Yorkshire Spa Retreat: A first look at region's newest outdoor spa escape near Helmsley

It is just a few miles from the popular market town of Helmsley, but taking advantage of a village setting where guests can appreciate the total silence of the usual day to day hustle and bustle, less light pollution and just the sights and sounds of nature.

Country Post visited the spa, complete with Border Collies in tow as dogs are allowed in some of the lodges, as well as the The Dome bar and restaurant.

First though, was a peek around the site which is unassuming from the main road and feels perfectly isolated within.

The lodges, one of which is a cosy Shepherd’s Hut, are set in a circle around the spa area. Some have private hot tubs and others have outdoor kitchens and barbecues.

The spa, which is set outside, has treatment rooms to one side and a steam room, sauna, Himalayan salt chamber and hydro-therapy outdoor pool for guests to wander between.

The centre piece is a wild swim pond, ideal for guests who are interested in wild swimming, and also the body benefits of swapping heat and cold. Good job as the water temperature was four degrees. We managed three dips in the water and back to the sauna again to warm up.

While our visit was in winter it was actually nicer to experience the hydra-therapy pool and heat rooms while it was cold and as it started to fall dusk. After dark the area is lit up which makes it seem even more magical.

Following our wild swimming stint, it was time to head back to the lodge to get ready for dinner. They are fully equipped with a living room, TV, kitchen, bedrooms, shower and towels and robes.

We were greeted with a welcome pack of locally sourced snacks and treats and there was even something for the dogs which is a nice touch. To the back of the park there is a designated dog exercise area too so you don’t need to travel far to walk them.

It was a wild night weather wise as we made our way over but The Dome was a welcome site. It is a dome and large, airy, open plan but with tranquil lighting and screens with nature, sea and marine scenes making it relaxed.

Staff were super friendly and the menu was a real treat with the Beetroot and Goats Cheese tart, Butternut Squash Ravioli, pan fried Salmon and a Guinness Sticky Toffee Pudding going down particularly well.

Set in over 11-acres of rolling Yorkshire parkland, this really is an escape from the every day without travelling too far.

Of course we didn’t go straight home afterwards. Helmsley is well-placed for setting you off to visit elsewhere so we headed to Thirsk and Northallerton while other attractions such as Castle Howard and Rievaulx Abbey are also nearby.