United Kingdom’s Hot Springs

The United Kingdom, often associated with rolling hills and charming villages, also boasts a hidden treasure – natural hot springs. These geothermal wonders, steeped in history and folklore, offer a unique opportunity to unwind and soak in the warm embrace of the earth. Most of these are in England.

Eynsham Baths

Eynsham Baths is the UK’s newest spa experience. The grand 3,000 sq m property has neoclassical architecture inspired by the Roman villa ruins discovered close to the estate, with sculpted stone columns, pilasters, and hand-shaped bricks. Natural light abounds, providing a serene space to unwind.

Special 180 minute thermal journeys include a Frigidarium to Caldarium, Tepidarium to Hay Sauna, stimulating the body’s immune system and metabolic rate, while soothing the nervous system. The team has drawn upon the clinical research from Dr. Huberman and Dr. Søberg on thermodynamics and the proven benefits of cold water and contrast therapy – depending on your state of need, there are two circuits designed to either energise and invigorate or calm and de-stress.

Wim Hof Method Breathwork sessions at Eynsham Baths are offered by the only Level 3 Wim Hof instructor in the UK.

The Tea Lounge includes teas supporting everything from digestion to immunity, alongside light bites and more comforting choices.

You can stay nearby at one of the beautiful cottages. High Cogges Farm Holiday Cottages, a renovated granary, where you can enjoy heated floors, gardens, electric vehicle charger, and a treehouse.

Bath

Bath's hot springs have captivated visitors for millennia. The Romans, recognizing the therapeutic potential of the steaming waters, built elaborate bathhouses, transforming the site into a renowned spa town – "Aquae Sulis," meaning "waters of Sulis" (Celtic goddess of healing). These are now available at Thermae Bath Spa.

They are a member of the Green Tourism Scheme, which is the largest sustainable national grading programme in the world. A Green Tourism Award 'demonstrates commitment towards People, Place and Our Planet'. 

Stay at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel with your own spa tub, candlelit hallways, robes, a spa, which features a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, candlelit treatment rooms and fitness center.

Bath's spring water boasts a rich blend of minerals, including sodium, calcium, sulfate, and chloride.

The water contains over 42 minerals and trace elements. The most concentrated minerals contained within Bath’s Hot Springs are as follows:

Mineral Expressed as Concentration (Hetling Spring)
Sulphate mg/l 1015
Calcium mg/l 358
Chloride mg/l 340
Sodium mg/l 195
Bicarbonate mg/l 193
Magnesium mg/l 57
Silica mg/l 21
Iron mg/l 0.5

Secret Tip: Explore the Roman Baths Museum to witness the engineering marvel of the ancient bathing complex.

Enjoy a tour of Cotswolds and Stone Henge nearby.

Safety: Be mindful of potential dehydration, especially in the larger pools. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your soak.

Best Time to Go: Year-round, with spring and fall offering pleasant temperatures. Winter provides a unique experience with festive decorations, but some amenities may have limited hours.

Buxton

Nestled amidst the Peak District National Park, Buxton boasts a Victorian spa town atmosphere. Grand buildings line the streets, a testament to the town's historical significance as a popular spa destination. While in town enjoy a stay at the Ensana Buxton Crescent with a spa and wellness center with an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool and fitness center, as well as a sauna.

The spring water in Buxton is rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. Specific quantities haven't been widely documented, but these minerals are believed to offer potential benefits for arthritis, rheumatism, and respiratory problems.

Secret Tip: Visit the Buxton Crescent Heritage Centre to delve into the town's spa heritage and Victorian architecture.

Safety: The pools at The Crescent Hotel are the only ones currently accessible to the public. Be sure to check availability and book in advance.

Best Time to Go: Spring, summer, and early fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the surrounding National Park.

Matlock Bath

In 1698, warm springs were discovered and a bath house was built. John Ruskin and Lord Byron were visitors, Byron comparing it with alpine Switzerland, leading to a nickname of Little Switzerland.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Peak District, Matlock Bath offers a more secluded hot spring experience. Sadly it’s now just for the fish as the thermal springs have been turned into an aquarium!

Stay nearby at the highly rated Coach House with complementary biscuits and bottle on arrival, roll top bath, and walking distance to Matlock.

Secret Tip: Combine your visit with a scenic hike or boat ride on the River Derwent. Running throughout September and October, the Matlock Bath Illuminations are well worth a visit.  The beautiful riverside park is illuminated and filled with stalls and fairground rides, while brightly-lit and decorated rowing boats parade along the river. 

Safety: The hot springs are located on the riverbank and not commercially developed. Be cautious of uneven surfaces and strong currents.

Best Time to Go: Spring, summer, and early fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Winter may have limited accessibility due to weather conditions.

Epsom (Surrey)

Epsom, famed for its connection to the Epsom Derby horse race, also boasts a rich spa history. The town's name itself originates from "Ebb's well," referring to a natural spring discovered in the 16th century. Also famous for the original source of epsom salts you may use at home already!

Starting with Nehemiah Grew in 1695, chemists had established what gave Epsom’s water its medicinal quality, and Epsom Salts were soon cheaply available over their counters. This meant that there was no longer any need to go to the town for them, especially as the quantities of water from the two Epsom Wells were never large enough for manufacturing on any scale.

The spring water is rich in magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salts. Specific quantities haven't been widely documented, but Epsom salts are known for their potential benefits in muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Secret Tip: Explore the Epsom Playhouse, a beautiful Art Deco theater.

Safety: Unfortunately, the original Epsom spring is no longer accessible to the public. However, several spa hotels in the area offer Epsom salt baths.

Best Time to Go: Year-round, with spring and fall offering comfortable temperatures for exploring the town.

Are you traveling in other parts of Europe? Take a look at more hot springs in the United Kingdom, Poland, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Austria, Greece, Italy, and Spain.