Idling away time in the luxurious Rooftop Spa at Rudding Park, I realise there is nowhere else I would rather spend a staycation at, than with my husband right here; literally soaking away my troubles high above the hustle and bustle of ‘real life’ in arguably the crowning glory of this stunning hotel and spa.
Let’s face it – there’s nothing quite like a spa break for a recharge and reset. Spa’s have come a long way from the traditional pool/single jacuzzi/one steam room minimum requirements, but as our expectations have risen, Rudding Park Harrogate rises even higher. Offering a truly next-level spa staycation and giving a masterclass in just how idyllic, effortless and modern a luxury spa break can be if you pick a top notch venue.
Award-winning Rudding Park Hotel & Spa certainly ticks the ‘top notch’ box. It is home to one of the top spas in the UK (never mind just in the North), and the facilities are stunning. As well as the aforementioned rooftop spa, there are 90 gorgeous rooms, golf courses (yes, more than one), a private cinema, and the Clocktower Brasserie and Horto restaurants. Read on to find out more on the gastro delights. There’s also a comprehensive conferencing and events space.
First Impressions:
From first arriving for our one night staycation, it was immediately clear why this hotel’s reputation precedes it. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is touted as most beautiful hotel in Harrogate. As my husband and I drove through the huge estate, we could see why. From the outside the building is gorgeous – this Grade I listed Regency-style country house dates back to 1824. Now a luxury resort, it has undergone various transformations and additions over the years.
The team? Immediately attentive and throughout nothing was too much trouble. From taking our bags to our room, providing a map of the facilities and helpful advice on where to go first, dependent on our preferences, to the offer (and provision) of still water in bottles to refresh upon check out. Yes, it’s this attention to detail that sets the team here apart from their competition.
The décor throughout is immaculate. Large open fires sit amongst traditionally high ceiling rooms, filled with delightfully contemporary furnishings that twist country chic into something cool and contemporary, yet still feels solid and rooted in history. This is helped by the eye-catching modern art that is carefully placed throughout the hotel and spa.
Framed photos of illustrious celebs who have stayed at Rudding line one wall of a through corridor from accommodation to reception, but in a suitably understated fashion. We only noticed them just before leaving (and on our perhaps fourth? meander through said corridor), the notable guests featured included Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton and John Cleese. Pretty cool, it has to be said.
An honourable mention must go too, to the gorgeous lounges. The library lounge for example features bookcases galore, boldly coloured sofas and a statement hanging chair. Yes, I sat in the hanging chair in my cosy spa gown for a photo. Yes, this is a regular occurrence in this room as you can frequently see a mix of business types tapping away on laptops, and blissed out spa goers heading back to their rooms and taking the perfect opportunity for an aesthetic selfie. Which shows just how delightfully Yorkshire (aka down to earth), the vibe is here. Both is equally acceptable and just what is needed in the perfect spa break.
Rooms:
We stayed in a Spa Room. Spa Rooms can feature their own private Steam Room as ours did (how cool?!) with colour changing lights, or alternatively you may have a Sauna or Spa Bath. The private Steam Room was really unique, you do need to set it going (with a simple press of a button) half an hour before use, but it added a real fun element. Other touches which elevate the room, include a super king size bed as standard, a free-standing bath with Smart TV embedded in the bathroom wall overlooking the bath, direct access to the garden and modern, cool décor.
Rooms here are spread across two wings: Follifoot and Ribston. Classic Ribston rooms are ideal for business stays or a comfy bed for the night, their en-suites come with a shower over the bath, Follifoot rooms – like the one we stayed in – are made for longer and more relaxed stays. Lovely touches like Illy coffee machines, Molton Brown toiletries, plus a minibar with a good selection of snacks and a complimentary ‘Dotty’ wooden massager you can take home, all add to the experience.
The Spa:
Looking out from the French doors from our ground-floor Spa Room, we had a gorgeous view of the multi-level hotel spa in all its glass and stone built glory, including the spa garden. Ready to escape for a slice of R&R, we headed straight over to check out the facilities.
These featured an indoor lap pool, with cosy squashy seating pool-side, a juniper log sauna and outdoor loungers. The changing rooms are spacious, scrupulously clean and tranquil, which is something I always pay close attention to in spas. The range of hydrotherapy and thermal experiences were delightful and we loved the ‘Escape Zone’, a peaceful, serene space for guests having a treatment. Guests can also maintain their beauty routine in the Nail & Beauty Studio, plus eat, drink and shop. It was gorgeous, but it is the Roof Top Spa and Garden that is the real star and we were eager to see if it would live up to our lofty expectations. The Rooftop Spa is complimentary if you are staying in a suite or spa room, which is a fantastic benefit, but you can pay for access too. The facilities in the Rooftop Spa include a panoramic sauna, a hydro infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, steam rooms, foot spas, various ‘experience’ showers and a bar and café with basic snacks on hand.
We also opted to try the Woodland Spring Bathing Experience*. A must-try experience. If you book this you will be led out past the Rooftop Spa pool and into the enticing woodland nearby, by a Rudding Park host. Still in our robes and unsure what to expect, we were delighted to be greeted by our own private fresh water tub (one of only two such tubs). After hopping into the large, pleasantly hot tub we were served cocktails, Champagne and refreshing beers throughout the experience.
After being told by our host how to refresh the tub with more hot water (the turn of a tap), we pumped fresh water into the tub, which is rich in magnesium, calcium and sodium and taken from the Rudding Park aquifer – with no added chemicals and no chlorine. It’s the freshest, purist water and with sustainability in mind; the water is maintained at a constant temperature using excess heat from their energy centre. Bliss!
Gastro Delights:
For lunch we dined in Horto which is located in the Spa. Serving sandwiches, steaks, wagyu burgers, sea bass, salads and the like, we tried the Truffle Fries and Pesto Chicken Sandwiches which were delicious.
Dinner was at the Clocktower Brasserie, which offers classic British cuisine and seasonal specials. Top tip: request to dine in the striking conservatory; a lovely space with tables arranged around a living olive tree.
Breakfast was served in the Brasserie and features a continental buffet with hot options to order; a delicious full English breakfast, Eggs Benedict, and sweet and savoury pancakes.
Verdict:
My only disappointment was that we had to leave! One night was not long enough to fully enjoy all Rudding Park Hotel & Spa has to offer. A proud Northerner, I am delighted to have Rudding Park on my doorstep (almost) and I challenge any spa hotel in the South to rival this top notch example of traditional luxury meets modern, innovative wellness space.
If you are looking to reset your mind and body, head to Ruddling Park Hotel & Spa and let them do the rest.
Pricing:
1 night break, inc dinner allowance and spa treatment, from £224pp
Spa rooms start from £487.
*Woodland Bathing Experience is an aAdd on experience for Spa Day guests and Residents with Roof Top Spa access. Monday to Sunday: £50 per person. Duration of Experience: 60 minutes.
Recent Awards:
Best Spa Hotel – UK & Ireland, Luxury Spa Edit Awards 2025/3 AA rosettes (FIFTY TWO), AA Rosette Awards 2025/Best Spa in the North East, Good Spa Guide Awards 2024.
Find out more or book your stay at www.ruddingpark.co.uk
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Some images supplied
