Foxhills Spa at Old Down Estate

Nothing beats the great outdoors when you’re craving some healthy exercise. And, thanks to Foxhills Spa’s fabulous country park setting, you’ll have access to as much wide open space as you could possibly want! 

There may be no gym on-site, but the Old Down Estate’s 66 acres of lush landscaped grounds provide the perfect natural playground for walking, running, hiking and cycling, so be sure to make the most of it. 

It costs £5 to look around the site before or after your spa day but, with an animal park, woodlands, flower meadows and a kitchen garden to explore, it’s well worth it. Laughter releases lots of endorphins, so release your inner child and try the zip wire, climbing area and jumping pillow.

If all that pampering has worked up an appetite you’re in for a treat. There are a variety of eating experiences at Old Down Estate, and they’re all just as relaxing as the treatments at its spa.

Full day and half day pampering packages here include afternoon tea prepared by the estate’s own talented chefs. With an ever-changing menu of fine patisserie, sandwiches and savouries, this is afternoon tea at its most innovative. 

Nothing beats eating your tea outside in the tranquil spa garden if the weather’s fine. But will you choose to wash it down with something warm and aromatic, or something blonde and bubbly? Hmm, decisions, decisions!

The Old Downs Country Park also has an onsite café serving sandwiches, salads, pasties and homemade cakes, as well as hot and cold beverages. Or head to the Barn Restaurant for a freshly-cooked breakfast. Choose from porridge and pancakes to a full English - there are even delicious vegan options so no one has to miss out. 

But for something a little different, why not try the farm shop? From homemade bread to delicious cakes, jams and chutneys, its shelves groan with locally sourced products from independent businesses (including some items from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop) along with seasonal produce grown on the estate by its own gardeners. 

Love to have a dip when you’re on a pampering break? You’re in luck. The tranquil swimming pool at Foxhills Spa is 10 metres long, so it’s ideal for laps or a leisurely dip. It’s flanked by comfy loungers too where you can lay back and admire the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Although packages to Foxhills don’t include overnight accommodation, there are options if you’re tempted to turn your spa day into a spa stay. 

Luxurious glamping bell tents for parties of six, four or two are available from April until early September. And, with solid pine beds boasting super coil spring mattresses, an indoor stove and soft furnishings, you won’t be roughing it! 

But if sleeping under canvas really isn’t for you, there’s always the bright and airy Foxholes. This recently renovated property on the outskirts of the Old Down Estate sleeps 11 people, making it the perfect pad for special events and family getaways. 

Both options not only put the spa within easy reach, you’ll also get 66 acres of open space, gardens and woodlands to explore, as well as access to the newly onsite adventure park and farm shop.

Along with disabled car parking spaces you’ll find ground level access throughout the centre of the Estate, ramps into the shop and ground level access into the Barn restaurant. 

Arrival times for half day spa packages vary, but evening spa experiences generally start from 5pm while full days start at 10am. Please check your booking confirmation for full details.

The spa is open on Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 5pm, on Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. It is generally closed on Sundays, but this is subject to change so do check for availability. 

You’ll find this purpose-built day spa some 13 miles north of the centre of buzzing Bristol, situated in some stunning South-Western countryside. Nestled in 66 acres of beautiful grounds, it features panoramic views across the River Severn into Wales and the rolling hills beyond.

The spa provides the towel, robe and slippers, so just bring a swimming costume - or two so that you’ve got a dry one to change into for your treatment. And don’t forget a good book or magazine for all that poolside or garden lounging you’ll be doing!

Other than that, bring your trainers, wellies or walking boots so you make the most of all the attractions of the Old Down Country Park on the spa’s doorstep. It costs spa-goers £5 in admission, but with animals to pet and 66 acres of nature to get lost in, it’s well worth it. 

The tranquil spa itself is adults-only and welcomes guests who are over 18. But the Old Down Estate is a great place for kids to explore, with an adventure playground, animals to pet and lots of space for them to let off steam.

You can’t bring your pampered pooch into the spa itself, but the Country Park at the Old Down Estate is fabulously dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a short lead at all times.

Just remember that you don’t have to bring your own dog to get your fix of all things cute and cuddly here. The Old Down Estate has ​​chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and lizards you can pet, along with farmyard animals like goats and pigs.