Anya Ryan

Thank god for spas. When you’re feeling pummelled by the pressures of city life, make for a spa to be pummelled by massage therapists instead: soon, your stress will ebb luxuriously away like the retreating tide. There are some fab day spas right here in London, but venture out into the Home Counties and beyond to find the best (and priciest) examples of the genre: think grand, historic country houses with squadrons of super-skilled masseuses, steamy hot tubs, ornately-tiled pools, and elaborate extras like snow rooms. Most of them also have restaurants, bars and options for overnight stays, so you can keep that ultra-relaxed buzz going into the next day: perfect for a romantic mini break, chilled hen party, or solo treat. Here’s our pick of the very best, located just an hour or less from the capital.  RECOMMENDED: Affordable spas in London

Need a place to stay in London? We’re here to make it easy for you. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital which is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. However, that can make it tricky to decide which hotel to choose. But worry not because we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites for the ultimate list of London hotels, which covers locations right across the city, and every category from blowout luxury (including having your own butler, might we add) to budget basic and brilliant. In this mega list, we've listed everything from our favourite five-star hotels in Mayfair to more affordable hotels outside of zone 1. Plus you’ll be able to check out one or two of the capital's many Michelin-starred restaurants because yep, loads of them call London hotels their home. But if spending a small fortune on food isn’t your bag? There’s also an ever-increasing number of good-value food options for budgeteers, too. Throw great design and architecture into the mix, plus superb bars, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world and, well, you’re laughing.  Which area is best to stay in London? It's not just the range of hotels that's so impressive – you're also spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a neighbourhood to stay in London. The city is made up of a sprawling network of dynamic neighbourhoods, all with their own uniqu

Every year a wealth of new hotels open in the capital which is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. But, the city can be pretty pricey if you're not careful. Whether you live or work in London or just visit, the spending can quickly add up. From the delicious food that stands on almost every corner and lines up the streets to just having a gander around the city looking for things to do, your wallet might start to feel very, very light. We don't even want to talk about how much a night out costs.  But surprisingly, the UK capital has actually got some wallet-friendly options for spending the night. Both big chains and independent hotel joints (yep, even four- and five-star ones) offer some rooms for under £200 a night – you just have to know where to look. Every hotel highlighted here by Time Out’s experts is good value; whether that be because of its location, design, or quite simply, the price. Staying in one of these will give you the kind of buzz only a good deal can deliver. So get booking and then use all the cash you’ve saved on more important stuff. Like, erm, going to the pub.  Which area is best to stay in London for a good price?  London has so many neighbourhoods, you’re spoilt for choice. But, where should you go for the best deals? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. There’s cheap options in Shoreditch, just off the South Bank and even in the heart of the West End. So, whether you want t

The UK is in the grip of a Guinness renaissance. Previously known as an old-man’s drink, the black stuff started to appear in the hands of hipsters in east London beer gardens a few years ago. It wasn’t long before normies got involved, then celebs like Olivia Rodrigo and even Kim Kardashian wanted a pint, too. Soon, Guinness was everywhere: on Hinge profiles and on Instagram stories of happy drinkers ‘splitting the G’ or tagging @shitlondonguinness. Even fashion brands like JW Anderson and Carhartt jumped in on the hype with clothing collabs. In 2024 there was no hiding from it: it was cool to be drinking, wearing and being part of Guinness. Then, in December, a crisis hit. Rumours of a Guinness shortage started to swirl – much to our horror. Diageo’s breweries allegedly couldn’t keep up with the demand. Guinness taps were running dry, pubs were plastered with signs saying ‘none left’ and The Old Ivy House in London’s Clerkenwell was even handing out ration cards to punters. What were the Guinness fanatics going to do? But, just when we thought the cult of stout was over for good, another lesser-known Irish import arrived to save the day. Enter Murphy’s. The stout, owned by Heineken and founded in Cork in the mid-19th century, came in fighting with a promotional campaign poking fun at the Guinness slogan and shortage: ‘Good things come to those waiting,’ it read. Heineken even unveiled a handy interactive map with every pub in the UK that was stocking Murphy’s. It worke

