The gardens have been used to enhance the hotel and spa experiences at every possible turn. For example, the spa combines indoor and outdoor spaces to unwind in, and Restaurant Eighty Eight is set against an outstanding backdrop of ornamental Japanese gardens. These Japanese gardens date to 1910 when they were created for Lord and Lady Furness. It includes two ponds linked by a stream set within a ravine, and is Grade II registered for its authentic design.

Mar Hall, Scotland

A five-star grand mansion that makes you feel like royalty thanks to the grandeur of the architecture, it is also surrounded by a 240 acre woodland estate. Within the grounds resides the Garden Spa with views across the River Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills. Spend time in the 20 metre eco-pool and go on walking trails around the estate. The grounds are very much part of the spa experience!