Picture weightlessness. The suspension of your body in complete comfort, pillowed from the reality of gravity through floatation. For some, this description may make you think of the womb. But, for those lucky enough to have experienced floatation tanks already, you will know the sensation well. After all, floatation tank experiences are an indulgence like no other. Meditative, invigorating, and deeply revitalising, investing in a floatation treatment is an action of deliciously luxurious self-care.

While floatation treatments are the invention of US Dr. John C. Lilly, the UK has become a leading pioneer in floatation tank experiences over the past decades. From Cornwall to Aberdeen and Manchester to Belfast, visitors to the UK can find floatation tanks at nearly every turn.

If you haven’t experienced a floatation before, you may be wondering why the tanks are so popular. In a tank, guests float effortlessly due to the level of Epsom salt in the water, which stimulates a meditative state of consciousness. Floatation provides immediate stress and pain relief, reduces blood pressure, boosts skin and hair health, and equivalates to six hours of sleep. Floatation tanks are particularly recommended to those combating jet lag – making a floatation treatment an excellent start to a luxury UK itinerary. And, to help you to choose the best experience for you, here are our six most luxurious floatation tank experiences in the UK.

1. Float in the Forest, Forest of Dean

If your idea of ultimate relaxation involves a natural setting, we’d recommend paying a visit to Float in the Forest. The spa is located in Gloucester’s Forest of Dean, an area of supreme natural beauty renowned for its woodland trails and walking opportunities.

The Forest of Dean is approximately a three-hour drive East from London, perfect for travellers opting to self-drive the UK. The Forest of Dean is also situated next to The Cotswolds, so visiting is an ideal combination to experience the English countryside and villages. Surrounded by nature and sleepy villages before and after your floatation, you can guarantee a maintained state of relaxation.

Float in the Forest provides individual float pods in the privacy of private, sound-proofed rooms. Guests have complete control over room lighting – with the choice of soft, colourful lighting or complete darkness to promote meditation through sensory deprivation. The pods themselves are spacious and approximately ‘the size of a small car’. The room also features a walk-in shower with natural products for guests to enjoy after their float, with a relaxation lounge and herbal teas to indulge in then at leisure.

Website: Float in the Forest – Your floatation centre in the beautiful Forest of Dean

2. Infinity Float, Leeds

For those exploring the UK’s Northern cities, Infinity Float in Leeds is a convenient and luxurious floatation choice. Leeds is easily accessible from most UK cities by rail links, making it a feasible destination for those wanting a day trip or short break. Leeds is renowned for its shopping opportunities, which are great for those wishing to further indulge in retail therapy. Alternatively, visitors can also explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park – which hosts many walks and country dining experiences.

Like Float in the Forest, at Infinity Float, guests float in an individual floatation pod in the luxury of a private room. Guests have the option to personalise their experience by controlling lighting within the pod. Lighting options range from a soothing blue to complete darkness so that guests can achieve sensory deprivation while floating. Infinity Float provides hour-long sessions with additional twenty-minute periods to shower and relax before and after the float.

Another highlight of Infinity Float is their specialist, knowledgeable spa staff. As their website highlights, their team includes a Medical GP. The medical influence behind the spa makes it an excellent option for those interested in prescriptive floatation and adds a comforting layer of knowledge behind the experience.

Website: Infinity Float

3. Zero Gravity Float Spa, Manchester

Zero Gravity Float Spa is another luxury floatation option in a major Northern city. Manchester is a popular destination for retail, sporting, and music events, making the city a popular destination for travellers wanting to experience British culture. Manchester is also home to one of the UK’s largest international airports and likely the first UK destination for many. So, if combatting jetlag is high on your priorities, Zero Gravity Float Spa is one to keep in mind.

Aside from its location, Zero Gravity stands out from the crowd with its option to purchase post-floatation massages. After deep relaxation for an hour in your private floatation pod, guests can then indulge in one of many specialised massages. Whether you prefer deep tissue, cupping, sports, or relaxation massages, Zero Gravity has therapists specialising in each. For a more independent experience, guests can also opt to book in for a massage chair session. The spa uses ultra-comfort Weyron chairs that provide a twenty-minute full-body massage.

