Top 10 Hot Springs in the UK with Each Spring Details

For thousands of years, people worldwide have loved hot springs for the opportunity to bathe in mineral-rich, naturally warm waters. While many of the world's most popular hot spring destinations are in places like Iceland's Blue Lagoon or Colorado's Dunton Hot Springs, the UK has plenty of hot springs to enjoy.

From Thermae Bath Spa, Jubilee Pool Penzance, and Rudding Park Spa to Buxton Crescent Spa, here are the 10 best places to enjoy hot springs in the UK.

When Is the Best Time to Enjoy Hot Springs in the UK? 

In the UK, the best seasons for hot springs are usually autumn and winter, as the climate characteristics of these two seasons are most consistent with a comfortable hot spring experience.

Why Is Winter Suitable for Hot Springs?

In the UK, hot springs are particularly popular in winter. The average temperature in the UK is about 2-7°C in winter, which is damp and cold, and hot springs can quickly drive away the cold, especially suitable for snowy or rainy days. In addition, insufficient sunlight in winter can easily cause seasonal depression (SAD), while hot water soaking can stimulate the secretion of endorphins and improve mood.

Most importantly, winter is not the peak tourist season, and most hot spring venues are relatively low in price and less crowded, suitable for quiet rest. Many hot spring resorts will also launch winter packages with snow views, hot drinks or open-air hot springs to enhance the sense of season.

Why Is Autumn Suitable for Hot Springs?

In the UK, cool autumn is usually the ideal season for hot springs for those who want to avoid hot summers and cold winters. The temperature gradually drops in autumn, averaging about 10-15°C, and hot springs can relieve joint pain or colds caused by temperature changes.

Most hot spring areas have trees that turn red, yellow, orange and other colours, and you can enjoy picturesque autumn scenery when you soak in the hot springs, especially in hot spring resorts like the Lake District or Cotswolds. In addition, there are fewer tourists in autumn, which is quieter than in summer, and the prices of accommodation and hot spring tickets may be lower, and the experience is more private.

Top 10 Hot Springs in the UK 

Although several natural hot springs in the UK are located in museums, you can still experience hot springs in the UK and have a fulfilling holiday. Here are the top ten best hot springs in the UK:

Thermae Bath Spa

Location: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath, BA1 1SJ

Website: https://www.thermaebathspa.com/

Phone Number: +44 1225 331234

Opening Times: Daily 9 am to 9.30 pm (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day)

Bath is the granddaddy of British hot springs and has attracted health enthusiasts for thousands of years. Its water temperature is also one of the hottest, reaching 45-46°C, a full 15°C higher than the average water temperature. The Roman Baths allow you to experience ancient bathing culture, while the nearby Thermae Bath Spa will let you enjoy the warm natural spring water. It is also the only natural hot spring bath in the UK, and its thermal water is rich in minerals. Both the indoor and outdoor rooftop pools have great views of the city.

Jubilee Pool Penzance

Location: Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, TR18 4FF

Website: https://jubileepool.co.uk/

Phone Number: 01736 369224

Opening Times: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Jubilee Pool Penzance is an iconic seawater pool in Penzance, Cornwall, England, and one of the largest seawater pools in the UK. It was built in 1935, and a geothermal seawater hot spring area was added in 2017. Jubilee Pool Penzance uses Cornwall's geothermal energy to heat the seawater to 30-35°C, making it one of the few geothermal seawater pools in the UK. Its hot spring area requires separate ticketing, providing a more private experience and perfect for relaxation.

Rudding Park Spa

Location: Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1JH

Website: https://www.ruddingpark.co.uk/

Phone Number: +44 1423 871350

Opening Times: Daily 6:30 am to 10:30 pm

Rudding Park Spa is a luxury hot spring resort near Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The spa recreates Harrogate's tradition using natural spring water from the Rudding Park grounds. Here, you can enjoy a rooftop hot spring pool, sauna, steam room, ice fountain and even private hot spring suites. You can enjoy customized services between hot springs, such as massages, facials, body scrubs, etc.

