Staffordshire’s best relaxation spot

Take time out at Staffordshire’s best relaxation spot – The Three Horseshoes Inn.

Just a two-hour drive away from London (in the West Midlands), lies this charming inn, which boasts an impressive spa complex – a combination that delivers much more than you would expect.

While the inn has been run by the Kirk family since 1981, the spa is a more recent offering, having opened last summer. But far from being an additional bonus to your stay, the spa is very much a central element. Featuring innovative experiences like The Beach Hut, The Rasul Mud Room and the pièce de résistance, The Mill Wheel Shower, the spa is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on. While the quaint interior (made from local wood and stone) gives it a homely feel, the experience is not short of indulgence. Perfect for cold winter days, the private Beach Hut is a replica beach retreat complete with sand, sun and (the sound of) waves. Lie back, relax and experience the cycle of the ‘sun’ from sunrise to peak sunshine through to sunset.

Other heated experiences include The Farmer’s Sauna: a wood-panelled cabin complete with herbal steam shots and fir tree needles to transport you right into the country woods. For something even more unique and indulgent, check out the two-seated Rasul Mud Room where you and a friend (or partner) can apply mineral-rich mud onto your face and body as the room slowly heats up. After 30 minutes, the jets come on and warm water washes it away – expect your skin to feel as smooth and soft as a newborn’s.

Once you’ve exhausted the heated facilities and are in need of a cool-down, you can opt for the Cedar Plunge Pool to stimulate circulation and relieve any tension, or test out the spa’s centre piece – the Mill Wheel Shower. The mechanism pays homage to the UK’s first water-powered mill in Leek, shovelling water onto you and alternating between cold and warm. But for those who are happy to sit still, why not take your glass of bubbly with you to the outdoor hydrotherapy pool – or back to your room where you can also enjoy your drink in your very own cedar hot tub?

The spa also offers a comprehensive list of treatments – including face, body, nails and even waxing – and uses natural skincare brand Kurland. The signature Herbal Steam massage however, is a must. Infused with mud, algae, herbs (and sometimes fruit), the steam instantly relaxes your mind and body – preparing you for the rest of your getaway break.

You won’t want to leave the spa, but when you do, head to the 2 AA rosette Stables restaurant where they serve fresh and local produce for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also offers afternoon tea for extra indulgence.

A weekend at Three Horseshoes Inn & Spa will no doubt deliver more than you expected. Despite the lack of grandeur, the charming inn and unassumingly lush spa no doubt set the standard for relaxing escapes in the English countryside, which is why we’ve named it Staffordshire’s best relaxation spot.