Much-loved North Yorkshire spa announces closure with 'heavy heart' amid rising costs

Whinstone View, Great Ayton (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

A much-loved North Yorkshire spa has announced with a "heavy heart" it will close later this year amid rising financial pressures.

Whinstone View in Great Ayton said its spa will close in October 2026, although a final date has yet to be confirmed.

The wider Whinstone View site will remain open, including its bistro, which opens daily from 9am, and its luxury log cabins.

The venue also offers a wedding barn, events, and wellbeing classes across its 14-acre grounds.

In a statement shared on social media, the owners said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we are sharing our intention to close the spa at Whinstone View in October 2026 (TBC).

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

"We have spent a great deal of time considering every possible way to continue, because this business means so much to us.

Whinstone View, Great Ayton

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"We are incredibly proud of what we have built and, above all, grateful for the people who have made it possible."

The owners said financial pressures had become increasingly difficult to overcome, despite efforts to continue offering the standard of service customers expected.

They said: "Unfortunately, the financial pressures facing the business have become increasingly difficult to overcome.

"Despite our best efforts to manage rising costs and continue providing the level of service our customers deserve, it has become challenging to make the numbers work sustainably.

"We want to be honest that this decision is about the financial reality of running the spa, and not a lack of care, commitment or belief in what we do.

"We have explored different options and have worked hard to find a way forward, but at this stage, we believe that planning for closure is the best decision for us right now."

Tributes were paid to the spa’s staff, with the owners thanking them for their "dedication, kindness, professionalism and hard work."

They added: "We know how much you have given, and we are deeply grateful for everything you have done for our customers and for us.

"To our customers, thank you for choosing us, supporting us, and trusting us.

"Whether you have been visiting for years or only recently discovered us, every appointment, recommendation, review, and kind word has meant more than you may realise."

Customers with outstanding spa gift vouchers have been reassured that they will remain valid until the closure date.

Any remaining balance after the spa closes can be used as credit towards dining at Whinstone View Bistro or a future stay in one of the venue’s log cabins.

One customer wrote: "Really sorry to hear this, I’ve had some great treatments at the spa over the years."

Another said: "So sorry to read this. Running a small business in the current climate with this government is extremely difficult, many of us small businesses are having to make difficult decisions."

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The statement continued: "We understand this news will be disappointing to many, but we must do what is right for the future of Whinstone View.

"We will continue to keep you informed as plans develop.

"Until then, we will do everything we can to look after our staff and customers and to make the remaining months as positive and meaningful as possible."