WITH the kids back in school and life just that bit calmer, could it be time for an indulgent parent pamper? On a budget, of course.
While a day spent lounging by the pool sipping a glass of prosecco might sound pricey, there’s some brilliant deals out there if you know where to look – with prices starting at just £9.50 and perks including two-course meals and extra treatments.
Champneys Spa resorts across the UK have some decent deals in the autumn[/caption]
After a busy summer, parents have earned a much-needed break, so now is the time to indulge in a little ‘me time’[/caption]
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s Bognor Regis is a surprise hit with guests[/caption]
This is the season for spa deals with some gorgeous retreats offering packages with big discounts for a post-summer chill.
If you have a particular spa in mind, it’s always worth signing up to the newsletters of the spa you’d like to visit; you’ll get alerts about last minute deals, special offers, discounts and cheap off-peak slots.
Offer websites such as Groupon often have cheap spa day deals, but check out the reviews first, as it can be a mixed bag.
While the kids are at school, you can also book in for a light afternoon slot or an evening chill – which gives you access to the facilities for a fraction of the price.
This means that from less than £10 per person a day, you can book yourself a bargain and unwind in some stunning spa resorts across the UK.
Choose from a grand stately home with an outdoor pool, a cool Hackney hideaway or a truly tranquil spot in the Kent countryside, loved by celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Fern McCann.
This is our pick of the best UK spa days that you can book now for under £85 per person (prices correct at time of publishing):
Eden Spa at Down Hall in Essex for £20
This elegant stately home in Essex is set over a 110 acre estate and is a famous wedding venue as well as having two beautiful spas.
The Wet Spa is tucked away in the garden of the house and has a private, fenced area with relaxation beds, positioned under a Grand Fir tree.
Eden Spa at Down Hall is good for celebrity spotting[/caption]
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to book into the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.
Celebrities like Fern McCann and Vicky Pattison have also been spotted enjoying the facilities.
Two hours access to the Wet Spa on Monday to Thursday costs £30, or you can take advantage of a one-hour Twilight session at 6.15pm each night for only £20.
Book it: downhall.co.uk
The Netherwood Hotel in The Lake District for £15
Cheap spa deals in the Lake District are not easy to come by, which makes this even more of a bargain.
The boutique spa has a sleek thermal suite with hot and cold therapies and plunge pools, a salt room, ice fountain shower and a steam room with the uplifting scents of lemongrass, citrus, and cinnamon.
You can book into the day spa and use the thermal suite for 60 minutes for only £15 or 90 minutes for £20. Ideal if you’ve been out in the lakes boating, kayaking or hiking.
Book it: netherwood-hotel.co.uk
Netherwood Hotel & Spa is an affordable spa in the Lake District and ideal for relaxing after a hike in the hills[/caption]
Hackney Wick Community Sauna in London for £9.50
This simple spa is a not-for-profit Community Sauna,
is to make sauna and cold plunge affordable and accessible to everyone in London, even those on a lower income.
Set in a charming back garden in East London’s Hackney Wick, this micro spa feels like a hidden oasis.
There are six wood-fired saunas and a choice of trendy ice plunge pools inside old whisky barrels.
It’s fantastic value, with 90 minute sessions starting at only £12 off-peak, or if you’re an early riser, you can go to a one-hour morning drop-in for just £9.50.
Groups can also hire the 22-person sauna for the exclusive use, so why not get all the school mums together for a luxury afternoon and still have money left for a cheeky vino before school pick up?.
Book it: community-sauna.co.uk
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis for £25
If you didn’t already know, family-favourite Butlin’s at Bognor Regis has its own spa and – true to the brand – it’s great value too.
The catch here is that you already need access to the resort as an overnight guest or as a day guest (day passes start at £19 for adults and £1 for kids on selected days).
But, this boutique spa is fantastic for parents who have the opportunity to slip away for a few hours and have a much-needed pamper. Time to make the case to bring granny and grandad along with you?
A two-hour Spa Experience here starts at £25 per person and includes a Hydrospa, outdoor hot tub, sauna, relaxation pods, a crystal steam room and an outside sun terrace. You can also book individual treatments, but they are booked separately.
If you are visiting with teens, children aged 13+ -17 year olds are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for older kids to have some quality time with mum or dad, while siblings go wild in the playground.