Champneys Springs Spa

Location: Gallows Ln, Ashby-de-la-Zouch DE12 7HD, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.champneys.com/spa-resorts/springs.html

Phone Number: +44 343 357 0115

Opening Times: 6.30 am to 9.30 pm (Monday to Friday), 6.30 am to 9 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Champneys Springs Spa is located in Derbyshire, central England, near the beautiful Peak District National Park. It is famous for its natural hot springs, high-end spa services, and health and wellness experiences. The hot spring water is rich in minerals and provides a variety of treatment pools, steam rooms, saunas, and ice rooms.

AIRE Ancient Baths London

Location: 2-3 Robert St, WC2N 6BH, Covent Garden, London

Website: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-london#

Phone Number: +44 20 3830 4610

Opening Times: 9 am to 10 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9 am to 11 pm (Friday), 8 am to 11 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

AIRE Ancient Baths London is a high-end spa known for its retro style and luxurious experience. It is located in a historic building from the 19th century, retaining the original brick walls and vaulted design, with candlelight and soothing music, creating an immersive feeling like an ancient Roman bath. There are a variety of water temperature baths to experience, including high-temperature pools (about 40°C), warm water pools, cold water pools, buoyancy pools (salt baths) and steam rooms.

Titanic Spa

Location: Low Westwood Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5UN

Website: https://www.titanicspa.com/

Phone Number: +44 1484 843544

Opening Times: 8 am to 8 pm (Monday to Friday), 9 am to 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Titanic Spa is a well-known spa near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, known for its environmental protection concept and unique facilities. It is the first spa in the UK to operate entirely on renewable energy, using geothermal and solar energy and a rainwater recycling system. Here, you can experience saunas, steam rooms, ice rooms, rainforest showers, etc.

Buxton Crescent Spa

Location: The Crescent, SK17 6BH Buxton, United Kingdom

Website: https://ensanahotels.com/en/hotels/buxton-crescent/spa

Phone Number: 01298808951

Opening Times: 7 am to 8 pm

Buxton Crescent Spa is a famous hot spring spa in Derbyshire in the scenic Peak District National Park. Buxton Crescent is an iconic Georgian building built in the 18th century and was once a popular spa for British aristocrats. The hot spring water here comes from local natural hot springs, rich in minerals, and the water temperature remains around 28°C all year round. It offers a variety of spa facilities, including hot spring pools, steam rooms, saunas and signature treatments (such as hot stone massage, mineral mud treatments, etc.).

Turkish Baths Harrogate

Location: Turkish Baths Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2WH

Website: https://www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk/

Phone Number: 01423 556746

Opening Times: 9.30 am to 8.30 pm

Turkish Baths Harrogate is a historic and unique hot spring bathing complex in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. It is famous for its beautiful Victorian-Moorish architecture and traditional Turkish bath experience. Here, you can experience the Tepidarium, Calderarium, and modern spa facilities (steam room, sauna, etc.).

Scarlet Hotel

Location: Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, TR8 4DQ

Website: https://www.scarlethotel.co.uk/

Phone Number: 01637 861 800

Opening Times: 8 am to 8 pm

Scarlet Hotel is located near Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall, England, with magnificent sea views and natural scenery. The centrepiece of Scarlet Hotel is its open-air natural seawater pool, which uses filtered seawater and is heated at a constant temperature all year round. Its pool is integrated with the sea view, making it suitable for soaking in hot springs while enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. You can also experience the hot spring pool on the hotel terrace overlooking Mawgan Porth Bay, which is especially suitable for sunset.

Stobo Castle

Location: Stobo Castle Health Spa, Stobo, Peeblesshire, Scotland, EH45 8NY

Website: https://www.stobocastle.co.uk/

Phone Number: 01721 725 300

Opening Times: 7 am to 9.30 pm

Stobo Castle Health Spa is a luxurious country castle spa in Peeblesshire, on the Scottish Borders, offering a unique spa experience and high-end wellness services. Here, you can experience spring-fed ozone pools, essential oil-infused steam rooms and torch-lit hot tubs. You can also have the opportunity to experience massages and facials using local Scottish ingredients (such as seaweed and essential oils).  

