Hoar Cross Hall, a luxury spa hotel in Staffordshire, has been named the best in the UK for 2025-26 by the AA, and a recent visit confirmed why—guests can enjoy a full package including overnight stay, all meals, and extensive spa facilities from £210 per person.
The resort, managed by the same group behind Eden Hall in Nottinghamshire, sits in the countryside near Burton-on-Trent. It is an hour's drive from Birmingham, or a 30-minute train ride to Burton-on-Trent followed by a short taxi ride. The grand stately home looms magnificently at the end of the driveway, and upon arrival, the peaceful atmosphere feels like a different world compared to urban commotion.
Spa facilities and the Purity Spa Stay
Visitors can book a day, evening, or overnight stay. The Purity Spa Stay, starting at £210 per person with rates varying by date, includes a one-night stay for two guests, full spa access on the second day, and à la carte dinner, breakfast, and lunch. For an additional £40 per person, guests can add spa access from arrival—an option I chose.
The spa offers an astonishing number of facilities without needing paid treatments. Upon arrival, guests receive a plush robe and towel. The outdoor spa terrace boasts three heated spa pools, cold-water barrels, a log sauna, a relaxation room, cabanas, loungers, and a bar. The terrace operates year-round, with fire pits for chilly winter evenings.
Inside, the Nordic heat-and-ice area features a salt steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room, and hot showers, though I skipped the ice shower. The saltwater pool includes a secluded cave and hot tubs, while heated loungers provide a soothing rest spot. The Sanctum pool has comfortable floating mats, and throughout the spa there are day beds, hanging pods, and chairs for peaceful moments.
Dining at the Ballroom and beyond
The package includes à la carte dinner, breakfast, and lunch. Spa day visitors receive a three-course lunch, and evening visitors get a main meal. Across the resort, guests can enjoy afternoon tea at the Library, beverages in the Long Gallery, fine dining at the two AA Rosette-awarded Ballroom, meals at Henry's restaurant, lunch at Hugo's, and lunch or brunch at the Atrium.
Overnight guests dine in the Ballroom, which features Grade II Listed William Morris wallpaper and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the estate. A smart-casual dress code applies to the evening service. The evening menu includes starters like smoked salmon tartare, hogget croquette, or honey-truffled goat's cheese; mains such as roast tenderloin of Packington pork, Staffordshire chicken breast, beetroot risotto, and slow-cooked blade of beef. The eight oz fillet steak and market catch of the day carry £12.50 and £7 supplements, respectively. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding and banoffee pie.
Breakfast offers a buffet with full English options, pastries, fruits, cheese, and meats, plus an à la carte menu with avocado on toast or eggs Benedict for an extra charge. Lunch is a three-course affair; I enjoyed a smoked salmon starter, lamb tagine, and Biscoff cheesecake.
Rooms and additional activities
The comfy room, the smallest and most affordable option, features a king-sized bed, table and chairs, a desk, a wardrobe, and a garden view, with a fully equipped en-suite bathroom and premium toiletries. Other options include the comfy suite, exclusive suite, hot tub suite, garden suite, royal suite, and quad room, each at varying price points.
Beyond the spa, the resort includes activities such as tennis, golf driving range, archery, axe throwing, table tennis, large chess, boules, and bike riding, all included in the package. Walking routes traverse the vast surrounding countryside.
Overall, the experience felt truly memorable, with friendly and considerate team members. Beverages are not included, but guests can link a bank card to their wristband and pay the balance upon departure. The total cost represents good value given the meals, spa facilities, and amenities. It genuinely feels like an escape from everyday life, and it's clear why Hoar Cross Hall has accumulated its accolades—I'm already keen to return.
