15 Best Cambridge Spa Days (Local’s Guide)
A helpful guide to the best places for a Cambridge spa break.
Looking for a Cambridge spa day? You’re in the right place. Cambridge is one of the best destinations for a spa day in the UK. It offers charming historic streets, peaceful punting on the River Cam and plenty of places to spend a rejuvenating and relaxing day at a spa.
As a local resident of Cambridge for over 30 years and a keen spa-goer, I’m well placed to help you discover all the best spas in Cambridge. I’ll let you know my personal favourite spa in Cambridge and other high quality and highly rated options for you to pick from.
A spa break allows you to take time out, to melt away the everyday stresses and revitalize your senses. From aromatherapy steam rooms to seaweed massages, discover all the best destinations for luxury, massage and wellbeing. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of ultimate pampering in the scholarly city of Cambridge.
In a hurry? #1 Best Cambridge spa day
Gresham House Wellness at the Gonville Hotel
Tranquillity in the heart of Cambridge
Popular for special occasion celebrations, such as weddings or hen weekends, there’s loads to do in Cambridge that make it worth visiting. As well as spending a day at the spa, you can easily spend a second day in Cambridge checking out all the wonderful activities and relaxing Cambridge walks the city has to offer.
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Top 3 Picks for a Cambridge Spa Day
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Cambridge Spa Day: 15 of the Best Places to Visit
This list of the best places for a Cambridge spa day includes highly-rated spas located inside luxury hotels and some serene individual day spas. It even features a spa with its very own frost wall, at the Y Spa at the Waterfront Hotel.
1. Gresham House Wellness at the Gonville Hotel
Address: Gonville Place, Cambridge, CB1 1LY
Price range: £££
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
I love this beautiful hotel in Cambridge. It oozes luxury and relaxation. Enjoy a blissful experience at the Gresham House wellness spa at the Gonville Hotel right in the heart of Cambridge. The hotel’s sumptuous decor and focus on quality customer service have me unwinding as soon as I enter.
The Gresham House wellness spa is situated in a beautifully restored Victorian villa in a quiet corner of the hotel’s grounds, next to the garden. You are encouraged to leave the city behind and focus on looking after yourself. Treatments available include immersive massages and Germaine de Capuccini facials.
Amazing stay for a birthday treat.. lovely massage and bed was one of the most comfortable Ive ever slept in! So sad we had to leave!
– Jennifer (read more reviews)
The spa also offers treatments tailored to men, pre-natal treatments and nails, lashes and brows options. If you’re celebrating a special occasion with a Cambridge spa day, the Bride & Maids Pamper and Prosecco is for you. See the full spa menu for details.
To really add a unique touch to your Cambridge luxury hotel spa experience at the Gresham House wellness spa at the Gonville Hotel, ask for a complimentary tour around Cambridge in the hotel’s very own silver Bentley.
This hotel sure knows how to treat its guests, which all adds up to one of the best spa days in Cambridgeshire. Spa bookings need to be made separately to hotel bookings and at an additional cost. If you’re here during summer there are occasional outdoor film screenings in the grounds. I particularly loved seeing the classic movie ‘Grease’ on one of my visits.
2. Y Spa at the Waterfront Hotel
Address: Great North Road, Saint Neots, MK44 3AL
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The Y spa at the Waterfront Hotel is my personal favourite Cambridge hotel spa. However, it’s narrowly missed out on taking number 1 spot on this list as it’s located a little outside of Cambridge, in the beautiful surroundings of Wyboston lakes, in Saint Neots.
It’s a short 30 minute drive from Cambridge centre or you can take the bus (#905) to Little End Road, Saint Neots, and walk 15 minutes to the spa. The spa is situated in the Waterfront hotel.
There’s a fantastic range of experiences to indulge in at this spa. I love the outdoor hydrotherapy pool with water jets, which I enjoy getting an inbuilt neck and back massage from. The Y spa is a great choice for a Cambridge pool and spa break even on autumn and winter nights. I find the warm pool contrasts beautifully with the crisp outside temperatures.
