Writing, fatshion, me: Lee's Birthday 2024

On the 21st of August it was Lee's 42nd birthday and he and I spent the day at a spa! For his birthday in 2023, my mum and I both bought him vouchers to Woodland Spa in Burnley, and we hadn't had chance to use them yet. We talked about using them in April or May of this year, but when I rung them, the spa wasn't fully open because they were doing a huge refurbishment. So we decided to go on Lee's birthday and make a day of it. We could get in from 10.30 so we set off nice and early at 8.30 in case there was traffic.

The traffic was fine though and we had a bit of time so we stopped to get some coffee and breakfast at one of the services. We got to Burnley about 10.15 and were allowed into the spa straight away which was good. We got changed - the women's changing rooms were absolutely huge and definitely needed some signs for the numbers - and into the spa.

I am not joking when I tell you that this is probably the best spa I have ever been to. It is huge, it just keeps on going, and it is SO fancy and special. We had an absolutely brilliant day and we're already making plans to go back sometime because it's definitely worth it. We could have stayed until 9.30pm when it closed, making it excellent value for money, and we also got a two course meal and a drink included so it's worth it. I want to take everyone I know!

We started off in the Vitality pool, which was so warm. It has a big waterfall at one end, and two areas with different jets and seats. It has two hot tubs attached which were nice and warm too. Around this pool are experience showers, an ice lounge, and lots of loungers.

We then moved on to the middle pool. This is called the Hydrotherapy pool. It is circular and it again has lots of jets and things in it. Around it are steam rooms and two saunas, and treatment rooms. There are loungers here, too, although the heated ones weren't yet working with heat (but obviously you could still sit on them). There were foot spas here too.

We went into the Serenity pool too, which is all dark and kept quiet. The water seemed to be salty which keeps you buoyant and which was lovely. Then we headed outside - the swimming pool starts inside and goes outside. It's heated but it wasn't hot. Also outside are two hot tubs and an infinity hot tub. We went in that one.

By this time it was about 12 o'clock so we headed up to the roof terrace. On the way we past the mezzanine floors, which has a bunch of comfy beds to lie on. The lift wasn't working on the day we visited - which to be fair I did get an email about - so we went up the stairs. We had a dressing gown and flip flops each, and we also used about three towels each. Outside on the roof is an infinity sided hot tub with a beautiful view of the countryside, and plenty of loungers. The weather wasn't brilliant on that day, but the hot tub was so warm that it was fine!

Our lunch was booked for 12.45 in the restaurant on the terrace. Part of the ongoing refurbishment is in the other restaurant, but the roof one is really nice too. There were plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. We shared some bread and dips to start with and then Lee had fish and chips and I had a vegan 'duck' hoisin wrap which was really nice. It came with chips, too. For dessert Lee had sticky toffee pudding and I had a vegan brownie with ice cream. I also had both glasses of wine - one pink and one fizzy!

They knew it was Lee's birthday because he had had to fill in his details before we arrived, and there was a birthday card in his locker which was nice. Then at lunch they brought him a small piece of brownie with a sparkler in it! It was really fun and cool, I was glad he got a bit spoilt.

In the afternoon we went round all the areas again! Because why not! We stayed outside upstairs for a bit, then went back downstairs. We went into the terrace hot tub and then into the bar there. It has tapas which would be perfect if you were staying all day, but we were really full so didn't bother. I had a Kir Royale which was gorgeous. There are two areas with fire pits so we sat around one of those for a bit too.

We honestly just had such a good time. Around 5.30 more people arrived because they do a 'twilight' experience from 5.30 til 9.30, but it still wasn't too busy. It felt fine. We left not long after that though because we wanted to get back for the cats. I had a shower and used all the free toiletries, and we set off about 6pm I guess. Lee then talked to some friends for the rest of his birthday!

I really cannot gush about this place enough, though. We will definitely go back, it's pure luxury!

The Vitality pool just as we arrived. The Ice Lounge is on the left there

View of the Vitality pool from the lounger I was lying on

The Hydrotherapy pool which had many buttons to press

The Serenity pool which was dark and warm and just gorgeous

This is the swimming pool which starts inside and leads outside. You can see the hot tubs beyond it

This is the outdoor hot tub on the terrace, it had a bunch of seats

These comfy things were on the mezzanine on our way up, but we didn't stay there

Looking down on the Vitality pool from the mezzanine

The hot tub on the roof

Always love two glasses of wine, me

The bread and dips we shared to start with

My hoisin wrap, which was really nice

Lee's sticky toffee pudding

And my brownie

Lee's brownie and sparkler. I realise the flame doesn't look real in this photo, but I promise it was!

The fire pit on the roof terrace

And the fire pit inside the terrace bar

Here we are sitting by that enjoying a drink

I had a gorgeous Kir Royale

Lastly, the Hydrotherapy pool not long before we left

The rest of the photos are Lee's, but I'll include them anyway

Sign on the terrace. The spa is attached to a hotel which is part of a chain that we've been to before, so I know it would be good if you wanted to stay over too