A forest spa described as being the ‘height of sophistication’ has been named the best in the North East.

Middleton Lodge’s outdoor spa gives guests a chance to connect with nature.

It has been named the best in the North of England, and the North East, just over a year since it opened in June 2023, in rural North Yorkshire, near Richmond.

Featuring on The Times and Sunday Times’ list of the UK’s 50 best spas, the judges praised its “gimmick-free treatments” and its “award-winning chefs who offer Michelin Green star dining."

(Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT) The guide describes it as the “height of sophistication, ensuring a stay glides gracefully into champion territory”.

Claire Irvin, Head of Travel at the newspapers said: “According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UK is now the world’s fastest-growing wellness market, with Brits spending an average of £2,500 a year on wellbeing and fitness.

(Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT) “Our guide celebrates the impressive depth and individuality of the UK’s spa offerings—places where readers can invest in their health and relaxation, from cutting-edge wellness retreats to tranquil countryside escapes.”

At the core of Middleton Lodge’s Forest Spa is a 15m by 7m heated outdoor pool, surrounded by two authentic buildings, the pool house and the thermal spa.

(Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT)(Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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The pool house features a central log-burning stove, comfortable seating, and open brick walls offering views of the pool.  The thermal spa features a sauna with panoramic views of the estate's fields and woodland, a tadelakt steam room, an arch stone plunge pool, and a relaxation zone complete with fireplace and pool views.

(Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The North Yorkshire spa also includes a stone outdoor hot tub area with seating and six treatment huts, two of which are 'bathing huts' equipped with tin baths and woodburning stoves.

Herb House at Lime Wood Hotel in Hampshire was named the Spa of the Year for 2024 on the list.