Thames Lido

Are you a Londoner in need of a bit of R&R? A quick trip on the Lizzy line to Reading will take you to this award-winning and historic lido and spa. This place was originally built as a ladies-only swimming bath in 1902 before ultimately closing to the public in 1974. It reopened in 2017 after a three-year restoration project and now contains a heated pool, hot tub and saunas, as well as massage rooms. 

This is where old-school lido culture meets modern spa (affordable) luxury. Swim in the warm open-air swimming pool in winter and watch the sun set in the hot tub before enjoying a delicious meal in the lido restaurant. During the summer, grab a spot to sunbathe before enjoying a cocktail. Massages here won’t break the bank and are set against the backdrop of people splashing around gently in the pool below the treatment rooms.

The classic lido massage is brilliant, and, at £85, a lot more accessibly priced than treatments at a lot of spas. The food here is incredible too; make sure to book a table in the restaurant, where you will sit underneath the original beams from the 1902 building.