Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House in the UK

Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House

Book in at the home of the original Cowshed spa with lakeside sunbeds galore, surrounded by the Somerset countryside

Wednesday 27 July 2022   By Anastasiia Fedorova

As much as we love summer – the picnics, the music festivals, the bottomless Pimm’s in the pub garden, the warm evenings – let’s admit that having all the fun can sometimes feel a little tiring. Sure, we’re all ‘work hard, play hard’ here, but sometimes everyone needs a peaceful break to recharge, cool down, and reflect.

Babington House in Somerset has long been a much-loved self-care destination among members. A 30-minute drive from Bath, it’s the ideal place to kick back and put everything on pause.

Located in a 1705 Grade II-listed manor, Babington House is surrounded by 18 acres of English countryside. The elegantly decorated bedrooms, Cabins, Lodges and Attic rooms make it a perfect home away from home. No doubt a stay will be good for the soul: long countryside walks, brunch in the Orangery, and a delicious menu making the most of seasonal fresh produce and vegetables from our Walled Garden. But trust us, wellness can feel just as fun as it does indulgent – here’s what Babington House has to offer. 

Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House
Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House

Take a dip 

We love a rooftop pool, but sometimes getting a spot on a sunbed during a heatwave can feel like a bit of an extreme sport. Babington House has both an indoor one and an outdoor infinity pool over the lake – a pleasure to plunge into the calm waters and do a few laps like no one’s watching. As a temporary instalment for summer, there is a refreshingly cold plunge bath as well.


The Cowshed spa at Soho Health Club

Babington House’s Cowshed spa has a special significance – this is where Cowshed was born, in an actual cowshed within the grounds. There’s a broad range of signature massage treatments on offer, plus manicures and pedicures to leave you feeling polished. It’s tricky to choose, but our current favourite is the Salt Scrub & Massage: a 90-minute treatment beginning with a sea salt and spearmint scrub, followed by a full-body massage. Finish off with a soak in a private room that looks out onto the Walled Garden ¬– a real treat.

You can also be among the first to try the recently launched Soho Skin. Soho Skin facials use our new line of advanced products, with a complimentary gift from the range as an extra benefit.

Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House
Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House
Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House

The gym at Soho Health Club 

Looking to sweat, stretch or meditate? Babington House has a daily timetable of classes, including Pilates, boxing, strength, yoga, and HIIT. The gym is equipped with Technogym cross trainers, treadmills and rowing machines, plus a free weights area. Want to take it outside? One Astroturf and four grass tennis courts are at your service. Whether you want to hit those goals or just feel your best, this is your playground. As a post-workout bonus, there is a cinema connected to the Health Club with screenings six days a week featuring both classics and new releases.


The Padel Social Club at Soho Health Club

Fancy something more social? Love learning a new skill in a playful setting? This summer, padel is the answer. A cross between tennis and squash, it’s really popular throughout European holiday destinations. Babington House is hosting pop-up padel courts until the end of September, with monthly events hosted by Kristian Hunter from Padel Social Club for coaching tips and fun socials. Pick up that racket – we’re hitting the Cowshed Active Deli Bar later for some well-deserved post-game treats.

Book your stay at Babington House here, with special rates for Soho House and Soho Friends members.

Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House
Kick off your self-care summer at Babington House | Soho House
Interested in becoming a member?