This review is from the Royal Court Theatre in London in December 2024. As Sutara Gayle’s intensely autobiographical show starts, the theatre sits in darkness, while a soulful, passionate, overture begins. Already, it feels like we’re bearing witness to something spiritual. And then we see her; Gayle, otherwise known as Lorna Gee stands angelic and sturdy, ready to tell her life story.  And what a remarkable story it is. The Legends of Them takes us back to reggae pioneer Gayle’s childhood in Brixton, through her sexual awakening, early music career and on a transformative trip to India. We see her moving from one school to the next, into the care system and finding her soul through singing. Is all of it coherent? Absolutely not. Gayle flits from the body of one person in her life to the next, sometimes without any change in her physicality at all. In just a few seconds, she is her mother, a child psychiatrist, and her sister. There is no sense of a linear structure, with the narrative jumping around haphazardly.  You’re sure to leave the theatre slightly bewildered. But, once you accept it is a bit of a minefield, Gayle’s otherworldly presence is hard to look away from. Blending music with history, video with raw emotion onstage, she is a force to be reckoned with. In scraps she reveals herself through her memories; scenes from her past flash into reality and then disappear once more. Gayle has had a life so rich that even one of her recollections could form a full play the

Ever wandered around a National Trust property thinking you’d quite like to hop into one of those four-poster beds and stay the night? Turns out you can. Hartwell House, the Grade I-listed hotel and spa that’s part-Jacobean mansion and part-Georgian house, is one of only three National Trust-owned historic house hotels. It’s rich in history – in fact, it was once home to French king Louis XVIII, who was exiled there in the nineteenth century (alright for some, eh?). These days, it’s the ideal antidote to city life. The hotel rooms are huge, with ceilings so high that you could probably fit the entire contents of your poky flat in there.  The lord/lady of the manor vibes continue at the spa, which is housed in what was once the orangery – it’s lovely and light, and feels incredibly grand. There’s a pool, a jacuzzi, a steam room and separate saunas for men and women in the changing rooms. Truthfully, it’s not the most high-tech spa (you won’t find any plunge pools or jazzy massaging foot baths), but that’s kind of the point – it’s just a lovely spot in which to unwind. If you want to feel even more chilled, book yourself in for an aromatherapy sesh, which starts with you choosing the essential oil that most appeals and ends with you feeling totally blissed out. If you’re staying in the hotel, the food in the main restaurant is delicious too. If there were a chance to get exiled here, I’d take it. Time Out tip: If you’re a spa fanatic then you can also sign up for a membership h

Bailiffscourt proudly declares itself as one of the “most beautiful spas in the South of England”. And guess what? I’d argue it deserves even higher praise. Next to the bleak but beautiful Climping Beach and set on 30 acres of parkland, this romantic getaway feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of London. The hotel’s 39 rooms are separated into clusters of thatched cottages and honey-stoned buildings; the whole place has the feel of a well-groomed medieval village.  But fear not: there’s actually nothing actually middle-aged about this place. Six contemporary treatment rooms are complete with warm flotation beds, steam rooms, saunas and a small gym. There are two oceanic blue pools to choose from: one indoor and decorated with oak timbers that run across the ceiling and another heated outdoor pool with a hot tub nearby. Relaxing in the fluffy comfort of a robe on the loungers here feels unbelievably luxurious - so much so that it's nearly impossible to will yourself to move.  One thing you have to get up for, though, is the food. At the flagship Tapestry Restaurant, there are endless feasts to enjoy. The Modern British menu boasts thick cuts of chicken and beef, both served with buttery vegetables to die for. There’s a squash wellington, that is packed full of flavour for vegetarians and vegans, too. Finish with a crème brûlée to make the perfect end to this gloriously fancy affair. Time Out tip: While you’re there, visit the nearby Arundel Castle, which has lavish st

