Best Bath Houses in Balne

"What: The clue is in the title with this one, which is very definitely grand. Housed within York’s only five-star hotel, Hudson's is a destination for occasion dining (unless you’re fabulously wealthy of course) on account of its opulent surrounds and pricey tasting menus. The five- and nine-course set menus change with the seasons and, like all fine dining restaurants worth their salt, make full use of locally-sourced and foraged ingredients presenting a collection of modern British dishes."

"Treat someone special in your life to a weekend at the Grand Hotel. Set within the city walls, it’s known for its luxury king-size beds, romantic spa, and intimate 1906 bar, complete with Moët & Chandon cocktails. For the ultimate gesture, book the Grandeur Package, which includes two nights in the penthouse suite with champagne, chocolate, afternoon tea, spa treatments, and three-course meals."

"A majestic Edwardian building, transformed into a luxury hotel at the heart of the city. Elegant hospitality is everywhere, in the rooms, the public areas and the spa. Excellent food is also on offer at Hudson’s and The Rise Restaurant."

"With easy access to the M62/M1, this stylish 4-star hotel is just 6 miles from Leeds centre and the new First Direct Arena. Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa, part of Thwaites Hotels and the AA hotel group of the year, features a modern spa and leisure centre, boutique-style bedrooms and a creative restaurant. All rooms have free WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary fresh milk and mineral water in your fridge, and each has a modern bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower; plus a hairdryer and fluffy bathrobes."

"Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa is a modern take on a luxury spa, just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Its location is ideal for those looking for a quiet break, and with packages such as the Escape available, including a night in the hotel, full access to the spa, complimentary meals and a taster treatment, you’ll experience a little piece of heaven in the heart of Leeds. All visitors receive access to the fitness centre too."

"This upmarket modern hotel, close to the M1 and five miles east of central Leeds, stands out for its creative dining and its extensive health and wellbeing facilities. The latter include a large swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and high-quality treatments using ESPA and Natura Bisse products."

"Based five miles away from the city centre, Village Hotel Leeds North is the perfect spa hotel in Leeds for those who don’t want to be directly in the heart of the bustling city atmosphere. This Leeds spa has everything you need in one place, we’re talking a pub & grill, gym, spa and of course amazing rooms. Take a dip in the heated swimming pool or unwind in the steam room during your stay, then get some rest in your room with premium bedding, a flat screen tv and even Wi-Fi."

"This modern hotel is located in the suburb of Headingley, roughly midway between the city centre and Leeds-Bradford International Airport. It has a certain blandness in terms of décor and atmosphere, but balances this with extensive health facilities including a large swimming pool and a superb gym."

"Harewood House, seat of the Earl of Harewood, is a magnificent Georgian country house that took 30 years to build and was completed in 1771. Just eight miles north of Leeds, this spectacular home has interiors designed by Robert Adam and includes fine wall and ceiling paintings by Angelika Kauffmann and furniture by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. As well as an outstanding collection of porcelain, it has a large number of valuable works by the likes of Reynolds, Gainsborough, and El Greco."

"As one of the Treasure Houses of England, you know you’re in for a treat at Harewood House. The 18th century building is impressive to behold, set amongst 100 acres of beautiful landscaping, and it’s just as good inside, where you’ll find a huge collection of art, including the works of JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds and El Greco. Wait, there’s more – they also have an adventure playground, bird garden and farm at Harewood, making this the perfect choice for family days out."

"Visitors to Harewood House will be pleasantly surprised by the array of attractions on offer. Not only can the house and gardens be admired, but there is also a farm experience and a series of interesting events including theatrical performances and costume exhibitions. Visitors can even visit the resident Humboldt penguins at feeding time!"

"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."

"Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Restoring its historic architecture, the abbey also displays nature through its wildlife and greenery. The abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract, who was one of the leading landholders in the North."

"Ice Scoop Gelato is one of the best places for ice cream in Leeds. They have a slew of flavours, all made in house on the day, like Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno. If you fancy something a little bit adventurous go for the salted caramel, or how about one that’s a bit fruity?"

"Last but not least is something a bit different, and a must-try for all of you with a sweet tooth. My Cookie Dough is a cookie dough stand in Trinity Shopping Centre, but they also do takeaway and delivery. Whilst they offer boxes for you to bake yourself, we’d recommend the fresh cookie dough boxes which come warm (or cold, should you choose an ice cream)."

"Situated on the riverbank by Millennium Bridge is this “unique and charming floating ice cream van”. Ideal for a sunny afternoon walk by the riverside."