The Woodland Spa

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Embraced by the rolling Lancashire countryside, the Woodland Spa is a day spa within the Crow Wood Leisure complex which - in turn - forms part of the Crow Wood Hotel. A destination in its own right, the spa has nine (yes, nine) pools, impressive thermal facilities, a delightful outdoor terrace with its own bar and two AA rosette restaurants.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

The recently refurbished and expanded (i.e. doubled in size) spa is housed in a separate building to the hotel; access it directly from the spa car park or - if you’re staying overnight - ask the concierge to take you in a golf buggy and arrive in style.

Walk under the attractive autumnal leaf ceiling feature to the spa reception which is light and spacious with retail products on display at every turn. One of the spa reception team greeted us, presented us with an itinerary and walked us through our day using a map (it’s large) before handing us rubber wristbands to access the facilities and our locker, and guiding us down the corridor to a spa host who showed us through to the changing rooms.

Clusters of large wooden lockers line the walls of the changing facilities, creating something of a maze. Luckily, hosts and wall signs assist. You'll find a white robe, towel and flip-flops in your pre-allocated locker; use the faux-leather benches for changing, or pop into a private changing cubicle.

The loos and showers containing Neal and Wolf body wash, shampoo and conditioner can be found behind the sleek nude glass cubicle doors. On hand afterwards is a swimsuit dryer with bags, and several mirrored vanity bars with round stools in front, as well as tissues and hairdryers for post-spa titivating.

The Woodland Spa's indoor thermal suite is impressive - take a left out of the changing rooms to reach the 7.5-metre bubbly hydrotherapy pool surrounded by loungers, columns and charming ceiling lights featuring giant glass leaves.

We began our thermal journey at the Roman foot baths with their reflexology-effect bubbles before moving onto the three-tier, pine-scented sauna which was roomy enough for eight spa-goers.

You’ll find two steam rooms to get hot under the collar in: a salt steam room and a more traditional humid experience with a delightful rose fragrance.

If you're not a fan of the heat, head to the cooler Sanarium overlooking the outdoor terrace and pool or cool off in between heat experiences at the ice fountain or under an experience shower.

Despite the changeable winter weather, we braved the outdoor terrace with its three pools: a brilliantly bubbly infinity-edge pool sitting under a retractable roof, two hot tubs and an unheated 12-metre pool, perfect for swimming lengths in more clement weather.

Slump onto a wicker sofa or rattan lounger afterwards and lose yourself in a book or (as we did) order a cocktail from the Terrace Bar. Two enclosed fire pits come into their own on wintery days, as does the Serenity room - a dark area lined with comfortable rattan cushioned loungers, perfect for an afternoon snooze. A Serenity pool sits, rather unusually, in the centre. We floated around in the warm waters without a care in the world.

Back down the corridor, passing the changing rooms, the area opens up with a high arched ceiling marking the new extension. The showstopper here is the waterfall gushing out of a marble wall at the back of vitality pool which has swan neck fountains and four hot tubs, one in each corner. You’ll find plenty of loungers to relax post-swim.

This new area also offers a Sanarium, more Roman foot baths, two experience showers and the multi-sensory Ice Lounge, a cold - but not freezing - space. Grab handfuls of ice as it pushes up from the cube in the centre and rub on achy joints and muscles.

Make sure you leave enough time to experience the new Rooftop with its infinity pool with a view. On warmer days, you can dry off on one of the many sun loungers, relax on a day bed for two or shimmy up to The Rooftop Bar to order a pizza and a cocktail. Two enclosed fire pits will warm you up on cooler days.

Two Rasul mud rooms (bookable at extra cost), a light and airy manicure and pedicure suite and a large post-treatment relaxation room complete the long list of facilities. Phew.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the Neom De-Stress Massage (75 minutes, £112).

The treatment waiting area at The Woodlands Spa is modern and spacious, with a host desk, product displays and a welcoming team member offering us a glass of lemon water while we waited on a burnt-orange sofa, flicking through magazines on a low coffee table.

