The Farmhouse Sanctuary

There’s no gym at The Farmhouse Sanctuary, but there are plenty of ways to stay active. The heated outdoor pool is 10m long, perfect for a few lengths before you settle on a lounger with a cuppa. The spa also hosts seasonal wellness events, from morning yoga to soothing sound bath sessions. And if your muscles need some TLC, book an Elemis deep tissue massage to work out the knots.

Catherington is wonderful walking country. Just north of the village, Catherington Down is a nature reserve of wildflower-rich chalk grassland, buzzing with butterflies in summer and offering lovely views. It’s the ideal way to stretch your legs before or after your spa day.

For something more adventurous, head a few miles north to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Its woodland trails are popular with mountain bikers and runners, and the South Downs Way passes right through. Climb Butser Hill for some of the biggest views in Hampshire, then cool off by the coast. Langstone and Chichester Harbours are great for paddleboarding and sailing, while Southsea’s seafront is made for a breezy run or bike ride.

The best part of a spa day? All the eating and drinking! And at The Farmhouse Sanctuary you’ll do plenty of both in the Glasshouse Tearoom, a light-filled space looking out over the garden, where the dress code is definitely ‘robed and relaxed’. 

Mornings bring mini pastries, toasted teacakes and smashed avocado with poached eggs on sourdough. Come lunchtime, tuck into soup or quiche of the day, a jacket potato, or a classic sandwich. For a proper farmhouse spread, the ploughman’s comes with Farmhouse pickle, or there’s a mezze grazing board you’ll want to share.

In the afternoon, the Farmhouse cream tea is a must, with scones baked in the spa’s own kitchen. Prefer savoury? Try the cheese scone with butter and Farmhouse chutney instead. Afternoon tea with a glass of fizz can also be added when you book. Hot drinks are free all day, and the bar serves a full drinks menu, including Hambledon English sparkling wine from just up the road. 

It certainly does, and it’s outdoors with countryside views. The heated pool measures 10m by 5m and is 1.4m deep, so it’s better suited to a leisurely dip than serious lengths. It’s kept warm year-round, and on crisp winter mornings you’ll often see steam drifting off the water. The pool sits alongside a hot tub, barrel sauna, ice plunge and outdoor shower, with an infrared sauna waiting indoors.

No, The Farmhouse Sanctuary is a day spa, so there are no rooms to stay in. For a longer break, Portsmouth, Petersfield and the surrounding South Downs villages all have fabulous places to stay within a short drive.

This indulgent adults-only day spa is tucked away on Randalls Farm in Catherington, a pretty village on the edge of the South Downs, just north of Horndean and about 20 minutes from Portsmouth. It’s set in an 1836 farmhouse and converted farm buildings, where low beams and old brick chimney breasts sit alongside a stylish pool terrace looking out over open fields. 

Because the spa sits on farmland, you’ll want to say hello to your neighbours – there are alpacas plus sheep, ducks and a goose! Several of the alpacas are named after coffee shops (meet Costa, Nero and Starbucks), and the spa jokes that they have the best view in the house. Look out for them grazing in the fields as you relax.

Just your swimwear. A luxurious robe, towel and a pair of sliders are all provided, and they’ll be waiting in your free locker when you arrive. You’ll also need to bring photo ID if you’re lucky enough to look under 25.

Yes to both. Two of the spa’s four treatment rooms are doubles, so you can enjoy a massage or facial side by side with your partner, friend or mum. Snug beds with plush sage throws, exposed brick and soft lighting make for a very cosy hour together. 

Mums-to-be are well looked after too, with Elemis pregnancy massages, a pregnancy-safe Elemis Biotec facial and a pregnancy pedicure on the menu. The spa also offers treatments for guests living with cancer. Do mention any health considerations when booking, so the team can make sure your treatment is right for you.

It has. Just two years after opening, it was named Best Wellness Break in Hampshire & Isle of Wight at the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards, as voted for by the public. It’s quite the achievement for a spa that started life as a team of four.

This is strictly a grown-up hideaway, with no under-18s allowed anywhere on the premises. The spa also follows a Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, bring physical photo ID, as guests who can’t show it may be turned away without a refund.

As a converted 1830s farmhouse and farm buildings, the spa unfortunately doesn’t have step-free access. There are no accessible changing rooms, treatment rooms or showers, and no hoist into the pool. There are, however, handrails on the pool, hot tubs and ice plunge. If you have any access needs, it’s best to chat to the team before booking so they can advise.

Hold the doggie massage! Pets aren’t allowed at the spa, so your four-legged friend will have to sit this one out. The only animals on site are the farm’s own residents, who live in the fields next door.

Not on site, but there are several within a short drive. Waterlooville Golf Club in nearby Cowplain and the historic Rowlands Castle Golf Club both welcome visitors who book ahead. Furzeley Golf Centre near Denmead is also a friendly choice. 

Looking for a fun activity that doesn’t include a nine iron? Book a tour and tasting at Hambledon Vineyard, just up the road, then head south to Portsmouth. Take in the views from the Spinnaker Tower, enjoy cocktails on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, or try Southsea’s seafront bars and the retro arcades of Clarence Pier.