What’s not to love about a spa break? The facilities, the treatments, the peace and quiet, the zen feeling after, but what if I told you it could get even better? Setting itself apart from all other spas is Manor House Hotel & Spa, as not only is it home to the first-ever swim-up bar in the UK, but it now boasts a second one too. That’s right, not one but TWO swim-up bars.
Tucked away in the Cheshire town of Alsager, just an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre and super easy to get to on the train from Manchester Piccadilly, the luxurious spot offers a unique bar that takes the spa experience to a new level. And although it’s definitely the show-stopper to Manor House Spa, the swim-up bars are not the only thing that this Cheshire spa has got going for it when it comes to a relaxing day out.
The spa at Manor House
Facilities
Inside and outside, Manor House Hotel & Spa is a tranquil space boasting a beautifully bright and airy swimming pool complete with swinging loungers and day beds, and an array of cabanas outdoors to put your feet up in. Other facilities at the spa include a Himalayan salt shed, a Finnish sauna, a salt steam chamber, an aromatherapy steam room, a panoramic laconium, and a potting shed herb sauna – basically, everything you’d expect of a top UK spa and more.
Paying Manor House Spa a visit on a somewhat rare hot day in the North West, we also braved their cold water plunge bath that is surrounded by flowers in bloom which meant the view was scenic despite the shock to the system. Although quite the chilling experience with a constant stream of icy cold water running in the tub, it was rather refreshing and a nice contrast to the hot therapy facilities.
New Secret Garden area
The English country-inspired spa recently had a 36 square meters expansion to reveal a new Secret Garden area, where you can find the second swim-up bar, named The Bothy Bar. There is also a new Hydrotherapy Pool is heated to 37°C (98.6°F) and has strategically placed jets that will gently massage muscles and boost circulation as you soak up the beautiful views of the countryside.
Plus, Manor House Spa has a new Secret Garden Cold Water Plunge Pool, designed to be just the right size for several guests to enjoy the brisk plunge together (if you dare). The Secret Garden also houses a Sensory Herb Garden filled with a hand-picked selection of herbs and flowers along with a peaceful water feature, plus a hot house Finnish sauna and two magnificent Greenhouses housing indulgent relaxation spaces. You’ll also find private hot tubs that you can book for an additional cost.
I also had a massage at Manor House spa and there are many to choose from ranging from the Sound Asleep massage to the Warming Honey facial. I opted for the Drift Away body massage which did exactly that – it had me drifting away into a calm state, all tension gone and alas reluctant to return home to reality.
The swim-up bars
But the big question, you probably want to know is what the swim-up bars at Manor House Spa are like. Housed on the edge of their outdoor vitality pool, guests can enjoy the bar all year round thanks to the pool’s welcoming 38-degree temperature – you’ll find an array of cocktails, wines, fizz and hot drinks on the menu to select from. You can pay as you go (or swim, should I say) or put money onto a tab when you arrive at the spa to then buy drinks without risking your phone or wallet getting wet in the water.
The swim-up bars at Manor House Spa are the perfect way to get that abroad feeling without leaving the UK, especially when the weather delivers. Chilling in or by the pool that also features hydrotherapy jets making it feel like one giant hot tub with your tipple of choice in hand really lets you unwind.
When we visited on a weekday, the swim-up bars were not busy so you don’t need to worry about any over-crowding or bumping into others with drinks – all chill vibes here. And the beauty is there are two swim-up bars to choose from, meaning there is plenty of space for guests to enjoy a hot or cold beverage, while immersed in the warm, bubbling waters.
The food at Manor House Hotel & Spa
In addition to the spa, The Manor House Hotel also boasts 52 country-style bedrooms, and a rustic bar and restaurant called The Stables, specialising in high-end gastropub dishes. But much closer to the spa facilities is the Pool House, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in their suntrap of a terrace.
We indulged in a mezze platter filled with Mediterranean delights like stuffed vine leaves, feta, olives, hummus, pita bread and more. We also enjoyed an afternoon tea with all the works – finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam, cakes. The afternoon tea also came with delicious homemade sausage rolls with buttery, flaky pastry and the carrot cake was one of our sweet highlights.
Fancy paying Manor House Hotel & Spa a visit? Spa mornings start from £89 per person, and full spa days start from £115 per person. All spa packages can be booked here.
📍 Manor House Hotel & Spa, Audley Road, Alsager, East Cheshire, ST7 2QQ.