While Zero Gravity provides standard floatation sessions of up to one hour, they arrange longer sessions subject to enquiry and availability. The spa’s flexibility around session length makes them a great option for those wishing to treat themselves to an extended experience, especially for those who’ve had previous floatation experiences.

Website: Zero Gravity Float Spa – Floatation Spa

4. Floatworks, Vauxhall, London

As a centrally located spa in London, Floatworks is an incredible, accessible choice if you are based in the capital for your UK trip. Vauxhall sits just south of the Thames on the edge of Zone 1, so it is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Whether you are looking to revitalise on a layover in London or simply indulge in all the city has to offer, Floatworks is a great place to start.

Floatworks has been welcoming guests since its opening in 1993, making it one of the most established floatation tank companies on our list. Floatworks is also responsible for the invention of their very own floatation pod, called the i-sopod. The Floatwork website states that the pods are incredibly spacious, measuring 8ft5 in length and 5ft5 in width. And, the i-sopods are now so popular that they’re used in spas across the world.

Floatworks provide a shared-use Hair and Mirrors room, complete with shower facilities and natural products, for guests to use before and after treatment. Guests then have access to a private room containing their floatation pod for a full hour of relaxation. After the floatation treatment, guests have the option to indulge in quiet time in the Relaxation Room. Alternatively, if you are visiting with friends or family, you can reconnect in the Lounge Room to socialise and share your experiences. The social spaces at Floatworks highlight the spa as fantastic for those wishing to float alone but visit as a group or couple.

Website: Floatworks | Experience the benefits of floatation therapy in London

5. Float Planet, Liverpool

While the Beatles fans may be drawn to Liverpool for its musical history, every traveller can appreciate the draw of its floatation tank experiences. And, out of all the spas, we’d recommend Float Planet.

For those who tend to feel claustrophobic, even the spacious floatation pods can seem a daunting prospect. At Float Planet, guests have the option to float in an individual pod or an Ocean Room. The Ocean Room dedicates an entire room to floatation and is designed like a shallow plunge pool. While still an enclosed space to maximise sensory deprivation, Ocean Rooms feature a high ceiling and a larger area to float than within a pod. In Ocean Rooms, guests can still control the lighting, choosing from light blue, star constellations, and complete darkness.

After your floatation experience, there is a designated ‘chill out’ lounge to process your treatment and further relax with the complimentary herbal tea.

Float Planet is ideal for those hesitant to experience a floatation pod or who value the luxury of extra space to float. Its location in Liverpool is also a huge draw, as the city is renowned for its cultural museums and attractions. If you plan to take the ferry to the Republic or Northern Ireland, Float Planet is an indulgent stop before you head to Liverpool Docks.

Website: Float Tanks Liverpool | FloatPlanet

6. Float Hub, London

Another luxury floatation experience in London is the Shoreditch-based Float Hub. Float Hub has glowing online reviews and ranks as Trip Advisor’s top floatation tank experience in London. Aside from abundant positive reviews, its Shoreditch location is great for those wanting to combine a floatation with trendy drinks or dining. Shoreditch is also easily accessible as a Zone 1 district, guaranteed to slot conveniently into even the most packed London itineraries.

Float Hub provides luxury floatation pods with full lighting control in private rooms. Each private room features a shower with spa and washing products for guest use. Guests then have access to a share-used Vanity Room, where you can use a selection of amenities such as hairdryers and moisturisers for a post-floatation pamper.

Float Hub also offers unlimited time in the Relaxation Room with complimentary reading material and steamy herbal teas.

Float Hub floatation sessions last for an hour with an additional twenty-five minutes to enjoy the private showering facilities. However, subject to availability, guests can request floatation experiences of up to 90-minutes – which is ideal for those wanting to maximise relaxation.

Website: Float Hub – London’s Premium Floatation Therapy Centre

If you want to rebalance and deeply revitalise, a floatation tank experience is a luxurious investment in self. A session is not only a chance to unwind but also to maximise your enjoyment of the UK’s many attractions and tourist experiences. A visit to one, or all, of these floatation spas, is a wonderful addition to any UK trip.