What to do at the Weekend:
Hoar Cross Hall Spa Day
One weekend we found ourselves with a Saturday apart, which very rarely happens! Most of the time you’ll find us off galivanting together…we come as a package deal.
But, on this rare Saturday, Ben went off exploring on his own while I spent a very relaxed spa day with my family.
What we did at the weekend:
Location: Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire
Our rating: 8/10
Hoar Cross Hall: A Gorgeous Hotel and Serene Spa
Where is Hoar Cross Hall?
Hoar Cross Hall is an award-winning resort situated in the town of Burton Upon Trent in the borough of East Staffordshire.
Luckily, it’s only about half an hour from where I’m based – which is super handy – and is around a 50 minute drive from Birmingham and 40 minutes from Stafford.
Stunning Architecture
With beautiful grounds, a gorgeous hotel and serene spa, it’s the perfect place to unwind and treat yourself to some well deserved ‘me time’.
The place itself is a feast for the eyes, with the main building boasting stunning architecture which – in its current form – dates back to the 1800s.
When you arrive, you are greeted with a long, tree-lined driveway winding round to the hall, which is entered via a castellated archway from the road.
The approach sets the scene for a luxurious stay, be it overnight or simply for the day.
Around the building you’ll find a formal, manicured garden and around 30 acres of woodland which you can explore at your leisure during your time at the retreat.
The Purity Spa Day (Previously Simply Spa Day)
I have stayed overnight at Hoar Cross Hall once which was absolutely glorious, however, I generally do their full day spa experience.
With their Purity Spa Day, which was previously called the Simply Spa Day you have access to all the facilities from 8.30 until 5.30pm.
This gives you a great amount of time to fit everything in and fully recharge your batteries…although, it’s surprising how quickly a day of doing nothing goes!
Gym Facilities
If you fancy doing some exercise, you can use the gym facilities at Hoar Cross Hall.
Alternatively, you can take part in one of their exercise classes or do an outdoor activity – such as tennis or archery.
On this occasion though, the sun was shining and so I decided to go for a walk around the grounds before getting into my swimwear and spending the rest of my day relaxing.
Looping around the formal gardens, woodlands and golf course gave me about a 2.5km route – a nice start to the day.
Sensory Showers, Plunge Pools, and More
It was then time to robe up and get zen!
When checking into the spa they provide you with fluffy robes and towels, alongside a wrist band which gives you access to a dedicated locker.
In the changing facilities there are showers with shampoo, conditioner and body wash alongside hair dryers…so all you really need is some flip flops for walking around, swimwear and a change of clothes.
It can also be worthwhile bringing a book with you as there are plenty of areas to simply lie down and relax.
In terms of water-based facilities, you’re not short of areas to explore.
Hoar Cross Hall is equipped with a saltwater vitality pool and separate hydrotherapy pools, an aqua massage area, sensory showers, jacuzzis, a steam room, sauna and saunarium, cold plunge pool – shock to the system but definitely worth a try – and a Nordic heat and ice suite.
There are also a wide selection of relaxation areas which include comfy chairs and beds… plus there is even a specific snooze room if you really can’t keep your eyes open!
“There is even a specific snooze room if you really can’t keep your eyes open!”
“You’ll find that the main spa facilities are generally busier in the morning as all day spa and overnight guests tend to access them at this time.”
One of my favourite things to do at Hoar Cross Hall is unwind on one of the heated mosaic beds.
Ergonomically shaped, these are the perfect place for a lie down, with the wonderful heat soothing any tired muscles!
A combination of those, the steam rooms, jacuzzis and aqua massage areas are enough to keep me happy for the day.
You’ll find that the main spa facilities are generally busier in the morning as all day spa and overnight guests tend to access them at this time.
From about 12pm however, everyone starts drifting off for lunch sittings and so everywhere quietens off during the afternoon.
The Food at Hoar Cross Hall
One of the greatest luxuries of the day is having a three course lunch in your dressing gown!
In the restaurant you’ll see a few people fully dressed, but the majority of guests attend in their robes so they can simply continue their use of the facilities once they’ve eaten.
The lunch menu consists of around 3-4 options for each of the three courses, so there’s something to suit every palate.
The food has always been delicious whenever I’ve visited and you can wash it down with a soft or alcoholic drink (whatever tickles your fancy)…
But, be aware that the drinks come at an additional cost.
What does Hoar Cross Hall Cost?
Now, a full day spa experience is a little on the pricey side in my opinion, particularly if you want to visit on a weekend.
The Hoar Cross Hall Purity Spa Day (previously ‘Simply Spa Day’) is what I usually go for.
The package starts at £89 in the week, but increases to up to £119 on weekends or in UK holidays.
Within this cost you have access to the facilities and provision of the three-course lunch.
There is access to drinking water throughout the day, however any other drinks – including coffees, teas, alcohol or soft drinks – are paid for separately.
For the Purity Spa Day, no treatments are included in the cost however this is something you can add on if desired at the time of booking, or up until arrival.
There is the option to book a treatment on the day, but with such high demand, I’d recommend always booking in advance to avoid any disappointment!
There are a couple of other package options for the spa day experiences if the Purity Spa Day (Simply Spa Day) isn’t quite what you’re looking for.
Starting from £169, the Serenity Spa Day includes the same access and lunch as the Purity Spa Day, however you also have a 60-minute treatment – facial, frangipani wrap or pedicure – within this price.
For those of you who don’t have a full day to spare, Hoar Cross Hall also has a Twilight Spa Experience which runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
From only £50, this could be a great option if you want that luxury spa experience but without having to break the bank. It includes access to all the facilities and a light meal at the spa’s restaurant.
The wristband you are given at check in not only acts as your locker key, but also as a ‘tab’ for any purchases throughout the day – so there’s no need to carry a card around with you.
Every time you order a drink or snacks during your stay, the staff will simply scan your wristband.
You then settle the balance when you check out at the end of the day
Well Worth a Visit
Despite the cost, Hoar Cross Hall is – in my opinion – worth a visit if you’re looking for a completely relaxing and recuperating experience.
From start to finish there is a calming atmosphere, with friendly staff, soothing music and amazing scents which only add to the luxurious setting.
You’ll leave your day feeling 100% zen, and after all that relaxing, you’ll likely come home ready for bed (I usually do)!
More places to visit in Staffordshire
If you are interested in finding out about more places to visit in Staffordshire, we’ve put together a handy “Things to do in Staffordshire” post. Check it out here.
We hope that you enjoyed this article and we helped give you a few ideas for the weekend.
One response to “Hoar Cross Hall Spa Day”
[…] If you want to read what Tanith got up to instead (I won’t take it personally) – check out her Hoar Cross Hall post here. […]