Packing List for Enjoying Hot Springs  

In addition to the items you would usually pack in your travel bag, you will also need to pack some practical items to ensure your hot spring experience is safe and comfortable, considering the local climate and hot spring environment. Here is a list of essential items for hot springing in the UK:

Basic Items

Here are some basic items you need to bring with you to enjoy hot springing in the UK:

Swimming Suit/Swimming Trunks: Most hot springs in the UK require wearing a swimsuit or swimming trunks to avoid exposure. Men can choose boxer shorts, and women can choose comfortable and decent one-piece or two-piece swimsuits.

Swimming Cap: Some hot springs in the UK require swimming caps.

Towel: Some places will provide them, but it is more hygienic to bring your own. Bring at least two towels: one to cover your head when hot springing to prevent dizziness and another to dry your body after getting out of the water.

Bathrobe: If necessary, please bring a light bathrobe to keep warm and facilitate moving between the locker room and the hot spring.

Slippers: The hot spring area is usually slippery, so please prepare a pair of non-slip slippers.

Warm Clothing: The weather in the UK is changeable, and especially after enjoying the outdoor hot spring, you need to wear warm clothing to stay warm.

Water Cup: Hot spring soaking is easy to dehydrate; adding 150-200ml of water every 15 minutes is recommended.

Travel-Sized Shampoo and Shower Gel: Although some hot spring venues provide shampoo and shower gel, bringing your own is more environmentally friendly.

Skin Care Products: Hot spring water minerals can easily dry out the skin, so you must bring moisturizer, lip balm, etc.

Makeup Removers: If you bring makeup, please remove it before entering the hot spring.

Other Practical Items

In addition to the above basic supplies, you may also need to bring the following practical items when enjoying hot springs in the UK:

Waterproof Sealed Bags: You can put your mobile phone, room card, jewellery, electronic products, etc., in waterproof sealed bags to prevent the sulfur spring water from corroding metal or causing valuables to be lost. After the hot spring, you can also use them to pack your wet swimsuit.

Small Cash/Credit Cards: Some hot spring areas require payment for shopping or rental services, so it is more convenient to have change and credit cards.

Sunscreen Products: If you are hot springing outdoors, it is recommended to bring sunscreen and a sun hat to protect your face.

Portable Power Station: Some outdoor hot spring venues do not provide charging facilities, so you can bring a lightweight, portable power station (such as Jackery Explorer 100 Plus).

Jackery Portable Power Station for Hot Spring Trips

Jackery Portable Power Stations can be handy companions for hot spring trips in the UK. They enhance comfort and convenience and allow you to stay connected while enjoying the natural spas and surrounding areas.

Essential for navigation, communication, capturing memories, and entertainment during travel and relaxation. You won't have to worry about finding charging points, especially in more remote hot spring locations or during transit.

Capture stunning scenery and your hot spring experiences without the fear of running out of battery. Enjoy your favourite music or podcasts while relaxing outdoors (be mindful of noise levels and other visitors).      

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, perfect for any trip.

- Ideal Companion for Outing: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. While small and ultra-portable, the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus can still be a helpful companion for trips in the UK, primarily for keeping your most essential devices running.        

- Compact Size & Light Weight: Its key advantage for festivals is its compact size and lightweight, making it incredibly easy to carry in a backpack without adding significant bulk. While it cannot power larger appliances or multiple devices simultaneously for extended periods, the Explorer 100 Plus is a reliable personal power bank. It gives you independence from crowded charging stations and ensures your critical communication and light sources remain powered throughout the weekend.    

- Various Recharging Methods: MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging methods.   

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

Its key advantage for outing trips is its portability: it's lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack. While it won't run larger appliances for long, the Explorer 240 v2 provides a reliable personal power source, offering independence from potentially crowded and expensive hot spring spot charging stations. It allows you to enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about your vital devices running out of battery.     

- Smaller Power Solution: The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously. 

- Recharging Made Easy: Quickly charge your gadgets and enjoy a longer battery life. Stay charged and linked no matter where you go. You can recharge it with SolarSaga 80W for 5 hours, a wall outlet for 2 hours, and even carport recharging for 5 hours.

- Emergency Charging within One Hour: The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour through an app. It is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.   

