There’s a Spa With a Natural Swimming Pond on the Edge of the North York Moors
Fancy a weekend that’s part spa day, part countryside escape? Here’s what a stay at this luxury spa actually involves, from the lodges to the treatments.
Where is it?
Yorkshire Spa Retreat is a getaway nestled on the edge of the North York Moors, just a short drive from Helmsley. Whether you’re after a spa day with luxurious treatments, a full weekend away, or simply dinner with a view, it’s built to cover all three – combining luxury lodge stays with a full spa and an on-site restaurant.
What to expect
The lodges. Our lodge had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large open-plan living area, and two outdoor seating areas – plus its own outdoor cooking space, and the option of a private hot tub.
The spa. The facilities include an outdoor natural swimming pond, a Himalayan salt sauna, a herbal steam room, an aroma sauna, a relaxation dome, and an open-air hydrotherapy pool, all set among the surrounding countryside. There’s also a full menu of treatments covering facials, massages, and body treatments.
The food. The Dome restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch, and evening menus. On our first evening we tried the Dome Chicken ‘Parmo’, a Caesar Salad, and a pizza from their Friday Pizza Night menu, alongside a solid cocktail list.
We stayed in one of the lodges for a weekend in May. When staying in the lodges, you’re eligible for discounted access to the spa for 3 hours. I also had the Yorkshire Wellbeing Massage – a 50-minute treatment I’d definitely recommend. We left feeling properly reset!
Tip: You can order drinks and snacks straight to your sun lounger at the spa, so there’s no need to get up mid-relax.
Enjoying this hidden gem?
Sign up to our mailing list and receive a list of 25 hidden gems that most locals miss, as well as monthly behind-the-scenes content!
The location: nearby attractions
Yorkshire Spa Retreat sits on the edge of the North York Moors, a short drive from Helmsley – one of North Yorkshire’s most-loved market towns. There’s plenty nearby:
The Flower Belt: a family-run pick-your-own farm on the edge of Helmsley. Depending on the season, their fields are planted with either tulips, wildflowers, or pumpkins
Helmsley Walled Garden: a beautiful Victorian walled garden. By the entrance you’ll find a café inside 4 glasshouses with grapevines covering the ceilings. We visited here for brunch during our stay
North York Moors National Park: for anyone wanting a beautiful walk after their spa day, we highly recommend The Hole of Horcum
The Flower Belt
The Vinehouse Cafe
The Hole of Horcum
How much does it cost?
Lodge stay: from £365 for 2 nights
Spa packages: From £90 (if booking without a lodge stay)
Dining: Restaurant and bar on-site
Open: Year-round
Ideal for: Couples, friends, or solo wellness trips
Location: Edge of the North York Moors and a short drive from Helmsley
Is it worth it?
For a weekend that combines relaxation with a proper countryside setting, Yorkshire Spa Retreat delivers on both. The lodges are spacious and well-equipped enough for a full weekend away, the spa facilities go well beyond the basics with the natural pond as the standout, and the food was delicious too.
It’s a strong pick whether you’re after a full weekend, a spa day, or just dinner with a view – and it’s definitely one for your North Yorkshire bucket list.
Find places to stay nearby
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve genuinely visited and loved.
Find out more about our stay below:
Have you stayed somewhere unique in Yorkshire? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And if this inspired your next trip, give it a share – it really does help!
Hi this might sound daft but is the water really deep as I’m not a strong swimmer but would love to come
If I remember rightly, we could touch the floor in the area near the steps