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The Best Spa Breaks Near London for a Relaxing Getaway

Published on April 29, 2025 | By Elene Riordan | Last updated on September 4, 2025

Sometimes when I visit my daughter in London, I crave a little escape from the city—a place with fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and a good spa treatment (massage included, of course!). Luckily, there are some wonderful spa breaks near London that make it easy to relax and recharge without having to travel far.

From historic country houses with luxury spas to modern wellness retreats surrounded by nature, these spa hotels are perfect for a weekend getaway. You can reach them easily by train from London, and once you’re there, you’ll find beautiful grounds, excellent service, and indulgent treatments.

In this guide, I’ll share my favourite spa hotels near London—starting with Cliveden House in Berkshire and Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire—and I’ll keep updating this list as I discover new favourites.


Spa Break at Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

How to Get to Cliveden House from London

  • By train: Take the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Maidenhead (38 minutes). Alternatively, GWR runs a faster service (22 minutes), but it’s pricier. Honestly, the Elizabeth Line feels posh enough!
  • From Maidenhead: Grab a taxi or Uber (14 minutes).
  • Skip the bus: It involves a 40-minute walk from Ferry Lane—not worth it.

Why Cliveden House is Special

Cliveden House Hotel is pure indulgence and my favourite spa break so far. The service is impeccable—you’re welcomed with small personal touches like a name card on your door and even a complimentary beauty product.

We stayed one night in the main building, with a gorgeous view of the estate grounds. The spa is stunning, with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and treatment rooms. We booked a facial and massage, and had the spa nearly to ourselves.

Dinner was a dressed-up affair, beautifully prepared and served in style. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we explored the National Trust gardens and woodlands overlooking the Thames before finishing our stay with a private High Tea arranged by the thoughtful staff.

Taplow, Berkshire SL6 0JF, United Kingdom


Spa Break at Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire

How to Get to Luton Hoo from London

  • By train: From St Pancras International, take Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway (31 minutes) or EMR Corby (22 minutes).
  • From the station: Just a 9-minute taxi or Uber to the hotel.

Why Stay at Luton Hoo

Another peaceful escape just outside London, Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa combines history, luxury, and natural beauty. We enjoyed massages at the country club spa and stayed in a spacious room within the grand 18th-century Mansion House.

The hotel grounds are vast—over 1,000 acres spanning Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire—complete with flower gardens, a rock garden, and a lake. Dining is equally special at the award-winning Wernher Restaurant inside the Mansion House.

The Mansion House, Luton LU1 3TQ, United Kingdom

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best spa breaks near London, Cliveden House and Luton Hoo are both wonderful choices for a weekend getaway. Whether you want indulgent treatments, fine dining, or simply time in beautiful gardens, both escapes deliver luxury, peace, and charm—just a short train ride from the city.

Written by Elene Riordan

Welcome to Travelling Cooks! I’m Elene, a 50-ish-year-old British-Belgian woman living in Brussels, surrounded by my beautiful friends and family. This blog is a celebration of my three great passions—travel, restaurants, and cooking. Enjoy!

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