Thermae Bath Spa

You'll find yourself slipping into warm, mineral-rich water in the middle of Bath's Georgian terraces - which is rather the whole point of Thermae Bath Spa. It's a proper modern wellness centre built right on top of the city's famous hot springs, with a rooftop pool that's genuinely special. The water rises naturally from 2,160 metres below ground at 46 degrees Celsius, and you can feel the difference the moment you step in.

There are four pools to choose from: the main spa bath, a smaller soaking pool, a sauna, and steam room. The rooftop pool is the real draw - soaking under the open sky while Bath's honey-coloured stone buildings rise up around you is exactly the kind of indulgent moment that makes a spa trip worthwhile. It's not cheap, mind you, but it's also not a tourist trap masquerading as wellness. The experience genuinely delivers.

This works brilliantly as a half-day addition to a park stay in the area. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is just over two miles away, making it an easy evening jaunt after a day exploring the countryside. The spa itself is free to walk past and admire from street level, though accessing the pools requires a paid session - typically a couple of hours. Families with older teenagers might enjoy it, though young children need supervising closely. Go on a weekday morning if you can stomach the drive - weekends get rammed with hen dos and Bath break tourists. Winter's the best season, oddly enough: there's something lovely about steaming in hot water while the rain pours down outside.