The spa is wonderful, and the staff is highly professional and friendly.
– Macko72 (read more reviews)
After the warmth of the outdoor pool, I like to brave the frost wall room, which is as freezing cold as it sounds, one not for the faint-hearted. The relaxation room offers space to chill in and make time for some mindfulness.
If you’re in need of some full on pampering, as well as the spa facilities, you can book one of the popular body-wellness treatments, a hot stone massage or one of the huge range of facials. In fact, there are so many treatments available at the Y spa that you might find you want more than just a day at this lovely Cambridge spa.
The Waterfront Hotel, has an an 18-hole golf course, Leisure Club and outdoor water sports available. Parking is free at the hotel, adding yet another reason why the Y spa at the Waterfront is one of the most relaxing Cambridge spa breaks. There is an extra cost for using the spa which needs to be booked separately to the hotel booking.
3. Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms at the University Arms
Address: Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD
Price range: £££
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
Voted one of the top 10 hotels in the UK, outside of London by Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, the University Arms is a grand hotel right in the centre of Cambridge. This is the place to come if you’re seeking a high-end luxury hotel experience from your Cambridge spa day. It would make a great place to stay if you’re planning on spending Christmas in Cambridge, I love to sip on a warming hot chocolate in the cosy bar. It’s also a perfect choice if you’re looking for afternoon tea and a spa in Cambridge, as the University Arms offers top quality options for both.
Brilliant location, lovely staff, comfortable rooms and great spa treatments.
– Zoe (read more reviews)
At the on-site Aromatherapy Associates treatment rooms there’s a focus on using essential oils as part of the relaxation process. There’s a great range of treatment lengths, making this a really convenient spa in Cambridge if you’ve got an activity packed day. If you’re after better sleep, why not try the Relax and Sleep Body option, or if it’s pure muscle relaxation you need, you can opt for the Intensive Muscle Release massage.
The University Arms hotel has beautiful common areas, with a focus on reading influencing the decor in the lavish library bar. There’s delicious local fresh produce on offer in the hotel’s Parker’s Tavern restaurant. As the location is so central, you’ll easily be able to fit in a punting tour in Cambridge as well as enjoying a glorious spa weekend in Cambridge.
4. Varsity Hotel & Spa
Address: Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AQ
Price range: £££
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
For those who are seeking a little bit of everything from their Cambridge spa day, the 4-star Varsity Hotel & Spa is an ideal choice. Located by the river, the hotel is perfect for going on one of the iconic Cambridge punting tours. It also has a rooftop bar with wonderful views out across Cambridge, perfect for toasting to a special occasion, if you’re celebrating. In addition there’s a great hotel restaurant, Six Brasserie, and, of course, the spa.
The Spa part of the hotel was great, we had massages and used the sauna and jacuzzi.
– Tasha_m_b (read more reviews)
Spa access to the Glassworks Gym and Spa is included in the hotel price. Although this spa in Cambridge city centre is quite small, it creates an intimate and exclusive feeling and includes a hot tub, steam room and sauna. Guests can also attend exercise classes (if you really must do something so strenuous on your relaxing spa day in Cambridge).
Hotel rooms at the Varsity Hotel & Spa are named after the Cambridge colleges and complimentary bikes are available for guests to use, which is a lovely local touch as cycling is synonymous with Cambridge (I can often be found whizzing around the city on my bike). Plenty of the Cambridge colleges are within five to ten minutes walk from the hotel, as is one of the best small museums in Cambridge, the Museum of Cambridge.
5. Lensfield Hotel and Spa
Address: 53-57 Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EN
Price range: £
Stars: 3 | View on Booking.com
Located on the same road as the Polar Museum, my favourite museum in Cambridge, the Lensfield Hotel and Spa is a great option if you’re looking for good value for money as well as a relaxing Cambridge hotel spa.