Ockenden Manor is a hotel and spa in two parts. Half is a quiet cluster of buildings, including a sixteen-century manor. The other is a modern spa with eight treatment rooms, a gym and a fitness studio. It might be in a state of confused identity, but Oxenden is the perfect weekend escape. Just a short taxi ride from Haywards Heath station, which is itself only a 50-minute journey from London, it is close enough for the journey not to dominate the day and far enough to feel like a proper change of scene. The spa here is spread out across many zones. But, at its centre is a mammoth indoor pool that connects to a smaller outdoor one for braver swimmers. On warmer days, it turns out to be the perfect place to catch some rays, with sun loungers spread around the water’s edge. But there’s plenty to do here to warm yourself up, too: think bubbling hot tubs, sweltering steam rooms and spa baths. If that’s not enough, rainforest showers and yoga classes are on hand to chill you out even further.  The real novelty here, though are the isopod flotation tanks that help send your entire body into a state of calm. Lying in one of these salt-filled retreats is a real experience; you’re bound to feel a lot less heavy once the hour-session is up. If you’re thinking of staying over in one of the 28 rooms at Ockenden, then do. The hotel is a complete joy. Rooms are spacious and all lead onto a shared balcony. . The restaurant and bar are located in the manor (naturally), where there’s a wealth

About a ten-minute drive from Watford Junction, The Grove is probably best known among the swinging community (not that one). With its 7,000-yard course, many visit specifically with golfing in mind; Tiger Woods even took home the WGC-American Express Championship here in 2006. But that’s not all this place has on offer. Situated on a vast 300-acre site, there are grounds to die for, and activities including archery, tennis, shooting, and even hot air ballooning are available. For a more blissful stay though, head on over to the Sequoia spa.  Hidden away from the main properties, it's a slice of tranquillity. Staff emphatically direct you towards a pool whose black tiles give the water an ominous, inky look. But, it is the vitality pool that is this spa’s best-kept secret - a bubbling haven with pounding jets. It boasts 18 treatment rooms, where you can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. The Grove’s signature massage is a blend of Swedish, Thai, and shiatsu techniques that sends you right into a state of zen. During the summer months, a lot of the action (or should we say, inaction) takes place outside with the fantastic pool and beach in the hotels walled garden. If that’s not enough, there’s “a menu” of restaurants to choose from, too. Dine on the terrace at The Stables, where you can smell the grill as soon as you walk through the door. The flagship restaurant at The Grove is The Glasshouse, which offers an international buffet featuring some of the world’s best dishes and fla

Prepare to feel like royalty when you arrive at Down Hall Country Hotel, a huge stone manor house set on 110 acres of Essex Countryside. Quite different from the busy roads of hectic London, the main building is a feast for the eyes. The next door Eden Spa is slightly less imposing - but inside, there’s a gorgeous blue-tiled hydrotherapy pool, plus a sauna, steam room and ‘relaxation area’ (think: loungers and many, many magazines). Here, you’ll step into the picture of zen. Unlike in the manor house, modernism is key. There’s a spaceship-like circular wet spa, which feels suitably odd but oh-so relaxing. There are bubbles, huge rainforest head showers and neon lights. The treatments on offer really are fantastic, too: there are positivity sessions and Rose Quartz facial cleanse, which just has to be enjoyed with a glass of fizz. Best of all, though, is the 55-minute hot stone massage - the sensation will give you that tingly feeling of stepping into a bath at the perfect temperature. The hotel is cosy with a chintzy country house vibe. Head to The Garden Room for a comforting steak, then retire to your room to lounge about in a fluffy robe on perfectly crisp linen. The suites have balconies, and waking up to views of the vast grounds will be enough to send your heart leaping. Time Out tip: The hotel and spa are big on sustainability. So, if that’s your thing, you’re 100% in the right place. There’s a two-acre kitchen garden that supplies veg and salad for the whole kitchen a

