St Sidwell’s Point Review: Fun Spa Day in Exeter!

Fancy a soak in the spa while exploring the highlights of Exeter?

I bring you: St Sidwell’s Point – a brand new leisure centre and spa in Exeter.

Unblock your pores in the sauna and steam room, enjoy the leisure centre facilities, take a dip in the public pool during one of the swimming sessions and try out the fitness studios, all in an environmentally-friendly building. 

I recently spent a morning at St Sidwell’s Point spa and leisure centre on a trip with Visit Exeter, and you can read my full review below.

I worked with Visit Exeter on this trip, but all opinions are my own. So much so that I’m already planning another trip back there!  

Where is St Sidwell’s Point spa? 

St Sidwell’s Point spa is located in the brand new leisure centre, St Sidwells Point, built on the site of the old bus station.

Recently, the old bus station, which dated back to the 1960s, was knocked down (being replaced by a much more modern bus station in the city centre) to make way for St Sidwell’s Point!

It’s in a city centre location, close to attractions like Exeter Cathedral and the Quay. 

It’s located on Paris Street, on the roundabout where Heavitree Road meets Western Way, close to Jury’s Inn Exeter and VUE Cinema.

If you’re using your SatNav to get there, plug in the postcode EX1 2JX.

There’s no private parking on-site, but you can use the Triangle Car Park which is just a couple of minutes’ walk away. 

About St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre

Run by Exeter City Council, St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre and spa. 

Passivhaus is a clever German concept that traps energy and keeps it in the building.

By making the most of available energy, it has the potential to save up to 70% of energy and carbon.

The building materials and interior design mean that this Passivhaus spa doesn’t just function well in today’s environment; it should withstand any projected climate change up to 2080. 

Other sustainable concepts include using pine furnishings and minimal chlorine in the swimming pool. 

St Sidwell’s Point now stands as a fantastic leisure facility and one of the best social spaces in the city.

Facilities at St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre

St Sidwell’s Point Spa

To begin your spa experience, take the lift up to the top floor. After being checked in by the friendly staff, you’ll receive a fluffy robe and towel, and enter the spa facilities. 

The warmth will hit you as soon as you walk into the spa area. It’s a small space, but it’s powerful; here you’ll find a hot tub, salt therapy steam room, sanarium, sauna and a cold drench bucket.

The position of all the facilities makes it easy to do a circuit – I’m never sure of the best way to do these, but I did:

• five minutes in the sanarium
• five minutes in the sauna
• drench bucket
• five minutes in the steam room 
• drench bucket
• 15 minute soak in the hot tub
• five minutes in the sauna
• drench bucket
• five minutes in the steam room
• drench bucket 

And afterwards, I felt fully relaxed and re-energised!

There are also private treatment rooms where you can have all sorts of treatments, including a manicure, pedicure, massage or facial; many treatments use luxury GAIA products.

From the spa, you can walk out onto a balcony, where you can enjoy city views of the surrounding buildings. 

Gym

Fancy some more exertion? St Sidwell’s Point has you covered – simply visit the gym on the first floor. 

The gym spans the entire floor and boasts various machines, including running machines, cross-trainers, stationary bikes, rowing machines and weight machines.

There are also free weights, including kettlebells, dumbells and barbells. 

Are group workouts more your thing? There’s a spin studio and dance studios, and regular classes led by Les Mills instructors.

Indoor Swimming Pool 

The leisure facilities don’t stop there. After you’ve tried out the gym, head downstairs, to the eight-lane swimming pool. 

You may have realised by now that St Sidwell’s Point isn’t your typical leisure centre.

This theme continues with the pool. It has minimal chlorine and chemical pool water treatment; instead, the pool is cleaned with filters. 

There is also a 20-metre learner pool and a confidence splash pool onsite, so everyone can swim here, whether they’re nine months or ninety! 

Cost of Visiting St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre and Spa

If you’d like to use the spa facilities only, the cost is just £20 for a two hour session. That’s an incredible value spa day in Exeter! 

Are you an Exeter local? For just £25, you can become a member of the pool, sports facilities or gym.

Then, you can add on whatever extras you’d like starting from an additional cost of just £5 per month. 

The perfect spa day in Exeter!

St Sidwell’s Point is certainly not your typical leisure centre.

Exeter City Council has really pulled it out of the bag with the amazing opportunities for physical activity and relaxation right in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re an Exeter local or visitor, this Passivhaus leisure centre is a must-visit.