The spa focuses on the contrast between hot and cold with a glacial suite, hot sauna and an ice fountain. Indulge in aroma experience showers, an aroma steam room and Finish sauna. Spa treatments include pedicures, manicures, waxing and massages and according to the spa are uniquely available to ladies. There’s also a relaxation area featuring heated loungers.
Charming and helpful staff. Accommodating us for an extra night at very short notice. Spa is wonderful (especially Inna’s excellent massage).
– Kim (read more reviews)
The hotel is in a great location, close to the museums, shops and Cambridge colleges and only 15 minutes walk from the Cambridge train station, which is ideal if you’re arriving from London or other destinations. Access to the spa carries an additional charge but use of the fitness suite is included for guests at the Lensfield Hotel and Spa.
6. David Lloyd Qi Spa
Address: Coldham’s Business Park, Norman Way, Off Coldham’s Lane, Cambridge, CB1 3LH
Price range: £
If you’re looking for one of the best spas in Cambridge for the range of treatments available then the David Lloyd Qi Spa is a great choice. The sheer number of ways to pamper yourself here is impressive. Options include:
- Body massages, including hot stones, lava shell and bamboo
- Sports massage
- Vital energy massage
- Indian head massage
- Wellbeing therapies
- Decleor facials
- Hands, feet, face and eye treatments
In addition to all of this relaxation wonderfulness, the spa also offers haircuts and aesthetics and skin medics.
Spa packages include exclusive access to nine spa experiences, such as the Himalayan salt sauna, citrus steam room, plunge pool, amethyst crystal steam room and the salt water whirlpool. The choice of how to spend you Cambridge spa day here is seemingly endless.
The David Lloyd Qi Spa isn’t part of a hotel itself, so if you’re making a spa weekend of it you’ll need to book separate accommodation in Cambridge. However, there’s a great 4-star Holiday Inn Express conveniently located right next to the spa, which makes it a perfect choice for a weekend getaway.
Really comfy beds pillows and bedding Staff were so friendly and helpful Great walk in shower.
– Bernadette (read more reviews)
The Holiday Inn Express is a modern hotel, recently built, with power showers in all rooms and breakfast included in the price. The hotel and the spa are only a ten minute walk from Cambridge’s Mill Road, full of international restaurants and home to the Cambridge Eco Mosque, which was shortlisted for the RIBA Sterling Prize for architecture in 2021.
Combining a stay at the Holiday Inn Express with a trip to the Qi Spa makes for a great value spa weekend in Cambridge.
7. Quy Mill Hotel & Spa
Address: Old Church Road, Cambridge, CB25 9AF
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The Quy Mill Hotel and Spa is located a little along the A14 from Cambridge, so it’s out of the centre but still only a short 10 minute drive away. It’s one of the best spa hotels near Cambridge.
The spa offers a wide choice of activities, including a sauna, hot tub, steam room and Jacuzzi. There’s also a large pool to while away relaxing hours in. After enjoying the blissful surroundings, there are plenty of treatments to choose from, including body treatments, massages and aromatherapy. I particularly enjoyed the serail mud chamber, a fun activity to do as part of a couples spa day in Cambridge (provided you don’t mind looking ridiculous around your significant other).
Great escape location, pretty garden and well equipped SPA. Food in the restaurant is amazing and bars run in long hours!
– Helen (read more reviews)
The hotel is set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Cambridge, which all adds to the feeling of serenity on your spa break. There’s an award-winning restaurant and bar on site and if you really feel the need to exercise, there’s also a gym. Access to the spa and health club facilities is included for guests (treatments are at an extra cost).
The Quy Mill Hotel and Spa is a great choice if you want to indulge in some luxury pampering at a reasonable price. However, if you don’t drive, the Lensfield Hotel and Spa in central Cambridge would be a better option as it’s close to public transport and in a similar price range.
8. Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa
Address: Back Ln, Great Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6BW
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa is located further out from Cambridge than some other places in this guide to the best Cambridge spa days. However, the four-star Belfry hotel is much cheaper, making it a good budget spa option. Although it’s not in the city centre it’s still only a short 15 minute drive, or 30 minute bus journey, from Cambridge.
