What would you do for a 40th birthday break?

[AluckyEllie]

Trying to make this brief- what would you do if you had 3nights child free and could do a UK break, up to £1000. I turn 40 in September and my sister is kindly taking the kids for 3 nights so we can get away. I’m thinking UK as don’t want to waste time on airports/travelling and the weather should still be nice enough.

I want nice accomodation and so I was thinking spa hotel, but I’ve never been to one and never even had a massage. Would 3 days there be too much? Pre kids we would go to the theatre/shows/events in London for birthdays and it would be lovely to have a day in a city so should I do a city break and just get a fancier hotel than usual? I do want to relax/read a book/ do all the things I can’t do at home though as well rather than having full itinerary. I’ve got such indecision and I don’t want to waste the time- we have so little childcare this is such a treat.

@AluckyEllie Where do you live? Spa hotels can be expensive - I know of some lovely hotels but how far will you travel? You can have a couple of treatments and spend the rest of the time sightseeing! You won’t want 3 days in a spa unless you become addicted to it!

I live in the south east, near Chichester. I think up to a 4 hour drive would be preferable although I did think about Cornwall and it wouldn’t quite get me there- 5 hours max I think. I wouldn’t like to go to London as we used to live there in our early 20’s but I think you are right, a lovely hotel somewhere we can get out and about.
We went from budget hotels to child friendly accommodation (with a few Covid no holiday years in the middle) so my knowledge of nice hotels (and how to find them) is very limited.

I completely depends on what you are after in a break.
My 40th is coming up in a couple of years and I’m planning Ibiza (great mix of partying and chilling). But obviously that’s not in your budget/plans.

Uk wise, I would plan a city break so you have lots to do. You could incorporate a spa hotel into this. My favourite UK cities are York, Chester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bath. Obviously not including the obvious London.

I like spas but never have treatments, its all about the lazing about in bubbly water and saunas for me. I'd have thought you can get 3 nights for under £1k.

What about the Buxton Crescent in the Peak District? In the town centre and lots to do, there's even a theatre so you might be able to see a show, you can go walking or as you'll have a car you can visit other Peak District attractions. I'm sure they do packages that include daily spa access and DBB.

I live in Cornwall and whilst I love it, it’s a lot of travel. Have you thought about Bath. You could either do a spa hotel or normal hotel near there and a visit to the rooftop spa. You can still relax but also wander Bath and even Bristol if you want as it’s not far on the train

I went to Ragdale Hall. I had had a really stressful time at work and a short break to Ragdale was relaxing. I came home feeling rejuvenated.

The Newt in Somerset? Cowley Manor Experimental? Dormy House Hotel near Broadway and The Pig at Studland, Dorset. (There are various Pig hotels) Hotel Endsleigh in Devon. Not sure about spas at this list, but all are lovely hotels!

I stayed here a few years ago for a wedding. It was on the picadilly line, (cockfosters) but felt a million miles away from London, yet is close enough if you wanted a day to explore your old haunts. Some of the rooms had access to the jacuuzi, there was a golf course and the grounds are an arboretum. It was so lovely wandering around and peaceful.
https://www.westlodgepark.co.uk/

From memory this place did have a spa section but for whatever reason, we didn't use any of the facilities.
hintleshamhall.co.uk/

I would have said The Scarlet but this is Cornwall but it’s amazing!

Food isn’t that great at the Scarlett. Looks over substance!

Thank you so much for this! Going to have a look tonight and will report back on which we go with 😀

How about this in North Norfolk? https://www.thepigs.org.uk

We have been before and loved it. It looks like you could get a Friday-Mon in an “original spa room” for £1000 at the end of September. Includes brunch each morning. Your room would have some spa facilities, there is also a small spa onsite which does treatments. It’s a little bit out in the sticks, but close to Holt, which is a gorgeous little town, you’re also not far from the coast, could visit Wells for the day, or any of the little towns along the coast. Then have a day doing absolutely nothing but enjoying your lovely spa room!

I would definitely be booking outside the Scarlett for a special meal which we did but the spa, location and views are amazing