Spa Breaks in The Cotswolds: 15 Most Relaxing Hotels (2024)
Looking for the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds? This blog covers 15 of my favourite places to relax and unwind, from rural retreats to city escapes.
There’s few things more relaxing than heading off on a spa weekend. A chance to completely escape everyday life and forget your troubles.
And what better place to do it than The Cotswolds? Known for its idyllic landscapes, charming villages, and honey-stone cottages, it’s also home to some of the most luxurious and relaxing spa breaks in the UK.
On this list, I’ll cover 15 of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds, so you’re bound to find the perfect place for you.
15 best spa breaks in The Cotswolds
Here’s 15 of the very best spa breaks in The Cotswolds, with something for every budget.
1. Whatley Manor
Whatley Manor is one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds, located in the market town of Malmesbury. A tree-lined driveway leads you down to a beautiful country house, where porters will meet you to take your bags to your bedroom. It’s the ultimate luxury break, and the perfect place to relax.
There’s 2 restaurants at Whatley Manor and both are exceptional. The Dining Room, led by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, uses the finest seasonal ingredients to create innovative dishes. For a more relaxed feel, Grey’s Brasserie serves an a la carte menu that changes with the seasons.
Whatley Manor is set amongst 12 acres of gardens, and the multi-award winning Aquarius spa has an impressive indoor-outdoor pool that takes advantage of the peaceful surroundings.
There’s also a hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins, heated recliners, and salt scrub showers. For the ultimate pampering, book yourself in for a relaxing massage or facial with the skilled therapists.
2. Dormy House
Nestled amidst the picturesque Cotswold countryside just a few minutes from Broadway, Dormy House is the ultimate rural retreat. It’s part of the Farncombe Estate, an area covering over 500 acres of forests and fields, and home to 3 luxury hotels.
There’s 38 bedrooms at the hotel, including rustic farmhouse rooms, luxury suites, and rooms with private hot tubs. All of the bedrooms are designed with cosiness and comfort in mind, with “country cottage” style interiors.
The award-winning House Spa is the perfect place to unwind. Immerse yourself in the hydrotherapy pool, experience the calming benefits of the thermal suite, and treat yourself to a range of blissful treatments.
Dormy House’s restaurants are some of the best in the area. Mo is a Michelin Guide restaurant offering an interactive fine dining experience, and The Back Garden serves a locally-sourced menu using the finest ingredients.
3. Ellenborough Park
Ellenborough Park is a stunning manor house that’s been lovingly restored to create one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds.
Set amongst 90 acres of countryside, just a stones throw from Cheltenham, you’ll have the amenities of a large town whilst feeling as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The impressive spa features an outdoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a variety of treatment options.
There’s plenty of room types to choose from, some with private gardens, and some overlooking the pool. If you’re looking to treat yourself, book a Manor Suite in the main house. They have plenty of original features to compliment the modern touches, like huge bathrooms with freestanding tubs.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining too, with 2 restaurants, alfresco dining in the summer, afternoon tea and a menu solely dedicated to snacks.
4. Barnsley House
Located just a few miles from Cirencester in the charming village of Barnsley, Barnsley House is one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds.
There’s 18 beautifully designed bedrooms at Barnsley House, from more traditional 17th century rooms in the main house, to converted Stable Suites. Some rooms have views over the garden, and others have luxurious touches like freestanding baths and four poster beds.
The Potager is the hotels restaurant, where they use fresh local ingredients to create an exceptional menu. The majority of the vegetables, salads and herbs in the restaurant are from the hotels own kitchen garden, which guests are welcome to explore.
The spa at Barnsley House is designed to bring guests closer to nature and includes an outdoor hydrotherapy pool with views across the countryside.
The hotel even has its own cinema and offers midweek movie nights, which is free for all hotel guests.
5. Cowley Manor Experimental
Cowley Manor has long been one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds, and it’s about to get even better. The Experimental Group purchased it last year, a hotel brand famed for its quirky hotels across Europe. Their focus is on great food, beautiful design and approachable luxury, all of which they’ll be bringing to Cowley Manor.
