Best Spa Weekends in the UK: Where to Relax, Recharge and Reconnect

Buxton: A Timeless Spa Destination in the Peak District

Tucked away in the Peak District National Park, Buxton has drawn visitors to its thermal springs since Roman times. Our town's rich spa heritage continues today through two distinctive hotels that honor historical architecture while embracing contemporary comfort standards. The expansive spa center at Ensana Buxton Crescent welcomes guests from both this property and our nearby Ensana Old Hall.

Ensana Buxton Crescent

Housed in an 18th-century Georgian crescent that underwent painstaking restoration, this luxury hotel strikes a delicate balance between preserving historical elegance and offering modern wellness facilities. The aquatic area features three contrasting pool experiences:

• a rooftop pool with sweeping views across Buxton,
• a spacious indoor swimming area,
• a therapeutic thermal pool drawing on the town's natural mineral waters. 

Thoughtful lighting design and careful preservation of original architectural details create an atmosphere that feels both authentic and indulgent.

Our Victorian-inspired wellness center doesn't just impress visually—it delivers results through a carefully developed treatment menu. Options range from targeted massage techniques addressing specific physical concerns to holistic therapies designed to restore balance between body and mind after periods of stress or overwork.

Ensana Old Hall

Dating back to 1573 and connected to Mary, Queen of Scots, Old Hall stands among England's oldest hotels. The intimate setting and peaceful atmosphere make it particularly suited for guests seeking genuine tranquility. While maintaining its historical character, the property offers contemporary comforts and grants full access to the extensive wellness facilities at Buxton Crescent just a short walk away.

Both hotels provide easy access to Buxton's cultural highlights—the beautiful Pavilion Gardens with seasonal planting displays, the renowned Buxton Opera House hosting year-round performances, and numerous walking routes of varying difficulty levels. Guests often split their time between spa relaxation and local exploration, perhaps concluding their evening with a performance at the magnificent Edwardian theater.

Bath: Elegant Georgian Architecture and Therapeutic Thermal Springs

Bath earned its UNESCO World Heritage status through a rare combination of architectural harmony and living thermal bathing tradition. Thermae Bath Spa lets visitors experience the city's naturally warm mineral waters while gazing across rooftops at Georgian limestone buildings. The facility complements its distinctive bathing experience with aromatic steam rooms, varied sauna temperatures, and treatments drawing inspiration from the city's 2,000-year wellness heritage.

The seamless blend of historical surroundings, thermal waters, and refined atmosphere makes Bath especially suitable for couples seeking a romantic weekend away from ordinary routines.

Harrogate: An Elegant Spa Town in Yorkshire

Victorian-era travelers flocked to Harrogate for its authentic Turkish baths and diverse wellness offerings, establishing a tradition that continues today. The town combines boutique accommodation, sophisticated dining and tearooms, and expansive public gardens—creating an environment that naturally encourages relaxation.

Visitors seeking luxurious short breaks particularly appreciate Harrogate's walkable scale and unhurried pace. Between wellness sessions and garden strolls, the ritual of afternoon tea at one of the town's established tearooms offers a distinctly British pleasure that complements the overall restful experience.

Edinburgh: Spa Luxury in Scotland's Historic Capital

Edinburgh stands apart by offering exceptional wellness facilities within a city of extraordinary cultural richness. Spa hotels throughout the city provide relaxing sanctuaries after days spent exploring Scotland's capital, with some offering treatment rooms featuring views toward Edinburgh Castle or across the historic Old Town.

After immersing yourself in the city's royal history, literary connections, and architectural contrasts, Edinburgh's wellness centers provide welcome respite. Many facilities thoughtfully incorporate Scottish elements—from locally sourced botanical ingredients to treatment rituals inspired by Highland traditions.

Why Ensana Buxton Is Your Best Choice

While each destination holds unique appeal, Buxton offers a rare combination of natural setting, historical significance, and specialized wellness expertise. Our Ensana properties—Buxton Crescent and Old Hall—stand as the area's premier choices for weekend relaxation breaks.

Both hotels utilize thermal mineral waters with documented therapeutic properties rather than simply heated tap water. This natural resource forms the foundation of our wellness approach, supported by generations of local knowledge and contemporary medical understanding.

Buxton Crescent makes an immediate impression through its crescent-shaped Georgian façade and thoughtfully designed wellness areas with distinct Roman influences. Old Hall, meanwhile, appeals to guests who appreciate intimate scale and the authentic character that only centuries of history can create.

The town's location within the Peak District National Park allows guests to easily complement indoor wellness with outdoor activities—whether gentle walks through limestone valleys or more challenging hikes across moorland landscapes. The year-round calendar of performances at Buxton Opera House and seasonal events in Pavilion Gardens means there's always something to discover beyond our spa facilities.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, seeking peaceful solitude, or combining active exploration with restorative treatments, Buxton delivers memorable experiences across all seasons. The natural beauty of our surroundings, the quality of our thermal waters, and our commitment to authentic wellbeing create a foundation for truly effective relaxation.