Half a century’s worth of history squashed down into just 80 minutes is a mission so ambitious that it feels doomed to fail. Which is a particular misfortune in the case of Shanghai Dolls. Amy Ng’s play about the little-known relationship between Jiang Qing, the wife of Mao Zedong and Sun Weishi, the first female director in China, is ripe with dramatic potential. But, with so much ground to cover, the result is a play that feels like a swirling tornado of the past.  Shanghai Dolls rushes haphazardly through years of change, sprinkling the names of various political figures in the process. But, if it's a history lesson you’re hoping for, you’ll come out no better informed. The detail in Ng’s script is hurried over, while her dialogue is stiffly functional. The actors, Gabby Wong and Millicent Wong, pour all their energies into bringing the historical figures to life. But, their characters remain 2D sketches. Their delivery feels like pantomime, with wild, extending hand gestures and rising shouty tones. All at once, Jiang Qing switches from an excitement-seeking stage lover to a cold, commanding political figure. Exactly why is anyone’s guess. The true story is undeniably deeply fascinating. But, rather than digging into the reasons behind Jiang Qing’s transformation, Ng serves up a surface-level retelling. Awkward renditions of Oklahoma! songs are shoehorned in next to references to famine and abuse. Jiang Qing and Sun Weishi’s individualities are wiped from their characters

What is it? A copy of every single publication produced in the UK and Ireland is sent to The British Library – an institute that has amassed a collection of more than 170 million items and adds some 3 million new items each year. Built in 1973 and designed to look like a ship from a certain angle, this vast cornucopia is the national library of the UK. Beyond centuries worth of books, there's millions of newspapers, maps, manuscripts, sound recordings and stamps. It’s oldest item is a roughly 3,600-year-old Egyptian stela, containing a hymn to Osiris, the god of the underworld, in hieroglyphic.  In 2026, the literary landmark is lined up to get a ‘groundbreaking’ £1bn makeover. The extension will open the library up across three sides, adding 100,000 square feet of public space, including new exhibition rooms and a learning centre. All that’s expected to be unveiled in 2032.  Why go? The public can apply for access to the reading rooms, or simply explore the permanent and temporary exhibits in the John Ritblat Gallery. Here, some of the most famous written and printed items in the world are displayed, and you might see the Lindisfarne Gospels, Shakespeare’s first Folio, Handel’s Messiah, the Gutenberg Bible, drafts of the Magna Carta and the Beatles’ manuscripts. Don't miss: The British Library also hosts events, with a programme of talks by world-class speakers and courses to broaden your horizons.  When to visit: Monday - Thursday 9.30am-8pm; Friday 9.30am-6pm; Saturday 9.3

The Dutch invasion of stylish budget hotels continues with this Brick Lane offering focused on community and sustainability: the hotel works with local cycling charity Bikeworks and with Food Cycle. We love The Corner: it has more than 170 modular rooms, with comfy beds, decent showers, and is in prime location for exploring London’s East End. The DIY operation – self-service check-in and the free snack continental breakfast – keeps prices low, but there are lobby staff on hand, a hangout lounge with games, and a park view for a few quid more. Rooms that are individually styled in bright tones and determinedly youthful, fresh decor start from just under £140 a night (for the ‘snug’ room with no view). But, all have TVs, rain-shower bathrooms, free tea and coffee and wifi throughout. The hotel is the self-proclaimed ‘greenest in London’ and prides itself on having 41% less water consumption than other UK hotels and 67% less CO2 emissions than the industry average. So, if saving the planet is your thing, there really is no place better.  Time Out tip: The Corner’s Bar and Kitchen is an excellent option if you’re after something quick, easy and relatively healthy. With a sustainably sourced, vegan menu, it serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.  Address:  42 Adler St, London E1 1EE Price: Starting at £140 Closest transport: Whitechapel tube Book Now

