The UK's top wellness hotspots

Pembrokeshire is officially the best place in Wales to visit for your well-being, thanks to its abundance of Blue Flag beaches, its coastal national park, and National Trust sites to explore. 

Prioritising our wellness has never been more important, which is why we analysed the best places for wellness in the UK. Our research looked at eight different factors across the UK, including the number of Blue Flag beaches, wellness centres, health restaurants, national parks and park runs per 1,000 people, along with average life expectancy.

While the coastal county of Dorset has been crowned the UK’s wellness capital, Pembrokeshire came a close second. And it's in this beautiful Welsh county where you'll find some of our most relaxing holiday retreats. Why not click the button below to have a browse?

Want to find out what other places made the UK’s wellness hotspots list? Take a look at our full findings below...

UK’s top 10 wellness hotspots:

1. Dorset, South West England
2. Pembrokeshire, West Wales
3. Somerset, South West England
4. Perth and Kinross, Scotland
5. Gwynedd, North Wales
6. The Highlands, Scotland
7. Cornwall, South West England
8. Devon, South West England
9. Aberdeenshire, Scotland
10. Anglesey, North Wales

1. Dorset, South West England

Known for the world-renowned Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Dorset comes out as the UK’s top wellness hotspot on our list. 

With a striking World Heritage coastline, home to fossil-flecked cliffs and impressive rock formations, it’s no surprise that this coastal treat reigns top of the wellness crop. Dorset is also blessed with some of the best beaches in the UK; from the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove to the wonderful white sands of Studland, you’re sure to be immersed in a laidback beach holiday atmosphere. 

Much of this coastal county is protected by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wander the lush green hills and enjoy incredible vistas all the way to the Isle of Wight! Dorset is also famous for its striking limestone arch, Durdle Door, a postcard favourite. Nearby you’ll find the picture-perfect horseshoe bay of Lulworth Cove, a haven for visitors exploring its stunning setting and quaint village.

2. Pembrokeshire, West Wales

We are thrilled that idyllic Pembrokeshire, with its colourful seaside towns, invigorating coast path, historic St Davids and amazing national park , came in as the top wellness hotspot in Wales! 

Being the UK’s only coastal national park, we can see why pretty Pembrokeshire is good for your wellbeing with its amazing sea views, gorgeously golden sands and fresh sea air. Browse our guides to Pembrokeshire’s top restaurants and things to do to get you all set up for your next relaxing break.

There’s a sign welcoming you to pretty Tenby that reads, ‘The sea washes away all the ills of men’. This lovely phrase captures the essence of this seaside town. The quote from Euripides is also on the Grade II-listed Laston House, a former public bathhouse that guests would visit to relax, unwind and heal. Stay in nearby Laston House 2 and enjoy some of the best sea views and seawater bathing in the UK.  

Take a look at our coastal cottages in Pembrokeshire for a truly relaxing break in Wales’ wellness hotspot or browse our full range of holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire below:

3. Somerset, South West England

Enchanting Somerset has plenty to be discovered, including tranquil beaches, ancient sites, refreshing green landscapes, wonderful woodlands, lovely lakes and Europe's oldest residential street! This delightful county is also home to some world-famous landmarks, such as Glastonbury, Wells Cathedral and Cheddar Gorge, all with secrets of their own to be discovered.

Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural landmark, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus a Site of Special Scientific Interest with awe-inspiring cliffs and spectacular subterranean show caves. Exmoor National Park can also be found in Somerset, famous for its pretty ponies, unspoilt coastline and dreamy night skies, all perfect for improving wellbeing. 

4. Perth and Kinross, Scotland

Scenic Perth and Kinross is situated in the heartland of Scotland, with gorgeous lowlands and highlands to be explored. Historic Perth’s vibrant city centre is brimming with excellent Scottish independent shops, a lively cafe culture, galleries, museums and theatres, all guaranteed to improve your wellbeing. 

It truly is nature’s paradise here with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to explore, home to the UK’s largest lake along with miles of beautiful forest. You’ll also discover the UK’s largest national park here, the outstanding Cairngorms.

5. Gwynedd, North Wales

Gwynedd comes in as Wales’ second-best wellness hotspot and is home to the Llŷn Peninsula, Portmeirion village and the imposing Caernafon Castle. With plenty of outdoor activities from land to sea and mountains to the coast, this wonderful Welsh region has much to offer those looking to get away from it all. 

Discover multiple Blue Flag beaches and amazing sea views, enchanting forests and one of the most serene stretches of the Wales Coast Path. You’re sure to feel refreshed after a break in glorious Gwynedd.  

The best of the rest

These are just a few more of the amazing wellness hotspots we uncovered on our wellness journey:

Enjoy a wellness retreat in Pembrokeshire

We’re delighted to reveal that two West Wales locations made the top wellness hotspots, with Pembrokeshire coming in as Wales’ top spot and beautiful Ceredigion also making the top 20. 

Whilst Cumbria, Cornwall, The Highlands, Devon and various other locations across the UK certainly offer beautiful places to visit, those on offer in Pembrokeshire have proved themselves to be amongst the very best!

Feeling inspired to take your next well-deserved retreat in beautiful Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire and cosy Ceredigion cottages to find the perfect getaway.

*Data collected by FBM Holidays during April & May 2022