So whilst it’s currently closed for renovation, rooms will be available to book from early July, and you’ll want to get in quick! The Grade II listed property boasts 31 bedrooms that combine classic features with contemporary touches. Think bold colours, fun prints, and big bathtubs.
The spa has an indoor and outdoor pool, massages and treatments, a wellness programme, steam rooms, sauna and rainfall showers.
There’s also an impressive restaurant, bar and the option of afternoon tea.
6. Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse is a members-only retreat located just outside of Great Tew, and one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds. Set across 100 acres of countryside, it’s the kind of place you visit and never want to leave.
The indoor-outdoor pool is heated year-round and open every day. It’s located in the boathouse and is made up of a 16-metre indoor pool and a 25-metre outdoor pool overlooking the lake.
The Cowshed Spa offers pretty much any treatment you can think of. As well as massages, you can get your hair cut, your nails done and you can even have a face workout.
Last year, they opened the Lazy Lake – an outdoor space nestled amongst nature consisting of an ice room, steam room, infrared sauna cabins, and four hot tubs sunken into the lake.
There’s 13 different room types at Soho Farmhouse, from the cosy Piglets perfect for 2, to The Farmhouse that sleeps larger groups. Which room you choose will depend on the size of your group and your budget, but all are equally beautiful.
7. Calcot & Spa
Calcot & Spa hotel is just a short drive from Tetbury, the second largest town in The Cotswolds. It’s set within 220 acres of countryside, and feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.
There’s 35 bedrooms, ranging from Cosy rooms to The Cottage – a suite sleeping four people with a private garden terrace, a lounge with a log burner, and a roll-top bathtub.
There’s 2 impressive restaurants too – The Hive has a more relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for daytime grazing, and The Brasserie, which serves locally sourced food from day to night.
But it’s the luxury spa where this hotel really shines, with a stunning outdoor hot tub, a 16m indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and seven treatment rooms. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
8. The Lygon Arms
In the charming village of Broadway, The Lygon Arms is packed full of history. The hotel dates back to the 1300s, when a coaching inn stood in the same spot.
Lovers of tradition will be big fans of this hotel, as the rooms feel regal in design, with dark colours, four poster beds and oak panelling on the walls.
The famous TV chef James Martin has a restaurant at The Lygon Arms, inspired by local, seasonal produce and paired with a selection of signature cocktails. There’s also a bar, an afternoon tea offering and a courtyard terrace for the summer months.
The spa boasts an impressive heated pool, with a retractable roof for warmer weather. There’s also a sauna, steam room, gym and a range of treatments available.
9. Thyme
Thyme is a family-run brand that extends far beyond the hotel. It’s home to 31 bedrooms, a cookery school, spa, restaurant, bar and a pub. The outpouring of love into every detail is evident.
The rooms range from Teeny Cosy to spacious Cottages, and each one is individually designed. The interiors are quietly luxurious, with a real homely feel.
The 19th century Ox Barn is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving up a locally sourced menu from the open kitchen. The Baa, taking inspiration from the Cotswolds wool industry, is the perfect place to grab a drink or a light snack.
The Meadow Spa at Thyme is the ultimate place to unwind. It’s a botanical spa with a spring water swimming pool and calming treatment areas.
There’s also an on-site tennis court, endless country walks and bikes you’re free to borrow during your stay.
10. The Wild Rabbit
The Wild Rabbit is one of the best gastro pubs in The Cotswolds, and getting a room reservation here (or even a table in the pub) isn’t easy. It’s part of the Daylesford estate – one of the UK’s most sustainable organic farms, the focus here is on locally-sourced and organic ingredients.
If you do manage to book one of the bedrooms here, it’ll be well worth it – they’re design-led, with rustic country interiors and neutral finishes.
Plus, the award-winning restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the Cotswolds. There’s a bar and terrace serving up snacks and a selection of more casual, classic pub dishes. The dining room is a more formal setting, boasting an open kitchen with an ever-changing menu.
