On Wednesday I was lucky enough to spend a full day relaxing. Â Yes you heard that right. I spent a full day, not at work, not blogging, not looking after the kids, just relaxing, chatting and drinking prosecco at the amazing Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.
So I arrived at Thornton Hall a little before Sarah and was warmly welcomed by the reception staff.  I made my way into the Brasserie to wait for Sarah and like all good bloggers got the laptop out and caught up on some social media! I didn’t have to wait long before my complimentary pot of tea was poured and Sarah arrived to join me.  We got carried away chatting and eating lunch in the brasserie, sipping the obligatory glass of wine that must accompany any ladies lunch.  The atmosphere in the Brasserie was very relaxed with a mixture of business guests, ladies who had just finished an aerobics class, and a couple like us clearly on a spa day.  At £5.50 for a jacket potato with filling and around £3.50 for a glass of wine, the prices seemed reasonable for a 4* Hotel.
We managed to tear ourselves away from the Brasserie after lunch and made our way back to reception to collect our robes and have an introduction to the Spa facilities. Â We were shown round the facilities and agreed immediately that we would make our way straight outside to get into the hot tub.
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The outside area at Thornton Hall Spa isn’t huge, but it is perfectly formed. There are very comfy sun loungers, a hot tub, a jacuzzi and total peace and quiet.  It was perfect.  We must have been there for hours and were delighted when we were treated to a complimentary glass of prosecco each.  What luxury to sit sipping it in the hot tub.
The only reason we did move was the thought of trying out the Thermal Zone. We had been given a leaflet on our way in about how to use it and I was intrigued by the sound of the Snow Cave. Â We decided on a swim in the pool first, which is quite Roman in style, before embarking on the thermal journey. Â We did the sauna first, followed by the snow cave, the steam room and then the shower.
I’ve been in saunas and steam rooms before but the snow cave was a new idea to both of us. Â In fact it was so new that we stood in the area outside the snow cave, laughing at how cold it was, and we weren’t even inside. We hadn’t noticed the great big sign saying open here! Â We nipped back to get our slippers and ventured inside. Â One at at time – whilst there was huge panic buttons I didn’t fancy getting stuck inside. It was fun to try though. Â It really was absolutely freezing!
After the thermal zone it was time for our back massages. Â We had been booked in for a massage together with Beth and Jasmine and both of us thought they were absolutely superb. I was practically asleep by the time they had finished and thoroughly relaxed. She had got rid of all my knots too. Â It was a good job that all we needed to do afterwards was head to the relaxation room for more resting and chatting. Can you tell it was a really tough day.
We stayed in the relaxation room for half an hour or so but then we wanted to head back outside. Â It looked like rain was imminent and in fact it was, but it was so warm that we remained in the jacuzzi whilst the rain fell. Â The outside area was just so wonderful that we really really really didn’t want to get out. I loved the view of the fields and from time to time the cows that strolled across my view.
We finally dragged ourselves away from the spa facilities to have dinner.  Unfortunately due to time constraints we couldn’t eat in the 3 AA Rosettes fine dining restaurant The Lawns, but we had a fabulous dinner in the Times Brasserie.  There was a lovely short menu, but a huge number of specials to choose from too.  We both had calamari and then I had a beautiful piece of sea bream, followed by a fabulous sticky toffee pudding!  The food was beautifully presented too.
We finally left Thornton Hall around 7pm having had a wonderful day. I’m not too far away from this wonderful place and I know I’ll be back.  If only to try out The Lawns and the food that draws foodies in from far and wide.
Thank you to all the team at Thornton Hall for a wonderful day and some fabulous #MeTime.
NB: We were invited to Thornton Hall for the purpose of writing this review, but all views are my own.
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
How wonderful! You can’t beat a bit of me time. Love the outdoor hot tub with an added glass of fizz! Perfection! I’m off for a spa day in a few weeks and even more excited now!
Great review Karen, it was such a wonderful day wasn’t it? I cant wait to write my review. But has such a wonderful day, great service and wonderful food, and brill company x
What a fab review, Karen. I love Thornton Hall and was so jealous of you ladies. I had the best hen weekend there. Over ten years on, and we’re all still laughing about it. Not sure they’ll let us back though.
What a great review Karen. I have heard so many good things about Thornton Hall and you cannot beat an outdoor hot tub (especially if it comes with a glass of bubbly). I am not to far away and would love to try Thornton Hall. Sounds as if you and Sarah had a great day relaxing xx