The best thermal spas in England

England is known for its historic spa towns, but natural thermal water suitable for bathing is found only in Bath. Several other towns, such as Buxton, Harrogate and Cheltenham, grew rich on mineral springs in the 18th-19th centuries and today offer spa hotels and historic baths.

Below are the best thermal spas and spa destinations in England for relaxation and wellness.

Thermal spas in England at a glance

Resort	Region	Known for
Bath	Somerset	natural thermal water, Roman Baths
Buxton	Derbyshire	mineral springs, Buxton Crescent
Harrogate	Yorkshire	Victorian Turkish Baths
Cheltenham	Cotswolds	historic spa town, day spas

1. Thermae Bath Spa, Bath

The only spa in Great Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal water. The Romans used Bath's springs, and the highlight is the open-air rooftop pool with views of the old city. Next door are the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient complexes in Europe.

2. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath

A five-star hotel in central Bath with its own spa, whose pools are filled with natural thermal water from the local springs. Guests can combine bathing with massages and treatments.

3. Buxton, Derbyshire

A historic spa town in the Peak District National Park with mineral springs known since Roman times. The restored Buxton Crescent now operates as a hotel with a spa using the local mineral water.

4. Harrogate, Yorkshire

A Victorian resort town once famous for its sulphur and iron springs. It is home to the historic Turkish Baths from the late 19th century, among the best-preserved in the country.

5. Spa hotels in the Cotswolds and Cornwall

If you are after a relaxing spa break rather than thermal springs, country hotels are ideal. Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds offers a pool and spa amid rural scenery, and The Scarlet in Cornwall a spa with Atlantic views. Cheltenham, the classic Cotswolds spa town, is also known for its day spas.