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An outdoor hot tub, a Finnish sauna, and a revitalising steam room are just some of the treats on offer in a remarkably affordable Lake District spa.
For just £35, The Swan Hotel in Cumbria runs ‘twilight sessions’ in its thermal spa. They last two hours and include a glass of fizz, or what the hotel calls ‘a posh soft drink’.
The catch? These bargain sessions are from 6pm to 8pm on Mondays to Thursdays, but still — that could be perfect for some Twixmas R&R.
And, if you’re open to spending more for a staycation, hotel guests can use the spa at any time. Standard rooms start from £145 per night.
Freelance travel editor Emma Cooke, who runs the popular budget travel account Petite Blondine, ‘highly recommended’ The Swan for a weekend break in 2023.
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Since then, it’s become something of a cult favourite.
The spa got a shout-out on the TikTok travel account Find Your Resort, and on TripAdvisor, guests give it excellent reviews, with one woman calling it the best way to end a weekend.
Set in a textbook riverside location, complete with a stone-arched bridge and a grassy terrace, this quaint, white-washed hotel started life as an 18th-century coach inn.
Many check in with the intention of going nowhere.
As well as the spa and its curated menu of Temple Spa treatments, there is a leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym and a second sauna, a lounge that serves afternoon tea, and an adventure playground for kids.
It is close to the southern end of Lake Windermere and on a direct route from the M6, 15 minutes’ away.
By train, the best way to get there is to go from London Euston to Oxenholme (2.5 hours direct; return fares from £114 on Trainline).
You can then get a cab or bus to the hotel.
There are no attractions in Newby Bridge, but a five-minute drive brings you to a landing dock for Windermere’s cruise boats, which can take you to popular Bowness and Ambleside.
Close by are family attractions, such as the Lakes Aquarium and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam railway.
Affordable wellness experiences have become increasingly popular due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Demand has risen for budget-friendly spa treatments, day passes, and DIY wellness.
The latest Spa Seekers report also highlighted rising interest in digital detox experiences, as more look to disconnect from technology and disengage from social media.
Tara Moore, head of spa operations at the Galgorm resort near Ballymena said: ‘One of the biggest emerging themes we are seeing is the desire for a digital detox. More guests are looking for quiet corners to read a book, catch up with loved ones, or even enjoy some peaceful solitude.’
Earlier this year, we wrote about a cheap and cheerful spa in a warehouse in Liverpool, and it remains one of our most-read stories of the past 12 months.
Tucked away in the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, Maya Blue Wellness gives guests use of its steam rooms, thermal pools, saunas, and even foot baths for just £30.
The Titanic Hotel itself started life as the North Warehouse, back in 1846. After the 14-storey building was vacated, it was left derelict for 30 years – until the hotel and spa opened in 2014.
Entry for non-residents costs just £30 per person, and just £20 for overnight guests. But you need to be organised.
The spa is only open to the public between Tuesday and Thursday. It’s subject to availability and by appointment, so you’ll need to get in there sharpish.
Best UK staycations for 2026
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