Massage in Newcastle City Centre

A long week at a desk, a hard session at the gym or a Great North Run training block: there are plenty of reasons to book a massage, and central Newcastle has more choice than most people realise. Within walking distance of Monument and Central Station you can find hotel spas, one of the country's few working Victorian-style Turkish baths, a salon spa, a physiotherapy-led sports clinic and a dedicated Thai massage studio. Here is our guide to where to go, and which kind of massage suits what.

A quick guide to massage types

Before you book, it helps to know what you are asking for.

• Swedish or relaxation massage uses long, flowing strokes to ease general tension. It is the classic choice if you simply want to unwind.
• Deep tissue massage works more slowly and firmly into the deeper layers of muscle, useful for stubborn knots and chronic tightness.
• Sports and remedial massage is targeted at specific muscles or injuries, usually as part of recovery or training, and is often delivered in physiotherapy clinics.
• Hot stone massage uses warmed stones to relax muscles before and during the treatment.
• Thai massage is traditionally done clothed on a mat, combining acupressure with assisted stretching to improve mobility.

Hotel and day spas

Malmaison Newcastle

On the Quayside, Malmaison Newcastle runs a spa that welcomes day visitors as well as hotel guests. Its menu uses TEMPLESPA products and covers massages, facials and body treatments, with spa packages for one or two people. All treatments must be booked and paid for in advance, and the spa does not open every day, so check the current days and menu with the hotel before you plan a visit.

Best for: a polished Quayside spa treatment, solo or as a pair.

Mineral House Spa at the Crowne Plaza

The Crowne Plaza Newcastle in the Stephenson Quarter, a few minutes' walk south of Central Station, is home to Mineral House Spa, with an indoor heated pool, gym and treatment rooms. Massage options have included back massages and deeper treatments, often sold as packages that combine a treatment with time in the spa facilities. Treatments are charged separately from the hotel's facilities and need booking ahead.

Best for: pairing a massage with a swim and spa time near the station.

The Turkish Baths at the City Baths

For something with real character, the restored Turkish Baths at Newcastle City Baths on Northumberland Road are hard to beat. The Grade II listed building reopened after a major refurbishment, and its baths are among only a handful of historic Turkish baths still working in the UK, with a warm tepidarium, hotter rooms and a cold plunge. The spa offers massages including full body, hot stone and pregnancy treatments, alongside facials and a popular mud chamber for two, and packages combine baths time with a treatment.

Best for: a massage with a slice of Newcastle heritage thrown in.

Salon spa: House of Savannah

Tucked into Leazes Arcade on Leazes Park Road, House of Savannah is best known as an Aveda and L'Oreal hair salon, but it also has a spa offering massage, facials and body treatments, which can be combined into spa packages. It is a good option if you want to fit a massage around a hair appointment, or prefer a smaller salon setting to a hotel spa. Ask when booking which massage styles are available on the day.

Best for: a massage alongside hair or beauty in one visit.

Sports massage: Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic

If your massage is really about a problem, such as a tight hamstring, a sore back or recovery from training, a clinic is the better bet. Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic on Saville Place, just off Northumberland Road, has treated everyone from elite athletes to desk workers since 1997 and is now part of the Pure Physiotherapy group. Sports massage sits alongside physiotherapy, acupuncture and podiatry, so if the therapist thinks you need more than massage, the rest of the team is on hand. Appointments are bookable online or by phone, with some evening slots.

For more on clinical options, see our guide to physiotherapists in Newcastle city centre.

Best for: targeted sports and injury massage with physio back-up.

Thai massage: No.1 Thai Massage

On Pink Lane, two minutes from Central Station, No.1 Thai Massage has been trading for around a decade from a two-floor Georgian building. Alongside traditional Thai massage, its menu includes Thai oil, deep tissue and sports, Swedish, hot stone and herbal compress massage, plus reflexology, and it opens into the evening seven days a week. Traditional Thai massage here is a firm, stretching treatment, so tell your therapist if you would prefer a gentler pressure.

Best for: traditional Thai massage close to Central Station.

Choosing the right massage

Start with what you want from it. For pure relaxation, a Swedish or hot stone treatment at one of the hotel spas or the Turkish Baths is ideal, especially if you want to make an afternoon of it. For a specific injury or training niggle, go to a clinic where the therapist can assess you properly. For mobility and a firm, stretching treatment, try Thai massage.

Whichever you choose, book ahead (evenings and weekends fill quickly), check the current treatment menu and prices directly, and mention any injuries, health conditions or pregnancy so the therapist can adapt the treatment. If you are looking for other ways to look after yourself in town, our guide to yoga in Newcastle city centre is a good next stop.

Offer massage in Newcastle city centre and want to be included? Get in touch.