Use of the spa facilities is included in the room price at the Cambridge Belfry and Spa. This is great news if you’re watching the budget. There’s a Jacuzzi, 12 metre pool, sauna and steam room plus a gym. Massages and treatments are available to book, for an additional price.
Nice big bedroom ,a fabulous comfy bed. Excellent spa facilities and not too busy . Excellent value for the price we paid.
– Stephen (read more reviews)
As well as all the spa relaxation on offer, the Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa also does afternoon tea so you can really make a day of it.
9. Holiday Inn Cambridge
Address: Lakeview, Bridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9PH
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
A visit to the Holiday Inn Cambridge means combining a good value modern hotel stay with a lovely spa in Cambridge. This is one of the more economical options for a Cambridge spa day on this list, which is reflected in the location, on the outskirts of Cambridge, in the village of Impington.
This really is a great option for a spa break without breaking the bank. You can be in central Cambridge within 10 minutes by car. If you’re travelling by public transport this is also a good choice as there’s a bus stop on nearby Cambridge Road, 7 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
As a guest at the Holiday Inn you’ll get access to the hotel’s leisure club, which means you can take a dip in the 15-metre swimming pool, build up a sweat in the sauna or just relax at the end of a great day in the steam room and Jacuzzi. If you’d like additional down time, you can also book one of the many beauty treatments at the health club (for a fee).
we enjoyed the swimming pool, steam and sauna room and the breakfast was lush
– Sophie (read more reviews)
The hotel is set back from the main road and is surrounded by woodland and a lake, plus there’s an outdoor terrace to take a drink in during warmer weather. After all that pampering you’ll be in need of something to eat and the nearby Histon Smokehouse on the village green offers delicious American dinner style chicken wings.
Combine a visit to the Holiday Inn Cambridge with some of Cambridge’s many free things to do and you’ll be in for a money-saving way to experience a spa hotel break in Cambridge.
10. Cambridge Country Club Spa
Address: Toft Rd, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TT
Price range: ££
For a luxury spa day in Cambridge without the expense of a hotel, look no further than the Cambridge Country Club Spa. You can book a blissful spa package from £105, including a 30 minute facial with a scalp and shoulder massage and lunch.
The spa is based at an 18-hole golf club and has all the luxury that you’d expect that to entail, including:
- Swimming pool with whirlpool
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Rainforest showers
- Himalayan salt spa
- Relaxation area
- Fully equipped gym
11. PAUS
Address: Toft Rd, Cambridge CB23 2TT
Price range: £
Take a step in to the wonderful world of Scandinavian outdoor spas with a visit to PAUS. This is a reasonably new spa on the Cambridge spa scene but has quickly made quite a name for itself.
Enjoy feeling the elements as you soak in one of the hand crafted wooden hot tubs out in the open air of this hilltop in Cambridgeshire. You can book a whole tub for your group to use and enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco, for a full on luxury experience.
As well as the hot tubs, there are Finnish dry barrel saunas, cold showers and a cold plunge pool. When you need to warm back up again, there are hot showers with beautiful Neils Yard Remedies toiletries to use. Once you’re finished with the spa, enjoy a mindful walk in the sensory barefoot walking trail and end your visit with a meal in the on-site bistro.
Spa Days Near Cambridge
If you’re happy to travel a little further outside of Cambridge for your spa day, there are some wonderful options within a 45 minute drive from the city centre.
12. The Ickworth Hotel & Apartments, Bury St Edmunds
Address: Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds, IP29 5QE
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The impressive Ickworth Hotel & Apartments are set within 1800 acres of beautiful National Trust parkland. A stay here really allows you to relax, unwind and get back to nature.
Guests can make use of the large swimming pool and enjoy cycling, walks in the Italian gardens and tennis, all within the room price. Massages and treatments from the wellness spa are available at an extra cost.