You won't find bland decoration at Mama Shelter. Since the first branch opened in Paris in 2008, the hotels have got a reputation for their bright colours, patterns and kitsch theme. Of course, the London branch is no different - although the hotel's outside might fool you; it is stylish, metallic and chique. Of course inside is a different story; there's a wallpaper that sends your head spinning, clashing carpets and maybe one too many bejewelled Darth Vadar masks (yep, really).  No one could fault Mama Shelter for its fun energy, though. The staff are young, friendly and genuinely keen to chat or offer advice - I was heartily encouraged to try the barman's favourite cocktail, Mama Says Pica Pica during my stay. There are karaoke rooms with classic 50s-style microphones waiting for guests to sing their favourite songs into. There's a small gym and cinema room. And if you want a memento to take away with you, Mama Shelter has you covered - yep, there's a photo booth and even merch available to buy on site. The rooms are compact but have more personality than your standard budget stay, with lampshades in the shape of Tweety Bird and the Tasmanian Devil, a TV with the option of literally hundreds of films and a free porn collection. Breakfast is quite pricey at £22 a head, so we'd suggest heading down the road to Ozone for a cheaper alternative.With its sociable focus, Mama Shelter has the feel of an upmarket hostel. But, honestly, we mean that in the best way. Neighbourhood: L

Fancy a bit of central London living? Bermonds Locke could be just the place. Sold as a home away from home, it is part hotel, part apartment block, and part yuppie community. There are kitchens in each room, equipped with huge fridges, hobs and full sets of pots and pans to get your culinary genius flowing - and there's no cooked breakfast on offer, so you really better get thinking about what to make. Still, in Bermonds Locke is basically the perfect place to kick back and relax. The downstairs co-working space, Shaman, a third-wave coffee shop, has drinks, brunch and pastries on sale through the day. The foyer is decorated with cool metal panels that gleam in rainbow, while a giant moon hangs above the reception desk. On the day I visit, the guy at the reception tells me i've come to the "right place to chill out". He's not wrong. The rooms offer a little slice of home. There are laundry facilities, hair dryers and a paranoramaic view of London that would look good on any trendy Instagram feed - on a clear day you'll see right from The Shard to the London Eye. With pale wooden floors and sky blue walls, the whole hotel has a sense of calm running through it. And, in the middle of Tower Bridge that is certainly something to savour.  Neighbourhood: Bermonds Locke has an array of pubs, indie shops and markets just a few minutes away. If it is a nice day, take a walk down to the river bank and soak up all of the Thames' beauty. There's also the nearby Borough Market that has c

Germany's Ruby chain launched in 2013 and has made its way over to London - currently, Ruby has three hotels in the capital. All of them are great, but Ruby Zoe is our top pick. Just a couple of minutes away from Notting Hill station, the hotel is in easy reach of the city and has all the essential amenities. Guests will walk straight into the bar, which doubles as a reception and has a vintage Ford 100E car as its centrepiece. There is a bright communal working space where you'll be sure to find gangs of yuppies making calls. But Ruby is not a standard hotel; there is a huge programme of events including speed dating and games nights. The decorations include a wall of records, and up-and-coming bands perform most nights. There's even a private garden on site, too. The design in the rooms is fairly minimalist, with white sheets and wooden floors, but there's Marshall radios placed in each as a nice extra. There is no spa or gym, but there are small kitchens on each floor where you can make hot drinks, as well as irons and vending machines. A continental breakfast is served between 7am-10am, with croissants, meats, hummus, pastries and bread. Ruby has a youthful soul, but provides sure-fire fun and relaxation. Time Out tip: With Notting Hill just on your doorstep, why not walk down to the institution that is Portobello Road Market which is London's largest antique market? Here, you can sift through vintage treasures and haggle for one-off bargains. With sections dedicated to s