My therapist, Amy, collected me and led me to one of the spa’s 16 treatment rooms. The room felt calm and contemporary, decorated in neutral hues of beige, brown and bronze, with dark wooden cupboards adding warmth. Amy explained the treatment and left the room so I could get comfortable on the bed, lying face up.

The experience began with a soothing foot reflexology ritual, accompanied by a guided meditation played through the sound system. My breathing soon fell into rhythm. A gentle pillow mist was spritzed before being placed beneath my head, followed by a light mist over my face - a simple but grounding moment that signalled it was time to fully switch off.

The massage itself used a Neom oil blend of 24 essential oils, including lavender and Brazilian rosewood. Amy worked methodically: right leg, left leg, abdomen, right arm and chest, then left arm and chest, before a wonderfully dreamy scalp massage. I was then asked to turn over for work on the backs of the legs and a deeply relieving back massage that eased the knots from my shoulders. A cooling gel applied here melted away remaining tension and inflammation.

The treatment concluded with warm mitts on my feet, gentle leg stretches, and post-treatment advice before Amy guided me to the relaxation room. Here, my spa partner was already cocooned under a blanket on one of the 14 bronze beds, beneath a striking ceiling light of cascading gold tassels - the perfect place to drift off a little longer.

The treatment menu at Woodland Spa is vast, with facials and massages from Temple Spa, Medik8 & Neom and manis/pedis from OPI, as well as hot stone massages, Indian head massages and a range of beauty treatments.

FOOD FACTS

For casual dining you can enjoy ‘Tapas in the Terrace’ at the ground level outdoor bar or ‘Pizza on the Rooftop’. Both offer a good selection of drinks, including impressive cocktails and smoothies.

For spa day inclusive lunches; two-course meal and a glass of wine, you can remain in your robe and head upstairs to 2 AA Rosette Bertram's, the spa's a la carte restaurant with its green views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We chose the parmesan chicken focaccia, generously filled and comforting without being heavy, while our spa partner opted for the wild mushroom and black garlic risotto, which was full of flavour. The menu offers plenty of choice, with other options including sea bass, linguini pomodoro, soups and sandwiches, alongside tempting sides, bread and nibbles.

For dessert, we enjoyed the seasonal brûlée, lightly set with just the right balance of sweetness and sharpness. Our spa partner went for a refreshing pineapple and melon fruit salad, though classics such as sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie were also on offer.

As we were staying overnight, we enjoyed our evening meal in Wilfred’s, the hotel’s chic restaurant with soft lighting and cherry blossom trees. We began with cauliflower pakoras and king prawn orzo, both beautifully presented. For mains, our duck with chips was indulgent and well cooked, while the trio of Pendle lamb (cutlet, croquette & Shepard’s pie) was a real highlight. We added a side of seasonal greens and a chilled glass of rosé. Sadly, there was no room for dessert - a testament to a thoroughly satisfying meal.

WE LOVED / WE DIDN’T LOVE

We loved

The spacious pool hall complete with its striking waterfall feature.

The relaxation room - the perfect post-treatment space with calming red and bronze tones and 14 generously sized beds, each with an elegant dividing privacy curtain, side table and lamp.

The two additional casual dining options: Tapas in the Terrace at the ground-level outdoor bar and Pizza on the Rooftop are both ideal for a pit-stop cuppa, a fancy cocktail or a glass of fizz.

We didn't love

The lack of changing room amenities: while we like the clean minimalist look of the new changing rooms, we missed having cleanser and hair styling tools to hand at vanity stations.

WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD LIKE IT?

Sociable spa goers: we saw groups of friends, couples, and mothers and daughters enjoying the spa on our visit.

Anyone who loves a treatment: there is a wide choice at The Woodland Spa.

Overnighters: the rooms are fantastic; being able to try both restaurants was a real highlight.

WHICH BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Woodland Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury, in recognition of its impressive range of facilities, delicious dining, and standout treatments.

Serene Spy visited in December 2025 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury