Nothing sounds better than soaking in a hot spring during your holiday retreat. Fortunately, the United Kingdom still has plenty of natural springs for holidaymakers. From the outskirts of London to the historical city of Bath, you’ll find plenty of spots where you can soak your toes, enjoy the history, and appreciate the sights. With these amazing destinations, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay with the ultimate access to the towns and cities’ most popular attractions. Discover all the best hot springs and spa retreats right here in the UK!
The Top UK Hot Spring Spots For Holidaymakers
Want to find the best hot spring but don’t know where to start? You’re in luck because this complete guide will take you across the most incredible spa retreats in the UK. Start your adventure with several hot springs near London such as Epsom and Royal Tunbridge Wells. If you’re looking for history and culture in addition to your swimming plans, the city of Bath is the perfect destination. From natural spring waters to open-air swimming pools, you’ll find plenty of attractions and more with these wonderful spa locations. Here are the top hot springs in the United Kingdom for your next spa retreat:
1. Bath, Avon
Bath is undeniably the best spa retreat in the United Kingdom for holidaymakers. Located in the county of Somerset, the city lies within the valley of River Avon and within minutes away from Greater London. The city was named after its Roman-built baths found at the heart of the city. Although Bath was already popular even in ancient Roman times, it rose to new heights during the Georgian era as it became a go-to holiday retreat. With its incredible architecture and rich heritage, it’s no surprise that Bath is considered one of the “Great Spa Towns in Europe.”
When visiting Bath for the first time, then you must make stops at the Roman baths and its adjacent museum. If you want to check out the city’s historical sites, Bath Abbey is right next door. Meanwhile, the Circus and Royal Crescent are only a few minutes away on foot. Both buildings are testaments of the city’s wonderfully preserved Georgian heritage. Other hotspots that you should visit are the Theatre Royal, the Museum of Bath Architecture, and the Victoria Art Gallery. From spa retreats to canal boat tours, you’ll never have a boring moment holidaying in Bath!
2. Buxton, Derbyshire
Buxton is another popular spa town, this time located in the Borough of High Peak in Derbyshire. Aside from its thermal springs, the town is also noteworthy for being the country’s highest market town at a thousand feet above sea level. Buxton also takes pride in its exquisite countryside which blends in with the region of Peak District National Park. Thanks to its semi-remote atmosphere and idyllic lifestyle, Buxton is the best town for family-friendly retreats and romantic breaks.
Holidaymakers will love exploring the spa-related attractions at the heart of Buxton. For your first stop, check out the Buxton Baths which date back to Roman times and use the town’s natural thermal spring water. Another popular spot is St. Ann’s Well, a natural warm spring found on the edges of town. If you want to dig deeper into the area’s spa background, you have to visit Poole’s Cavern, an ancient limestone cave found within the Peak District. If you’re looking for a charming town where you can unwind, then Buxton is the place to be!
3. Dorton Spa, Buckinghamshire
Dorton Spa is a hot spring containing high amounts of iron tucked in between Dorton and Brill in the county of Buckinghamshire. Unlike the other hot spring retreats on this list, Dorton Spa is not a spa town but rather a small spot in the middle of an extensive country estate. During the 18th century, the location was so popular among locals and holidaymakers that the estate’s proprietor built a dedicated pump room and baths for visitors. Unfortunately, its popularity declined throughout the years, especially after the town of Tunbridge was designated to be the next best spa retreat.
However, it doesn’t mean that Dorton Spa isn’t worth visiting. If you want to visit an ancient hot spring without worrying about the crowds, then Dorton is the best spot. You’ll easily fall in love with its surrounding countryside and be able to appreciate the quiet ambience that comes with the destination. After taking a peek at the once-famous spa retreat, you can drive back to Buckinghamshire to check out other local attractions. Some tourist hotspots worth checking out include the Chiltern Hills and Stowe Gardens!
4. Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
Droitwich Spa is an ancient spa town found in the Wychavon district in Worcestershire. The town owes its spa title to its unique geographical location. According to experts, Droitwich sits atop an enormous deposit of salt, contributing to its local economy, culture, and hot springs. It’s believed that the town’s waters contain so much salt that it rivals the waters of the Dead Sea. For this reason alone, plenty of holidaymakers make it a point to visit Droitwich for their annual retreats.
Aside from its natural hot springs, Droitwich has plenty to offer for holidaying families and friends. The town has an open-air swimming pool, Droitwich Spa Lido, which is open to the public and has all the benefits of a thermal spring. In addition to its rich history, the Lido makes the record for being one of the few remaining inland saltwater swimming pools in the country. For visiting history buffs, there’s also the Chateau Impney which doubles as a hotel and heritage site. If you want to catch a film, the Norbury Theatre is open all year round and has an annual pantomime show!
5. Epsom, Surrey
Epsom is a town found in the county of Surrey and is only a few miles away from Central London. Due to its close proximity to the country’s capital, the town was the third most popular spa retreat in the UK after Bath and Tunbridge Wells. If the name sounds familiar, it’s most likely because of the association of Epsom salts which originated from the town’s mineral waters. With its number of bathing areas, the town regularly attracted holidaymakers and notable visitors including the known philosopher and writer, John Aubrey, English traveller, Celia Fiennes, and King Charles III himself.
Although it became well-known for its hot springs, there’s more to Epsom than just its waters. It’s also the location of one of the first racecourses in the country and has hosted plenty of horseraces since the 1900s. Epsom is also surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, producing two local nature reserves named the Epsom Common and Horton Country Park. Both parklands are quite popular among nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and holidaying families with their furry friends!
6. Knaresborough, Yorkshire
Knaresborough is a spa town found along the banks of the River Nidd in North Yorkshire. Although smaller than the other spa retreats on this guide, the town is frequented by holidaymakers thanks to its quiet ambience, medieval charm, and spring wells. According to locals, plenty of hotels use the town’s mineral waters for their guests’ relaxing baths. Most of the town’s local folklore is also attributed to the area’s mineral deposits and mystical rivers.
If you’re stopping by Knaresborough, then you should check out the amazing bridge and its arches over the River Nidd. There are also several caves worth visiting such as St. Robert’s Cave and Mother Shipton’s Cave. The latter is believed to be the oldest tourist attraction in England and features a petrifying well or dropping well. This means that if you hang an object inside the well, the waters will cause it to have a stony exterior over time!
7. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Royal Tunbridge Wells is another spa town located in the county of Kent and on the outskirts of Greater London. The town is surrounded by great landscapes including East Sussex, High Weald, and the rock formations of High Rocks. With its chalybeate springs, Tunbridge drew visitors from all places and became the go-to destination for spa retreats in the 18th century. At one point during its popularity, the Pantiles was built, becoming known for its Georgian architecture. Holidaymakers can visit the tourist attraction for its rows of restaurants and shops, plus a glimpse of the original spring wells.
Despite its popularity decreasing over the years, Tunbridge is still an iconic tourist destination. Every year, daytrippers from the city visit during the summer for a quick weekend break among the town’s relaxing spots. You’re free to explore the town’s historical streets or check out the Trinity Arts Centre which was once a converted church and now stands as a museum. Tunbridge also has an annual music festival, Unfest, which takes place in May and attracts musicians from around the world!
Final Thoughts
Melt away your stress with the best hot springs and spa retreats located in the United Kingdom. If you’re looking for the ultimate destination, the city of Bath should be at the top of your list. With its heritage sites, amazing history, and tourist attractions, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable holiday during your break. Spa towns like Royal Tunbridge and Epsom are also perfect for daytrippers who need a quick break from the hustle and bustle of London. Thanks to its close access to the country’s capital, you’ll be soaking in mineral waters in no time. And if you want to venture to a more remote hot spring, Dorton Spa and Buxton are excellent choices. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire the town’s spring waters without worrying too much about the touristy crowds!