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  • UK Travel & Stays

The places you almost want to keep secret.

Lakeside saunas, peaceful cabins, unusual hotels and quiet escapes that make ordinary weekends feel completely different.

Some places are special because they are hard to find. I share enough to help you decide whether an escape is right for you, while giving full practical details through the guide or reply route shown on each feature.

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa — Chester

My stay at Grosvenor Pulford was such a lovely experience. I stayed in one of the hotel’s top rooms, which was absolutely huge, with a spacious bed and a large bathroom featuring a generous jacuzzi bath and a TV.
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South Causey Inn — County Durham

South Causey Inn completely blew me away. My suite had its own sauna, a separate living area with its own TV, a huge four-poster bed and a jacuzzi bath. I loved the characterful timber details.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester

stayed overnight at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chester. The room was well equipped, with a hairdryer, a large wardrobe and a big TV, but I found it underwhelming overall. It was on the ground floor and faced a car park.
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Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa — Chester

The hotel stay

My stay at Grosvenor Pulford was such a lovely experience. I stayed in one of the hotel’s top rooms, which was absolutely huge, with a spacious bed and a large bathroom featuring a generous jacuzzi bath and a TV.

The welcome touches made it feel especially personal. There was a hamper of treats, including biscuits, crisps and lovely chocolates, plus plenty of drinks. I even had a box of chocolates with my name on it and a welcome card. I really appreciated how much thought had gone into the details, from the welcome pack to the room’s linen and essentials.

The hotel itself was beautifully decorated to a high standard. I also loved dining at Hugo’s. It felt elegant and special, with atmospheric lighting, plants and a dreamy setting. The food was excellent quality, and the waiters were friendly. Breakfast was another highlight, with a great choice of freshly cooked options. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend the hotel.

Spa by Kasia

The spa felt spacious and relaxing, with an outdoor Japanese-inspired garden, plenty of loungers and cosy seating. Downstairs, the indoor spa had a hammam, a Moroccan-style steam room and a lovely relaxation area where you could enjoy herbal tea and truffles, along with a face and hand-mask ritual.

I enjoyed the pool, sauna and large jacuzzi. The treatment was a real highlight: the room was beautifully laid out, and my therapist was warm, attentive and made me feel completely relaxed. Overall, the spa was a lovely addition to an already wonderful hotel stay.

Spa facilities

Indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, steam room, Japanese-inspired spa garden, relaxation room and treatment rooms.

Spa packages and prices

Packages and prices vary. Check the hotel’s booking page for current options.

Address: Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DG.

Booking: Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

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South Causey Inn — County Durham

My experience

South Causey Inn completely blew me away. My suite had its own sauna, a separate living area with its own TV, a huge four-poster bed and a jacuzzi bath. I loved the characterful timber details, the skylight windows with automatic shutters, the robes and the little vanity kit. Brownies on arrival were another lovely touch.

By fr the BEST spa in the North East of England.

The Woodland Spa’s private spa suites were a dream. I loved having a private space to relax, especially as busy, noisy spaces can sometimes feel overstimulating for me. The suite had a balcony with loungers and beautiful views, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, experience showers, dressing area and private toilet. The buzzer system meant staff only came to the door when a drinks order arrived or the session was ending, so the space felt very private.

The treatment area felt calming and luxurious, with greenery and beautiful colours. My therapist was attentive and checked what massage pressure I preferred; I also enjoyed the natural products, especially the eucalyptus. The food was excellent, though the portions were very large. The inn itself had plenty of character and friendly staff.

Facilities

Woodlands Spa Private spa suites with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, experience showers, balcony loungers, dressing area and private toilet. Treatments are also available.

Packages and prices

Private spa suites and treatments are bookable; check the inn’s website for current prices and availability.

Address: South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0LS.
Booking: South Causey Inn and Woodland Spa⁠

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester

The hotel stay

I stayed overnight at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chester. The room was well equipped, with a hairdryer, a large wardrobe and a big TV, but I found it underwhelming overall. It was on the ground floor and faced a car park full of cars and vans. The window didn’t open, which made me feel a little claustrophobic, and although the bed was huge, I found it uncomfortable.

Dinner was okay, but I thought the menu was limited and rated my meal around 6 out of 10. Breakfast was a better experience: there were plenty of cooked and continental choices, and I appreciated that they made vegetarian sausages for me. On a sunny morning, it was lovely to sit with a view outside while I ate.

The stay felt like a reasonable, affordable option, but for me the spa was the real highlight.

The Club & Spa

The spa felt like excellent value. I would certainly return. When I visited, £40 bought four hours’ access. It had four thermal suites, a large sauna, a separate swimming pool and a hydrotherapy pool with mood lighting. The hydrotherapy pool had a large jacuzzi built into the area, and the roof can be opened on some days in summer, which is a lovely way to enjoy the sky while you soak.

There were plenty of places to relax, including armchairs and loungers, a dimly lit sleep room with cosy bedding, and a separate area with oversized, beanbag-style loungers. I also liked the outdoor wet area, with comfortable seating and direct access to the garden. You could order a drink and have it brought to you there, which felt like a special touch.

The treatment waiting area was comfortable, and I had a lovely massage. My therapist had decades of experience, asked how much pressure I preferred and was kind, so I felt at ease throughout. I left feeling deeply relaxed and ready for bed.

For a spa visit, I’d highly recommend it, particularly if you’re looking for good value. The hotel stay is affordable too, though my room and bed weren’t the strongest parts of the experience.

Spa facilities

Four thermal suites, hydrotherapy pool with jacuzzi, separate swimming pool, large sauna, relaxation beds and armchairs, sleep room, oversized loungers, outdoor wet area, garden access, drinks service and treatment rooms.

Spa packages and prices

I paid £40 for four hours when I visited. Prices and packages may change, so check the hotel’s website for current availability and rates.

Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester, Warrington Road, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3PD.

Booking: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester