Originally built in 1875 as a grand country manor for Robert Middleton, Eden Hall, nestled in the Nottinghamshire countryside, has lived many lives — including, oddly, as a maggot farm. Thankfully, since 2002, it’s been something far more inviting: the luxurious Eden Hall Day Spa.
Located just outside the village of Elston, Eden Hall Day Spa is surrounded by open fields, giving a sense of peaceful serenity. Its location makes it the perfect place to come and forget about the world outside the walls, even if only for a few hours. We did just that, donning flip-flops and bathrobes, prepared for some peace, pampering and a touch of luxury.
What is Eden Hall Day Spa like?
As we passed through the sliding door and into the reception, it was surprisingly busy, as many guests like us had decided to arrive just after 9 am to make the most of their spa day of revitalising relaxation. On the one hand, it was good to see that the place was so popular; on the other hand, it made finding an empty locker in the changing room much more challenging.
Once suitably attired in swimming gear and a bathrobe, we headed off to explore. Day spa entry gives access to all of the facilities, so we decided to start in the Thermal Spa Suite.
We left our flip-flops, towels and glasses in the cubby holes at the entrance — beware the backless nature of them that isn’t obvious until your phone has crashed down several levels — and headed down the steps into the semi-darkness.
Every inch of space in the Thermal Spa Suite is put to good use. Around one corner, you’ll find powerful body jets that pummel every inch of you into submission, before you step into the next alcove for a blast from the hot or cold shower jets, depending on which button you opt to push.
Alongside the standard sauna and saunarium, there’s the rose-infused steam room where the steam helps release impurities from the body while the aromatherapy scents calm the mind, the salt inhalation room, where the therapeutic salt steam aids decongestion and reinvigorates the body and mind, or, our favourite option, the herbal caldarium. In this arch-shaped room, lined with mosaic tiles, the aromas of lavender filled the hot air (around 60 degrees), creating a relaxing place to both calm the mind and purify the skin.
My next stop was the treatment rooms for the Grown Alchemist Urban De-stress Massage I’d booked in advance. The 60-minute treatment, which uses some fabulous Grown Alchemist products
, was absolute heaven. By the time the therapist had finished, I felt utterly relaxed and refreshed, and my skin felt amazing as well.
After a leisurely lunch and another circuit of the rooms and water jets in the Thermal Spa Suite, we headed to the Spa Garden, with its large and inviting outdoor hydrotherapy pool. As soon as I stepped into the wonderfully warm waters, I was glad that we hadn’t got in sooner — or we wouldn’t have experienced the rest of what the spa had to offer.
Enveloped by the comforting warmth of the torrid waters, with the sun beating down from above, we could have happily stayed there all afternoon. There were semi-submerged loungers to unwind on, and seats to perch on, all of which contained massage jets that cycled through bursts of varying intensity. All of this in the fresh air with the hubbub of gentle conversation all around — blissful.
Food and drink at Eden Hall Day Spa
There are several options to keep you satisfied, from breakfast and lunch to nibbles or afternoon tea. The Vinery has an indoor section with bistro tables, a few snug areas, and an outside terrace with views across the Spa Garden. From sandwiches and superfood salads, to pizza or simply tea and cake, there is plenty to keep rumbling tummies at bay.
If you’re making a day of it, there’s the Purity Spa Day Package, which includes a three-course meal in the Taste of Eden restaurant. There is something slightly unnerving about dining in a restaurant in a bathrobe, but apprehensions aside, lunch was fresh, tasty and plentiful. If you’re on a budget, it’s helpful to note that the Purity Spa Day Package only covers the three courses and water for the table, so everything else is chargeable.
While enjoying the serenity of the Spa Garden, drinks can be ordered using the QR codes on the tables by the loungers, so there’s no need to interrupt your relaxation for some extra hydration.
How much does it cost?
There are several different packages available, including full-day or evening access to the spa and its facilities.
The cheapest option: Twilight Spa, from £70 per person. Includes full spa access from 7 pm until 10 pm, and a light main meal at The Vinery.
Best option for a full day of access and activities: Purity Day Spa, from £129 per person. Includes full spa access, access to the wellness suite and classes from 9 am until 6 pm, and a three-course lunch.
Best overall value: Serenity Spa Day, from £199: full spa access, including the wellness suite and classes from 9 am until 6 pm, a three-course lunch, and a 60-minute treatment from the Serenity Collection.
Eden Hall Day Spa: The verdict
The aim of a visit to a spa is to leave feeling more relaxed and refreshed than when you arrived. Eden Hall Day Spa, with its quiet, rural location and beautiful house and grounds, achieves that goal.
Despite the buzzing atmosphere in the Thermal Spa Suite and the Spa Garden, it didn’t feel overly crowded. There was plenty of lounging space, both inside and outside, with clusters of seating here and there throughout the grounds. Friendly, helpful staff were always on hand to answer any queries or provide fresh towels and robes whenever needed.
Spending the day at Eden Hall Day Spa was a lovely experience from the moment we walked through the doors. It’s an ideal place to switch off, soak up the scenery, and leave the world behind for a while.
Where: Eden Hall Day Spa, Newark
How much: from £70 per person
Average Joes rating: ★★★★☆
