Sometimes, you just need a break. Life can be incredibly stressful, there’s no doubt about that, and the thought of bathing troubles away in natural hot springs is a great way to relax. They can also provide pain relief, are good for the skin and are believed to have some cardiovascular benefits. Although hot springs are normally associated with countries like Turkey, India, Japan or Iceland, the UK actually has a few too – you just need to know where to find them. So we’ve found some of the best hot springs in the UK for you.
The Cross Baths
The Cross Bath is open throughout the year and is located next to the more well-known Royal Baths. While the Royal Baths may have more extensive facilities, the Cross Bath provides a more intimate experience of sorts. There is a single soaking pool that up to 10 people can use at a time, and you can rent it out to make sure that you’re the only ones in there. Sessions are 90 minutes long, available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and cost £40 per person. The cost of exclusively renting out the venue, however, is £800. On a student budget, maybe not.
Address: 9-10 Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ
Spa Experience at Rainbow Leisure Centre
Epsom is known for Epsom bath salts, so you could make a guess that there would be a hot spring or two here. Spa Experience prides itself on being an affordable luxury day spa. They offer a number of different treatments that use the methods of a hot spring, including a salt body scrub or a hot stone massage. In addition to this, they offer a number of different beauty treatments that you would expect at a regular spa. The prices, while still fairly expensive, are a lot more accessible on a student’s budget.
Address: East Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BN
The New Bath Hotel in Matlock Bath
Located in Derbyshire is the small village of Matlock Dale, where you can find the New Bath Hotel and Spa. There are two 18th-century style pools, one indoor, and one outdoor, filled with thermal water. You can purchase swim passes, giving you one hour of access to the pools for just £10 per person. While it only gives you access for an hour, it is definitely the most affordable option, and you don’t have to be staying at the hotel in order to swim in their pools.
Address: New Road, Matlock Dale, DE4 3PX
Buxton Baths
About an hour’s drive from Sheffield and Manchester, you will find the small village of Buxton. It’s a village that is famous for its thermal springs, which you can access at the Buxton Crescent Health and Spa Hotel. Within the spa, you can find both a thermal pool and a biothermal sauna, with water rich in magnesium. The water is sourced from the local St Anns Well and is not chemically treated, so you get to enjoy all of the natural benefits of the water without having to worry.
Address: 4 The Square, Buxton, SK17 6AZ
So if you’re wondering whether are there are any hot springs in the UK? You can find them at these destinations across the UK. There are many health benefits that come with visiting a hot spring. Check out our guide if you want some more tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle, with ideas on how to turn those small changes into big benefits.