The idea of wellness is as old as civilisation itself. From the communal bath houses of ancient Rome to the intricate Turkish hammams and the opulent spas of 19th-century Europe, homegrown remedies, bathing and natural medicine have long been considered a source of rejuvenation, healing and connection.
Those characteristics aren’t things you’d immediately associate with London, with its fast-paced lifestyle and non-stop energy. But the city is laden with relics of its wellness history, from multiple Victorian bath houses that have now been repurposed, through to the ancient ruins of Roman spas in Billingsgate.
Today, the capital’s spa hotels are vital in creating respite from hectic city life, but the hidden tales and histories behind them provide yet another reason to book yourself in for a pampering spa day. Housed in buildings with storied pasts, with wellness programmes reflecting the heritage of their settings, these are the ultimate spas in and around London, with some serious stories to tell.
The Lanesborough
Perched near Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough is an incredible example of Regency-era elegance, with an incredible story rooted in science meets wellness. James Lane, the second and last Viscount Lanesborough, built Lanesborough House in 1719. After his untimely death in 1724, a group of four ambitious doctors took over the lease and turned it into a hospital in 1733. One of those doctors was the radical and controversial John Hunter, known for challenging the status quo of the medical community.
By 1825, the house was in a poor state. Respected architect William Wilkins, best known for designing the National Gallery, was commissioned to redesign the building in Greek revival style, and the property continued as a hospital. Its notable employees included Henry Gray, the author of Gray’s Anatomy (1858), a quintessential medical bible, and Florence Nightingale, the first British female hospital Governor of St George’s. It continued as a hospital until the late 1970s, when it was moved to a bigger location in Tooting (where it currently stands).
In 1988, The Lanesborough was created, incorporating much of the building's original facade, with a completely renovated interior. Wellness is still its primary purpose; the Lanesborough Club & Spa blends historic charm with treatments that draw inspiration from Britain’s apothecary traditions, using ingredients like lavender, rose and chamomile, which were all prized during the Regency period. The spa’s interiors also pay homage to the building’s history, with understated elegance and classical detailing providing the perfect backdrop for rest and relaxation.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: lanesboroughclubandspa.com
The Grove
In Hertfordshire’s lush countryside, The Grove is a country estate with a rich tapestry of history. The current house was built on the site of a medieval manor, and the estate was later expanded into a grand Georgian house, beloved for its gardens and serenity. Queen Victoria even frequented The Grove for respite, drawn by its expansive bucolic beauty. The hotel became a popular weekend spot for the monarch and other aristocrats to escape the city for lavish parties, followed by soothing countryside walks and relaxation.
Like many grand homes during World War II, it had a dual purpose, serving a vital role as a secret military intelligence hub, its grounds concealing bunkers and classified operations. But today, The Grove has returned to its former glory as a countryside retreat, continuing its rich tradition of rejuvenation at the Sequoia spa.
The wellness offerings here are designed to reflect the estate’s harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with a selection of Bamford treatments acting as an ode to the estate’s English heritage. Guests can explore the historic side of the hotel with dedicated nature walks and forest bathing through the vast grounds, where traces of the war bunkers remain hidden among the greenery – a poignant reminder of the estate’s multifaceted past.
Address: Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG
Website: thegrove.co.uk
Porchester Bathhouse
The Porchester Bathhouse in Paddington is one of London’s hidden historic wellness gems. Opened in 1929, the bathhouse was part of a nationwide movement to promote public health and leisure through communal swimming and bathing. This era saw swimming emerge as a fashionable pastime, with beautiful Art Deco bathhouses and lidos springing up across the UK.
Today, the Porchester is one of the few remaining indoor Deco bathhouses that retains its original 1920s charm, with ornate tiling, high ceilings, and a vintage swimming pool. Though it’s not a high-end hotel spa, its wellness offerings are pretty expansive, and include thermal baths and traditional treatments like hammams and scrubs – all at a reasonable price.
As soon as you enter the bathhouse, it captures the essence of an earlier time when self-care was both communal, essential and accessible to more people. The sense of nostalgia here is palpable, making it a delightful escape for those seeking a slice of history with their spa day.
Address: Queensway, London W2 5HS
Website: everyonespa.com
Beaverbrook
Set in the Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook is a country retreat with a storied past. It was once home to Lord Beaverbrook, a Canadian businessman who owned The Daily Express. He bought the property in 1910, renovated the original house, adding electricity, heating, a pool and a cinema, which was considered unusual and avant-garde at the time.
Beaverbrook often hosted weekend guests like HG Wells, Harold McMillan, Rudyard Kipling and Winston Churchill. The house became a political hub during World War II, and the estate’s underground bunkers played a crucial role in wartime strategy. Full of the UK’s most influential wartime politicians who came here for both work and play, it even became a target for attack, and was almost destroyed by a rocket that just missed the property in 1944.
Today, Beaverbrook’s Coach House Spa draws inspiration from the estate’s colourful history and natural surroundings. Wellness treatments reflect the estate’s pastoral setting, using herbs and plants from the garden. Guided forest bathing sessions and nature-inspired therapies connect guests to the land’s rich history, offering a tranquil counterpoint to its wartime past. It mirrors its much-loved use as a family home, social space and relaxation hub.
Address: Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX
Website: beaverbrook.co.uk
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Aire Ancient Baths
Tucked away in a cavernous 18th-century townhouse in Covent Garden’s historic Adelphi district, Aire Ancient Baths London offers an almost otherworldly spa experience. It was once home to JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, who penned his iconic work in this building. The spa pays homage to its literary connection with a first edition of Peter Pan proudly displayed in its reception area.
Aire's concept revolves around the ancient bathing traditions of the Romans, Greeks, and Ottomans. Immerse yourself in thermal pools of varying temperatures, from invigorating ice baths to soothing warm waters. With its exposed brick walls and historic details, the candlelit setting creates an atmosphere that transports you back in time. This sense of timelessness aligns beautifully with Barrie’s ethos of never growing up, offering an escape from the cacophony of modern London.
Address: 2-3 Robert Street, London WC2N 6BH
Website: beaire.com
OWO Raffles
The Old War Office (OWO), now the OWO Raffles Hotel, is a prime example of how history and wellness coexist seamlessly. The building was built on the former Palace of White Hall site, which was the main residence of the English monarchy from 1530 until 1698. It was one of the biggest palaces in Europe, a luxurious residence with more than 1500 rooms, until most of the structure was destroyed by a fire.
In 1906, the imposing Edwardian Baroque structure was built to house the headquarters for Britain’s War Office, and played a pivotal role in some of the 20th century’s most significant events, from Churchill’s wartime strategy sessions to Ian Fleming’s days as a naval intelligence officer.
Fast forward to today, and the luxurious OWO Raffles pays homage to its illustrious past while offering cutting-edge wellness experiences. Though the hotel’s Guerlain Spa is a tranquil contrast to the building’s military roots, the spa’s architecture nods to the building’s history, with grand arches and muted tones, creating a sanctuary of calm in the heart of the building – exactly what is needed in the political heart of the city.
Address: 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Website: raffles.com