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Tips for Enjoying Hot Springs

Hot springs in the UK are a relaxing experience, but there are some things to be aware of. Here are some practical tips for hot springs in the UK to help you get the most out of your hot spring experience.

Tip 1: Book in Advance

Hot springs in the UK usually require reservations, especially for popular places such as Bath Spa and Chester Spa. Booking weeks or months in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays.

Hot springs such as The Roman Baths adjust their opening hours according to the peak and off-peak seasons (for example, they open until 22:00 in summer). You should log in to their official website to confirm the time.

Tip 2: Time Arrangement

To have a quieter experience at hot springs, it is recommended to choose non-peak hours, such as weekday mornings. Most hot spring experiences are limited to 2-3 hours, especially in public baths.

When soaking in a hot spring, first adapt to the water temperature in a low-temperature pool, then gradually transition to a high-temperature pool. A single soak should not exceed 15 minutes, and you can rest for 5 minutes and repeat 2-3 times.

Tip 3: Water Quality Selection

Natural hot springs, such as the Roman Baths in Bath and Cheltenham Hot Springs, are rich in minerals (sulfur, calcium, magnesium, etc.), which may relieve dermatitis and joint pain. However, the sulfur smell is strong, so sensitive people should be cautious. Artificial hot springs with treated water are gentler and suitable for people with sensitive skin, but the mineral content is lower.

Tip 4: Observe Hot Spring Etiquette

No matter where you are in the hot spring, you need to observe the following etiquette:

Rinse and clean your body thoroughly before entering the pool

Remove any jewellery

Avoid making noises, splashing water, eating, drinking or taking pictures in the pool.

Clean up personal garbage

Tip 5: Replenish Water at All Times

When you relax in the hot spring, you are prone to sweating and dehydration, so you must replenish your body with plenty of water. In time, please drink warm water or electrolyte drinks to avoid chest tightness and dizziness.

Tip 6: Post-Soak Care

After soaking in a hot spring, you need to perform at least the following three care steps:

Rinse off residual minerals with clean water

Dry your hair and body in time

Apply a fragrance-free moisturizing lotion

Tip 7: Beware of Special Risks

Please consider carefully or avoid hot springs if you have the following conditions:

Carriers of acute diseases

Patients with infectious diseases

Patients with heart disease

Patients with hypertension

Female menstrual period and early (first 3 months) and late (last 3 months) pregnancy

Hot Springs in the UK FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the hot springs in the UK:

1. Are there any natural hot springs in the UK?

There are some natural hot springs in the UK, but they are probably not numerous. Some of the most famous hot springs in the UK are in Bath, Buxton, and Harrogate. For example, the natural hot springs in Bath originate from 3,000 meters underground and are rich in minerals (calcium sulfate and sodium sulfate, etc.), so the Romans built hot spring baths here in the 1st century AD (Roman Baths ruins).

2. Can you use the hot springs in Bath, UK?

Yes. Bath is one of the few places in the UK to enjoy natural hot springs, making it ideal for leisure vacations. For example, the spring waters at Thermae Bath Spa are rich in minerals and can provide a soothing experience.

3. Is bathing in hot springs healthy?

Natural hot springs are usually rich in minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate, potassium and iron. These minerals have moisturizing and healing properties, so most believe they can treat many diseases. For example, hot springs can soothe the skin, reduce stress, help blood circulation and promote metabolism. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it particularly suitable for people with psoriasis, arthritis, muscle aches and rheumatism.

4. Can I bring electronic devices to a hot spring in the UK?

Whether you can bring electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras to a hot spring in the UK depends mainly on the regulations of the specific spa. Most hot springs explicitly prohibit using electronic devices in public areas for privacy protection, safety, and relaxation. Therefore, please check the relevant regulations on the hot spring's official website in advance or contact customer service directly to confirm.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of hot springs are numerous, from nourishing the skin, relaxing the mind and body, reducing pain and inflammation, and even boosting the immune system. While hot springs can be found worldwide, some unique ones in the UK are worth exploring for all travellers. In addition to the top ten best hot springs in the UK, you can follow the best time to enjoy hot springs, checklists and tips above for a better holiday experience.