Spa Days & Spa Breaks in Harrogate

Five of the best spa hotels in Harrogate and North Yorkshire

If you’re seeking a spa hotel in Harrogate or the wider North Yorkshire region, here are just five we think you might like.

• The Harrogate Spa at DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa: Ideally located on the edge of the town, the Majestic certainly lives up to its name! The imposing building, which dates back to 1889, has been brought up-to-date, offering excellent facilities and a great base for a Harrogate spa getaway.
• Rudding Park Hotel & Spa: One of our exclusive luxury spas, Rudding Park enjoys a lovely countryside setting just a few miles from the centre of Harrogate. Explore the 300 acres of grounds and take advantage of the extensive facilities, which include golf courses, beauty services, and a cinema, as well as the fantastic spa.
• The Bridge Hotel & Spa: Located around 10 miles from Harrogate in the lovely market town of Wetherby, the Bridge Hotel is housed in a former 17th-century coaching inn. The restful spa boasts a great range of thermal facilities, while the great on-site dining and comfortable bedrooms make this a great choice for a relaxed Yorkshire spa getaway.
• Aldwark Manor Estate: Benefitting from a great location between Harrogate and York, Aldwark Manor is an impressive country estate that offers the chance to combine sightseeing with some spa downtime. Enjoy the lovely grounds and the superb facilities, which include a swimming pool, thermal suite and 18-hole golf course.
• Swinton Estate: Boasting a stunning location in the pretty Yorkshire Dales, the regal Swinton Estate is housed in a 17th-century castle and surrounded by 200 acres of parkland, making it the perfect backdrop to a spa escape. As well as the town of Harrogate, the hotel is well-positioned for exploring the cathedral city of Ripon.

Five treatments to enjoy at a Harrogate spa

Many of our Harrogate spa days and breaks feature the choice of one or more luxurious spa treatments. Here are a few you might like to try:

• Massage: A popular choice among spa-goers, a relaxing massage is a real indulgence. There are lots of types of spa massage available, such as the soothing back, neck and shoulders massage and the full-body massage.
• Facial: Another popular spa treatment, a tailored facial can work wonders to rejuvenate your skin and address any specific issues, such as dull or ageing skin. Some packages feature facials that use products and techniques from leading spa brands, such as ESPA.
• Manicure or Pedicure: A great choice for spa-goers who are maybe a little anxious about having a massage or facial, a luxurious spa manicure or pedicure is a lower-key treat. Some packages offer the shorter file and polish, which has fewer stages but can still give your fingers or toes some much-needed love.
• Body scrub or polish: These decadent treatments are offered with certain Harrogate spa packages. Sometimes used as a complement to a massage, the body scrub or polish employs a gentle and natural exfoliant to smooth away dead skin cells to leave your skin radiant and glowing.
• Rasul (or Rhassoul) mud: This is a great non-therapist treatment that is sometimes offered as part of a couples’ spa day. The treatment takes place in a dedicated steam room that includes plenty of nourishing, purified mud which you slather on, and a shower with which to rinse it off.

Things to see in Harrogate

So what else can you enjoy on your Harrogate spa getaway? Here are some of the area’s most popular attractions.

Valley Gardens: Harrogate is known for its beautiful floral displays and you can see some great examples at these lovely Grade II listed gardens. Extending across 17 acres, the gardens are a great place to take a picnic and enjoy a relaxing stroll.

Ripley Castle and Gardens: Around three miles from Harrogate, you can find this stunning castle, which offers tours (on a seasonal basis). The castle is set amid some lovely grounds, which include the Walled Gardens, Ripley Lake and the deer park, which is home to 1,000-year-old oak trees.

Harrogate Royal Hall: Built in 1903, this ornate Grade II listed performance hall and theatre is a true Harrogate landmark. The venue stages shows and events throughout the year, so if you’re planning a stay at a Harrogate spa hotel, you might like to see what’s playing or book one of the guided tours.

Bettys Harrogate: No visit to Harrogate would be complete without a look inside this famous tea room, which first opened in 1919. You can enjoy a cup of tea or simply browse the tempting treats available in the adjacent shop and maybe take home one of the famous Fat Rascals (large scones!).

Is Harrogate a spa town?

Harrogate is known as a spa town, where people once flocked to enjoy the healthful, sulphur-scented mineral waters. The first mineral spring was discovered in 1571, and in the 19th century, the town capitalised on the popularity of the supposed healing power of the sulphur water by building grand hotels and entertainment venues for the growing numbers of visitors.

You can learn more about Harrogate’s rich history as a spa town at the Royal Pump Room Museum in the Montpellier Quarter. Formerly a spa building, the Royal Pump Room opened in 1842 to people who wanted to socialise over a glass of sulphur water. The healing mineral waters fell out of favour in 1948, with the establishment of the National Health Service, which made healthcare widely available.

Fortunately, nowadays, visiting a Harrogate spa promises a far more pleasurable experience than drinking sulphur water!

Ready to book your next Harrogate spa day or spa break? Browse our selection of packages and book online today. You can also check out our latest spa deals for discounts and 2-for-1 offers.