Lots of Breakfast options. Lovely setting. The best spa treatments with a lovely therapist.
– Christopher (read more reviews)
Spa treatments at the Ickworth Hotel & Apartments use Bramley and ishga products and massage options include full body massages, neck, shoulder and scalp massages and a hot poultice (using heated seaweed). Alternatively, you can enjoy a body wrap, scrub, marine back treatment or one of a range of hands and feet experiences.
The hotel has a choice of restaurants for you to continue to unwind in after your spa day. Alternatively, you could choose to sample their classic afternoon tea.
13. Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, Peterborough
Address: The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN
Price range: £
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
Nestled in 20 acres of parkland in Peterborough, Orton Hall Hotel & Spa occupies a 17th-century manor. The hotel offers rooms with original period features, some even come with with opulent 4-poster beds.
Very clean friendly hotel with great spa and pool.
– Norman (read more reviews)
Guests at Orton Hall can make use of the fully equipped spa facilities, included in the room price. Spend time unwinding in the sauna and steam room, take a dip in the indoor pool and then finish your day with one of the invigorating massages or body scrubs (at an additional cost).
14. Hunters Meet, Hatfield
Address: Chelmsford Road, Hatfield Heath, Bishops Stortford, CM22 7BQ
Price range: £
Stars: 3 | View on Booking.com
Located in the village of Hatfield, the Hunters Meet hotel offers a spa day at a reasonable price near Cambridge. The hotel features an indoor pool, gym equipment and sauna and steam room, all included in the room price.
Lovely friendly staff great spa experience will come again.
– Bill (read more reviews)
For an additional charge you can treat yourself to a range of treatments, including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage and reflexology. You can also really pamper yourself and get your nails done at the spa.
The Hunters Meet is not only close to Cambridge but is also a great location if you’re looking for a spa break near London or jetting off from nearby Stansted airport.
15. Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Address: Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD
Price range: ££
Stars: 5 | View on Booking.com
Set in an idyllic 200 acres of parkland the Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel is a fabulous choice if you’re looking for luxury spa days near Cambridge. This five-star Jacobean-style manor house prides itself on offering incredible service to its guests.
The hotel leisure centre has a beautiful indoor pool with hot tub, sauna, gym, spa bath, steam rooms and fitness classes. Spa access is included for guests of the hotel, however treatments such as Elemis facials, and massages, including aromatherapy options, are at an extra cost.
I’ve stayed at various country manor/ spa retreats over the years and this is by far one of the better ones.
– Jemma (read more reviews)
The spa hotel also has a PGA Championship golf course and an award-winning restaurant. This is the place to come to near Cambridge to really treat yourself on your spa day.
Map of Cambridge Spa Day Locations
I’ve created a map that shows all the spas listed in this guide to the best Cambridge spa days. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the name of each spa or hotel.
Cambridge Spa Day: FAQs
Can you get afternoon tea and a spa in Cambridge?
Yes, several of the hotel spas on this list also offer afternoon tea as part of their services (at an extra cost).
What do you wear to a spa day?
Most spas require swimwear, such as swimming costumes, trunks or bikinis, and will provide you with a robe on arrival. Some spas may also offer slippers but it’s a good idea to take flip flops with you, particularly if there’s a pool. Check any specific requirements with the spa before you go.
What do you do on a spa day?
Spa days are all about rest and relaxation. Try not to feel like you ‘have to’ do anything at all. Depending on the services the spa offers, you could spend time in a pool, steam room or sauna and, if you’ve booked, get a massage or other wellbeing treatment.
Cambridge Spa Day Summary
Hopefully this list of the best Cambridge spa days has put you in the mood for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Cambridge offers a pamper spa day for everyone. There are plenty of places to enjoy your ‘me-time’, from high-end golf resorts to more affordable intimate day spas. So here’s to unwinding and taking time out in such a picturesque city.
If you’d like to extend your spa weekend, check out the quintessential English village of Grantchester, an easy walk from Cambridge city centre.