London Joins Manchester, Salford, Bristol, Reading, Newcastle upon Tyne, Birmingham, and More in United Kingdom Wellness Frenzy: Are You Ready for the Spa Break This Holiday Season

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The United Kingdom is witnessing a major shift in its wellness culture, as London, Manchester, Salford, Bristol, Reading, Newcastle upon Tyne, Birmingham, and several other cities join the wellness frenzy this holiday season. As Brits seek out relaxation from their fast-paced lives, spa breaks are becoming more than just a luxury—they are a necessity.

With an increasing demand for spa treatments and wellness experiences, these cities are leading the charge in the spa revolution. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Bristol, people across the UK are now flocking to spas for rejuvenation. Are you ready to dive into this spa revolution? Keep reading to discover the wellness trend transforming the UK!

A new study has revealed the UK areas most desperate for a spa break, with London, Manchester, and Birmingham leading the charge. This study analyzed Google searches for spa treatments across the UK, and the results are surprising!

London is crowned as the nation’s top destination for wellness, with a staggering 2,723 searches per 100,000 residents. This demand for spa breaks highlights how Brits are turning to relaxation to escape the pressures of daily life. As colder weather settles in, the need for a spa break has never been higher.

Are you ready to discover which cities are most in need of some relaxation? Keep reading to find out how this new update could change the way you think about your next getaway.

London Leads the Pack: The UK’s Spa Capital

London emerges as the undisputed leader in the search for spa treatments, with 2,723 searches per 100,000 residents. This fast-paced, high-stress city generates a staggering 241,414 monthly spa-related searches, enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly three times over. From busy professionals to stressed-out locals, Londoners are clearly feeling the need for some serious pampering. Whether it’s a couples spa, a massage, or a quick facial, London’s residents are eager to escape the pressures of the city life. As colder weather begins to take hold, more and more Londoners are turning to spas for relaxation and comfort. It’s clear that London’s wellness culture is booming, and this trend is only set to grow in the coming months.

Manchester, Birmingham, and Other Major Cities: The Wellness Revolution Takes Hold

Following closely behind London, Manchester and Birmingham have shown significant demand for spa treatments. Manchester, with its growing population of over 700,000 residents, records 2,464 searches per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, Birmingham, with its larger population of 1.1 million, sees 2,305 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. These cities reflect the rising importance of self-care in urban areas, where people are feeling increasingly pressured by their daily routines. The wellness revolution isn’t limited to London—it’s spreading rapidly across the UK. Spa breaks are no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy; they are becoming a necessary part of life for many city dwellers.

Reading, Oxford, and the South East: A Growing Demand for Relaxation

As the demand for spa treatments continues to rise, areas in the South East like Reading and Oxford are not far behind. Reading, a vibrant town with a population of just over 174,000, ranks fourth on the list with 2,020 spa-related searches per 100,000 people. Oxford, known for its historic beauty and academic culture, comes in sixth place with 1,889 searches per 100,000 residents. It’s clear that people in these areas are looking for ways to unwind and recharge. Whether they’re looking for a massage, a facial, or a spa weekend getaway, the people of Reading and Oxford are embracing relaxation more than ever before. With cold weather approaching, these towns are becoming the next hotspots for wellness tourism.

The North West and South East: Manchester, Salford, and Beyond

The North West of England continues to play a key role in the UK’s spa culture, with Salford and Bolton seeing high demand for wellness experiences. Salford, with a population of just over 190,000, ranks fifth on the list with 1,958 spa-related searches per 100,000 residents. In these cities, residents are turning to spas for a much-needed break from the daily grind. It’s no surprise that as Manchester leads the charge in the North West, other cities are following suit. Similarly, in the South East, towns like Portsmouth and Brighton are seeing the impact of the growing wellness trend. With their proximity to London, these areas are becoming key players in the wellness market.

Middlesbrough and Beyond: The Struggle for Relaxation in Smaller Towns

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Rotherham, a smaller town in South Yorkshire, ranks dead last in the UK for spa-related searches, with only 247 searches per 100,000 residents. Despite its relatively small population of 121,000, Rotherham residents seem less inclined to seek out spa treatments. Meanwhile, other northern towns, like Middlesbrough, show some interest in wellness, though they lag behind their larger counterparts. Middlesbrough records 1,692 spa-related searches per 100,000 residents, still far below the demand seen in more urban areas. It’s clear that while the wellness trend is sweeping across much of the UK, there are still pockets of the country where relaxation is a luxury, not a priority.

The Growing Spa Industry: A £3.2 Billion Market

According to data from Statista, the UK’s spa sector continues to experience robust growth, with the market valued at a staggering £3.2 billion in 2022. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for relaxation and self-care, particularly in larger cities where the stress of urban life is more pronounced. The growing popularity of spa breaks is a clear reflection of how important wellness has become in today’s fast-paced world. As the spa industry continues to thrive, UK cities are seeing an influx of new businesses and services that cater to the demand for pampering treatments. From massages to facials, the range of services offered by UK spas is constantly expanding to meet the needs of a more wellness-conscious population.

Wales and Northern Ireland: Less Focus on Wellness

While the wellness trend is strong in England and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have shown less interest in spa treatments. According to the study, Cardiff and Belfast rank 34th and 41st, respectively, with only around 1,000 searches per 100,000 residents. Despite their rich cultural offerings, these regions seem to lag behind in terms of wellness tourism. This could be due to a variety of factors, including a stronger emphasis on outdoor activities and more traditional forms of relaxation. However, the trend may change in the future as wellness tourism continues to grow in popularity across the UK.

Why Brits Are Turning to Spas: The Need for Escaping Daily Pressures

As Britain faces increased stress and pressure, particularly with the colder weather, many are turning to spa breaks as a way to unwind and de-stress. Hannah Luke, Senior Partnerships Manager at Virgin Experience Days, explains that massage is the most commonly searched term in every UK city, suggesting that people are looking for quick, effective ways to relieve tension. The need for relaxation is becoming more apparent, with Britons spending an average of £623 annually on spa days. With the colder months ahead, the demand for spa visits is expected to rise even further, as people seek warmth and comfort during the winter season.

Conclusion: The Spa Break Trend is Here to Stay

The study reveals that the UK’s growing obsession with wellness and spa treatments is not just a passing trend; it’s a reflection of a society that is increasingly prioritising mental and physical wellbeing. With London, Manchester, and Birmingham leading the way, and towns like Oxford, Reading, and Salford following suit, it’s clear that the demand for spa breaks is on the rise. As the spa market continues to grow, there’s no doubt that more and more people across the UK will be seeking out opportunities to relax, recharge, and enjoy the many benefits of spa treatments. So, whether you’re in need of a weekend escape or a quick afternoon retreat, the UK’s spa culture is ready to cater to your needs.