“Glorious” gardens, hydrotherapy pools, rooms with sea views and facials to “restore your glow” are just some of the elements that make three spa hotels in County Durham among the UK’s very best, according to The Times.

Commenting on one of their latest best-named spa guides, the publisher said: “There’s one thing you can never rely on the in the UK: the weather.

“Box clever for your staycation and choose a hotel with a brilliant spa. If it’s sunny, you can bag a cabana and a massage by the infinity pool and if clouds gather you can retreat to the sauna to warm up.

“From treatment rooms on boats to those on rooftops and from sunrise beach yoga to meditative forest bathing walks at dusk, we’ve found the best UK spa hotels that offer everything you can get abroad — just without the jet lag.”

You can see all 30 of them here.

Rockliffe Hall

Location: Hurworth Road, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2DU

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from 3,771 reviews

“Massages, manicures, body wraps and scrubs are all on offer in this plush Victorian mansion outside Darlington,” The Times revealed.

“There’s plenty of space around its light-filled 20m indoor pool and 11m hydrotherapy pool, as well as a glorious spa garden with heated loungers and an outdoor pool from which you can survey the hotel’s 365 acres of grounds down to the River Tees in the distance.”

If you’re looking for even more ways to be at one with nature, there’s also forest bathing walks and meditation sessions.

The Times added: “You can choose to dine inside or outside at the nutrition-focused Nu Sana and stock on Neom favourites at the boutique (look out for the new spearmint-scented natural Super Shower Power range).

“Stay overnight and you’ll enjoy special touches such as baths with TVs, stained glass windows and the wonderful Orangery restaurant.”

Seaham Hall

Location: Lord Byrons Walk, Seaham, SR7 7AG

Tripadvisor rating: 5/5 from 2,458 reviews

Seaham Hall is only a short walk (approximately five minutes) from tranquil sounds of the sea.

“That feeling of peace continues in the Asian-inspired spa where you can slip into outdoor hot tubs and watch the sun turn tangerine at dusk,” continued The Times.

“Experienced hands knead away any knots in one of 17 treatment rooms and restore your glow with facials and products by Scottish seaweed-infused brand Ishga.

“There are plenty of sauna and steam rooms to dart between; perfect for warming up in after you get blood pumping in the cold plunge pools.”

The publisher shared: “Make a stay of it and you’ll be well looked after in the hall’s clutch of spacious rooms and suites, the best of which come with sea views and private hot tubs.”

Recommended reading:

Ramside Hall Hotel

Location: Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 from 3,986 reviews

If you’re concerned about overcrowded spa pools at Ramside Hall Hotel, there are five to make the most of at this privately owned location (including one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the UK).

The Times said: “Treatments use high-end products including Elemis or Natura Bissé and there’s a chance to relax post-massage in the snooze-inducing relaxation zone which comes with soundwave therapy beds and cosy sleep pods.

“The real sense of relaxation comes if you plump for one of Ramside’s glorious A-frame treehouses each of which has a private Jacuzzi, shepherd’s hut-style sauna and sweeping views over the golf course.”