Whilst the hotel itself doesn’t have a spa, you’re just a 5 minute drive from Bamford Spa at Daylesford Farm, and guests receive special rates on classes and treatments.
11. Minster Mill
Minster Mill is one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds. Locations don’t get much more charming than this, overlooking the River Windrush in the idyllic village of Minster Lovell.
The hotel sits within 65 acres, and has bikes available to rent if you’re looking to explore. There’s a variety of room sizes for every budget, but if you can, book one of the Garden Rooms. They feature their own private outdoor space that overlooks the water, and it’s so peaceful.
There’s a brilliant restaurant and bar at Minster Mill, as well as an afternoon tea offering. If you’d prefer, you can have afternoon tea in a hamper to enjoy within the grounds.
Just across the road is the hotel’s sister property, The Swan, a charming 15th century pub with log fires and plenty of original features.
The Garden Spa at Minster Mill features a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. The only downside is that hotel guests have to pay £25 to use it, which feels like a shame. If you book a treatment, use of the spa is free.
12. The Greenway
The Greenway Hotel & Spa is a luxury country house hotel and one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds. It’s near Cheltenham, famed for the Cheltenham Racecourse which plays host to a busy calendar of horse races.
The 16th century Elizabethan manor house is set amongst 8 acres of countryside and has won multiple awards for its food, comfort, service and hospitality.
There’s 21 individually designed rooms, ranging from Classic Lodge to the Manor Suite – complete with a private sitting room and stunning views over The Cotswolds.
The 2 restaurants at the hotel use local ingredients to showcase the best of the area.
The Elan Spa has a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and an outdoor hot tub. There’s also a gym, and treatment rooms.
13. The Fish
The Fish is one of my favourite hotels in The Cotswolds, located just outside the beautiful village of Broadway.
Choose from rooms, huts and treehouses spread across the grounds. The Hillside huts are perfect if you want a slice of luxury. They come with a private hot tub, and an intercom so you can order room service without having to get out. There’s a complimentary mini bar, under-floor heating, and a wood burner.
For special occasions, book Boaty McBoatface (yes, really). Complete with a roll-top bath, hot tub, and your own private lake and paddle boat, there’s no reason to leave.
The hotels seafood-inspired restaurant, Hook, uses the highest quality ingredients with options for everyone, from fresh fish to vegetarian dishes.
Although The Fish doesn’t have its own spa, it’s part of the Farncombe Estate, and guests can use the spa at Dormy House for an additional charge.
14. Foxhill Manor
Foxhill Manor is also part of The Farncombe Estate, but guests staying here get complimentary access to the Dormy House spa.
It’s a 5* hotel and the ultimate luxury break in The Cotswolds. There’s only 5 bedrooms, so it has a real intimate feel, perfect for a romantic weekend away. If you’re really looking to treat yourself, book Juniper, complete with a double free standing bath.
Foxhill Manor aims to create a relaxed and cosy feel, and the dining options are designed to give you plenty of choice.
Guests are encouraged to speak with the chef to design their own dinner based on the freshest ingredients available. You’ll also be offered complimentary drinks throughout your stay, including soft drinks, a spirits and champagne.
Staying at Foxhill Manor means you’re free to explore the 500 acres of the Farncombe Estate, with incredible views over The Cotswolds.
15. Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa
Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa is in the heart of Chipping Camden, a beautiful market town with plenty of character. And it’s one of the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds.
The award-winning hotel is located in a Grade II listed Regency town house, and 28 bedrooms. There’s a variety of room sizes, including ones with their own private hot tub.
There’s two dining spaces at the hotel, including a more relaxed bistro and The Fig – with spaces overlooking the garden or the High Street.
The hotel spa features a pool, steam room, hair salon, nail bar and 5 treatment rooms, and is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring The Cotswolds.
Talking of exploring, it’s ideally located just a short drive from some of the best villages in The Cotswolds, including Stow on the Wold, Burford and Bourton on the Water.
I hope you found this guide to the best spa breaks in The Cotswolds helpful! Have a restful time.
