Visit the UK’s natural hot springs this winter

Natural hot springs in Bath, Somerset

On a chilly winter’s day, head for the Georgian city of Bath in Somerset and soak up a piece of British history as you bathe in the UK’s most famous natural thermal springs. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this elegant city draws in millions of visitors a year to experience its naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that first soothed the Romans.

The Romans called the city Aquae Sulis, meaning “waters of Sulis”, an ancient god of healing springs, while the Anglo-Saxons referred to it as Acemannesceastre, “aching man’s city” because they too believed the springs had curative powers. So, it’s no wonder that people still flock here to seek a relaxing and restorative escape, 2,000 years later.

Roman Baths

There are three natural thermal springs in Bath which feed the original Roman Baths, now a museum: the King’s Spring, the Cross Bath, and the Hetling Spring. Constructed in around 70AD, these baths are one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, where 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water, reaching 46°C, still fills the ancient bathing site every single day. 

The interactive museum will transport you back in time: follow in the footsteps of the Romans and walk on ancient pavements, see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, and explore fascinating chambers that once housed changing rooms and tepid plunge pools. The museum visit ends with the chance to drink the spa waters.

Thermae Bath Spa

Though you can no longer swim in the waters of the Roman Baths Museum above, you can still soak in the natural spa water at the Thermae Bath Spa, just around the corner. Bubble away in the steaming, open-air rooftop pool with 360-degree city skyline views or sink your shoulders into the calming 35°C waters of the basement Minerva Bath with its invigorating whirlpool.

Just across the road (but still part of the spa) is the smaller Cross Bath, which sits in its own historic Georgian building and can be hired for private bathing sessions for the ultimate indulgence.

Cottages in Bath

Natural hot springs in Derbyshire

The only other place where you can find natural hot springs in the UK is Derbyshire. Here, there are three historic sites open to the public, two of which flaunt bathing pools.

Buxton Crescent, Buxton

In the 19th century, Buxton in the Peak District was the second most important spa town in the UK. Like Bath, the town was built by the Romans who wanted to harness the powers of its natural hot spring. Today, the warm waters can be enjoyed from Buxton Crescent Spa, one of England’s finest Georgian buildings.

The spa’s natural mineral baths are fed with water from the ancient St Ann’s Well, emerging deep from the earth at a constant temperature of 28°C. And because the spring isn’t chemically treated, the water is rich in magnesium so you can enjoy its pure benefits during a restorative dip. You can also experience a range of traditional beauty therapies and holistic treatments in between soaks and make the most of the salt cave (good for respiration), three saunas, and two steam rooms.

Cottages in Buxton

New Bath Hotel and Spa, Matlock Bath

Also found among the verdant rolling hills of Derbyshire is the picture-postcard village of Matlock Bath. Here, you can settle into the thermal waters of the New Bath Hotel and Spa’s two 18^th-century pools, one indoor, and one outdoor.

More pleasingly warm than piping hot, the natural geothermal spring feed enters the shallow end of the outdoor pool at a constant 19.8°C. Because the feed is a continuous flow, it holds a good temperature throughout the pool but due to exposure to air temperature, the main body of water varies between 15°C in the depths of winter and 23°C on a hot summer’s day.

If that’s a little too chilly for you, then you can also head indoors for the enticing offerings of their spa and feel your worries melt away as you indulge in the steamy goodness of the thermal hot tub and sauna; designed to decompress your mind and soothe your body.

Cottages in Matlock Bath

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Stoney Middleton Bath House, Hope Valley

Unlike the natural hot springs that you can bathe in above, Stoney Middleton Bath House is still awaiting development for public use. Known locally as the Roman Baths, due to the find of Roman coins discovered at the site, this historic Grade II-listed bath house has been saved from ruin with support from the Peak District National Park.

Fed by a local spring, the water runs cooler than those of Bath and Buxton, at just 18°C, and is rich in minerals, chloride, and sulphate. It is believed to have healing powers benefiting sufferers of rheumatism and is treasured by the local community. If you look inside, you will see two baths, one that was for ladies and the other that was for gentlemen.

Cottages in Stoney Middleton

Natural hot springs in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

While Harrogate cannot boast a natural hot spring like the ones found in Bath and Derbyshire, it is unique for the number and variety of its mineral springs. Around 80 to 100 natural springs are thought to run through the Yorkshire spa town, possessing different mineral compositions perfect for treating a range of medical conditions. As such, the town became a fashionable place to bathe from the late 16th century, with public bathing houses offering access to heated spring water.

Today, there are two places in Harrogate where you can sample the warm spring water for yourself, the grand Turkish Baths in the centre of town and Rudding Park Spa a few miles away. It’s one of the top things to do during a winter break in Yorkshire.

Turkish Baths Harrogate

Opulent Moorish arches, elaborately patterned glazed tiles, and vibrant arabesque painted ceilings await in Britain's most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Escape the winter cold and experience a journey of heating, cooling, and cleansing the body – promoting a sense of relaxation and a clear mind.

Along with an extensive menu of contemporary spa treatments and therapies, you can work up a sweat in the steam room, then take a dip in the plunge pool before gradually proceeding through three interconnecting hot chambers and cooling down in the relaxation room.

Rudding Park Spa

At Rudding Park Spa, you can bask in thermal experiences which use natural spring water from the grounds. The highlight is the Roof Top Spa with its hydrotherapy infinity pool, panoramic sauna, herbal bath steam room, oxygen pod and experience showers. While enjoying the pool’s warm, calming waters, you can gaze across the gardens by day or bathe beneath the stars at night.

Pair your thermal spa time with two-course meals, glasses of fizz, and pampering treatments such as facials, mud and sauna rituals, body massages, and nail and beauty treatments.

Cottages in Harrogate

Map of the UK's natural hot springs

Use this handy map to locate the natural hot springs in the UK mentioned in this guide.

Enjoy a memorable winter break

Whether you’re looking for a spa day, a wellness weekend or a longer retreat this winter, our holiday cottages offer the perfect bases for relaxation while exploring the natural hot springs of the UK. Click the button below to browse our full collection of self-catering accommodation.

Winter escapes in the UK