When looking for a spa break close to Farnborough, what should be top of your inspiration list for a day, or perhaps a few days, of entertainment?
Nestled in the northeast of Hampshire, Farnborough is best known for its aviation heritage and the world-famous Farnborough Airshow. However, beyond the roar of jet engines and historic wind tunnels lies a blend of green spaces, charming heritage sites, and elegant spa retreats. A spa break in and around Farnborough can offer the perfect balance of wellness and pampering alongside exploration of the local area, including countryside walks, and an immersion into local heritage.
Here are five top attractions around Farnborough to include on your spa break, but they're just the start. Beyond these, you might also enjoy strolling along the Cove Brook Greenway, or exploring local walks through the Hampshire–Surrey countryside, for example.
This museum stands on the historic site of the Royal Aircraft Establishment and celebrates Farnborough’s role at the forefront of aviation research and technology. Exhibits include wind tunnels, experimental aircraft, flight simulators, and engineering artefacts.
A serene Benedictine abbey founded in the 19th century, this is the resting place of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, whose crypt and tomb are in the abbey grounds. Guided tours of the church and crypt are held weekly.
If your spa break coincides with the biennial Farnborough Airshow, you’ll have front-row access to one of the most prestigious global aerospace events. The site itself also hosts exhibitions and fairs throughout the year.
For a peaceful break in nature, take a walk or picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park or in the nearby Southwood Woodland. These leafy green spaces offer gentle trails, birdlife, and a relaxing contrast to the built-up town centre.
On the western fringe of Farnborough lies the biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, Foxlease and Ancells Meadows, composed of wet meadows, ditches and ponds supporting diverse flora and fauna. It’s ideal for nature walks and quiet contemplation.
Choosing where to stay depends on how much you want to combine spa time with exploring Farnborough and beyond. For some it's simply about relaxing with a view of the surroundings, while for others it's about picking a base that offers both comfort and access to spa facilities while sitting close enough to the town’s attractions. Options range from boutique spa hotels just outside the town to more rural retreats a short drive away. Here are five of our top recommended spa hotels in or near Farnborough that you might consider:
With a real sense of grandeur from the moment you arrive, Tylney Hall is a Forbes recognised hotel in a magnificent building surrounded by beautiful grounds. From its elegant entrance to fabulous gardens, the hotel is the perfect match for a romantic sojourn. A game of golf, clay pigeon shooting, garden picnics and tennis are all on hand, but for couples wanting to relax in the ultimate luxury, indulge in some lounge time by the pool in the beautiful walled garden, then head indoors for a sumptuous spa treatment or two.
With a reputation for excellence, Pennyhill Park is a luxury spa retreat not far from Farnborough, recommended for indulgent spa days and breaks. Each individual area of the hotel is an experience in its own right, from the award-winning restaurant to sumptuous rooms and beautiful grounds. The spa is no exception; from the breadth of therapies using their own product line, to the exquisitely appointed treatment and relaxation rooms, and facilities that range from a ballroom pool with underwater music to private cabanas in the gardens.
Not far from Farnborough, Guildford Harbour Hotel & Spa is a contemporary retreat with a wealth of facilities, conveniently located in the town. They pride themselves on being sustainable and sympathetically integrated into the surrounding area, and as part of theHarbour Hotel Group, it's home to The Jetty and The Harbour Cafe and Grill for sumptuous meals. The Guildford HarSpa is an urban oasis meanwhile, with two indoor experience pools, an outdoor Champagne Pool, a stone oven sauna, aromatic crystal steam room and relaxation room, not to mention a beautiful collection of therapies.
Just across the border in Surrey, Frimley Hall offers spa and leisure facilities in beautiful grounds - perfect for a relaxing escape a short drive from Farnborough. The hotel is in a Victorian manor house, once home to wildlife artist, David Shepherd, and today offers a stylish and welcoming place to stay. The Leisure Club and Spa is a laid back place where you can work out and wind down, whether you want to spend time in the gym, pool, sauna and steam room, or focus on their collection of therapies from Elemis and isgha.
About 30 minutes from Farnborough, Foxhills Club & Resort is a perennial favourite amongst spa goers, offering luxury for all, whether you're visiting as a family, with friends, or on a romantic break. The hotel is stylish and welcoming, set within 400 acres including 18 hole Championship golf courses. There are three restaurants, including the two AA Rosette-awarded Manor Restaurant, and then there's the spa. A world of indoor and outdoor experiences, it spans everything from tennis and squash courts, outdoor running, and nature trails, to a thermal suite, diagnostic suite, holistic studio, and a spa garden with a natural swimming pool and a touch of Italian design flair.
If you like this post, here are some similar ones that you might be interested in:
As the UK drapes itself in twinkling lights and winter magic, we all start our preparations and celebrations. So, where are the best places to travel to get in the seasonal spirit?
Read full postOf all the ways to get into the festive spirit, afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings has to be one of the best of British. Here are a few magical destinations that are perfect for combining spa and those perfect little sandwiches.
Read full postAdding to the range of choices at Spabreaks.com, please join us in welcoming All Saints Resort, The Retreat at Elcot Park, Old Swan Minster Mill, Your Chester Spa, The Balmoral, bhuti at Bingham Riverhouse, Field Trip Spa at No.124 GuestHouse and Wellness Suite at Hilton Northampton.
Read full post