Book it: butlins.com
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s is a way for parents to escape and unwind[/caption]
The newly opened Porchester Spa is historic and very affordable for its central London location[/caption]
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds for £39 with a two-course lunch
Deal club Travelzoo often have fantastic spa deals, so if you want to make a lovely spa visit a regular trip, it could be worth signing up to the club (membership is £30 for the year and you will have access to holiday, entertainment and transport deals too).
Right now, Travelzoo Members can save 38% at six Daniel Thwaites spas across the country.
The Simple Ritual spa package offer includes three hours of spa access and a two-course lunch to recharge. Members pay just £39 per person. It’s £63 for regular guests.
As well as the stunning Leeds location, you can access the deal at five other locations across the country, including Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, Kettering Park, Northamptonshire, the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith and Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.
Book it: travelzoo.com
Crutherland House Spa in East Kilbride, Scotland with a glass of prosecco, £25
Crutherland House & Spa is a beautiful country house in East Kilbride, surrounded by peaceful gardens. The tranquil setting is a perfect antidote to the busy city of Glasgow, which is close by.
The spa offers a full day experience, but if time and money are tight, book into the twilight spa experience in the evening for just £25 per person.
This deal is excellent value and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, ideal for mums who don’t have masses of spare time but do need a little R&R after the school holidays.
The spa has a huge pool with relaxation loungers, a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Plus, those visiting during Twilight sessions also get 20% of individual treatments (these are priced separately).
Also available at other Macdonald Properties across Scotland and also at Boatley Park in Hampshire. Book it: Crutherland House
Book it: Crutherland House
Bannatyne Health Clubs, £34.50 with a 20-minute treatment
Bannatyne Health Clubs are offering a September Spa Saver that is aimed at frazzled parents who have finally packed the kids back to school.
Until the end of October, you can book packages that involve a full day use of the club facilities, including the gym and fitness classes, swimming pools, jacuzzi baths, sauna and steam room, plus relaxation rooms in some locations.
Plus, you get a 20-minute treatment as part of the deal. Choose from a 20-minute Swedish Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage or a Tailored Facial Express.
The Spa Saver (£34.50) is on until the 30th September and the Refresh Express Spa Day is an on-going offer for £39.50.
Book it: bannatyne.co.uk
The Spa at Potters is excellent value and there are some great deals in the autumn[/caption]
Book into a spa day at Bannatyne Spa in Belfast[/caption]
Porchester Spa in London for £30
This one has been an internet hit, and for good reason.
After an £800,000 refurbishment, London’s oldest Spa, The Porchester Spa, has reopened in an iconic Grade 2* listed building, beautifully returned to its 1920s splendour.
Despite being in the centre of London, the spa offers affordable prices and excellent package deals from £30 per person.
Inside the spa, visitors you can get a look at the traditional baths and original art-deco features. The spa has two steam rooms, Turkish baths (Tepidarium, Caldarium and Laconium), a sauna, a plunge pool and relaxation lounge.
You can also book in for a range of spa treatments here too, but these are priced separately here
If you are staying all day, there is a Café on site providing hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
Top tip: Remember to bring 20p coins to use the lockers.
Book it: everyonespa.com
The Spa at Potters, Five Lakes Hertfordshire, £75 for the whole day with a 50-minute treatment and afternoon tea.
If you have a whole day to devote to some ‘me time’, the Blossom Spa Day deal with luxury holiday park, Potters, is worthy of a mention.
You can book a whole day here, using facilities such as an expansive pool and hot tub, outdoor sun terrace, relaxation rooms, sauna and steam chambers.
Even better, this deal includes a 50-minute luxury facial and afternoon tea, which is excellent value for money.
Set in a serene location, surrounded by rolling hills, this is the ideal way to spend the afternoon with friends or as a peaceful solo adventure.
Book it: thespafivelakes.com
Champneys Springs in Leicestershire for £59 with a 20-minute treatment and a glass of bubbly
Luxury spa chain Champneys are also running a choice of spa-tember deals.
The beautiful resorts, which are located in country houses and stately homes around the UK, are loved by celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and even Brad Pitt!
Full spa days here, which have stunning indoor and outdoor pools, zen-like relaxation rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, hydropools, cold plunge pools and ice fountains, start from £120 per person.
However, slip in for a bargain session but booking a Twilight Spa Evening from £59 per person, with a complimentary 20-minute treatment.
As part of the deal, you also get a welcome glass of bubbly, plus flips flops and a tote bag to take home with you.
Available at most Champney’s locations, including Eastwell Manor in Kent and Forest Mere in Hampshire, but prices do vary depending on the individual spa.
Book it: champneys.com