The very best spas near Manchester

Buxton has been known for the healing properties of its waters for a fair few centuries, so it’s reasonable to say that they know what they’re doing when it comes to spas. And at just over an hour’s drive out of Manchester, it’s surprisingly easy to transport yourself to the stunning Crescent Spa. The hotel itself is an 18th century masterpiece, a vast Georgian curved building which immediately screams decadence. Inside the spa there’s a thermal pool where you can sample Buxton’s natural mineral water. There’s also a plethora of steam rooms and saunas, and a roof terrace pool for al fresco swimming. If you’re going to do a spa town, this place is one of the OGs.

Carden Park in Cheshire has its own vineyard and sculpture garden. This fact alone gives you a sense of what this place is all about – total escapism. Much of their spa is located outdoors, in that they boast the UK’s largest ‘spa garden’. But if that sounds a bit nippy, don’t worry, there are hot tubs and saunas aplenty to keep you nice and toasty. You can also enjoy treatments with thoughtful twists, like a botanical massage or radiant glow facial. Take a look at those panoramic pods, too.

Famous for its pivotal role in many historical rock n roll anecdotes, the former Free Trade Hall is now somewhere you can go for a more sedate experience. The Edwardian is a five star establishment just a stone’s throw from St. Peter’s Square (but it feels a million miles away, vibes-wise). The spa is one of the coolest around, with a sleek industrial look to mimic the city outside. That doesn’t mean they’re minimal on luxury though – you can enjoy the pool, jacuzzi and sauna as well as expert body and face treatments. And then you’re ready for a perfectly cosy night in, or to hit the town.

The Cheshire village of Hale is synonymous with footballers, social media personalities and Coronation Street actors, so it’s no surprise they have a country club. (Naysayers might point out that it’s closer to Manchester Airport than the leafy suburb, but that wouldn’t have quite the same ring to it). Arguably the main attraction is the rooftop infinity pool, where you can soak while looking out over rolling Cheshire greenery. There’s also thermal rooms and plenty of places to enjoy the view. The treatment list is also comprehensive, with everything from hydrafacials to reflexology.

Another slice of serenity in the centre, King Street Townhouse is slap bang in the middle of some of Manchester’s most luxurious bars, restaurants and shops. The exact location you’d want to be staying if you were having an extravagant city centre break. You’ll have probably seen their iconic rooftop infinity pool with views of the gothic Town Hall, but you might not know about their equally impressive Himalayan salt cave, Eucalyptus steam room and ice fountain.

Coming in comfortably under an hour’s drive from Manchester is The Manor House Hotel in Alsager, which is just north of Stoke-on-Trent. The word ‘magical’ is hugely overused in the spa world, but this place, with it’s turrets and gardens and lush decor feels genuinely fairytale. On one of their spa days or spa stays you can enjoy an array of different saunas and steam rooms as well as an indoor relaxation pool complete with suspended day beds, and the pièce de résistance of all indulgent experiences: an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar. 

A favourite of the Cheshire WAG set, you can find The Mere Golf Resort & Spa on one of the winding lanes just outside of Knutsford. A striking collection of buildings, you can find their spa in a pretty, brickbuilt outhouse. There are all the health club bits and bobs you’d expect to find, which even includes an open-air spin studio. The luxury really begins pool-side though – there’s a proper pool for swimming, and a couple of hydrotherapy ones too, plus steam rooms, saunas and cold showers aplenty. On warm days, you can sit on a sun lounger on the outdoor terrace too. Plus there’s a cosy, dimly-lit spa area for treatments like facials, massages and scrubs. We can see why it’s a popular spot.

One of the city’s most prestigious hotels, The Midland Hotel stands out even among a cluster of some of the city’s fanciest buildings, overlooking the bustle of St. Peter’s Square. And while you might know it for its celebrated restaurant, Adam Reid at The French, its spa is equally as indulgent. You can enjoy the pool and thermal suite, and wellness and beauty packages that include facials, scrubs and ‘body rituals’. Whatever you pick, this is one ritual you’ll want to repeat.

Mottram Hall is one of those spa hotels which fuses old-school glamour with modern facilities. Set among the grounds of its own 18-hole golf course between Prestbury and Alderley Edge, this is what you think of when you think ‘Cheshire set’. The spa is operated by Champneys, which if you know anything at all about spas, you’ll know that’s quite a big deal. You can pick a tailored package, like an evening escape, or one designed for couples.

Calling itself the ‘UK’s first eco spa’, Titanic is set inside a 20th century textile mill, within the rugged landscape of the Pennines. If that isn’t whimsical enough, there’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sunken hot tub, and a dedicated relaxation lounge, complete with log burners and a beanbag pit. The treatment menu is extensive, including everything from pregnancy treatments and massages to exfoliating, detox and body therapies. There’s even a mud experience, inspired by ancient Egyptian bathing.

Just north of Burnley, you can find The Woodland Spa, which has recently undergone a £16 million renovation. Making the most of its location among rolling Lancashire hills, you can enjoy a ‘thermal journey’ which winds between indoor and outdoor spaces. Move between the very cold (ice fountains and tropical rain showers) to the very warm (saunas and steam rooms), interspersed with the very relaxing (mud spas and Roman foot baths). The food options are generous too, with rooftop pizza, a tapas bar and a dedicated vegan menu too. A stunning environment in which to enjoy some R&R.