🇬🇧United Kingdom · Spa / Massage
How much to tip a massage therapist in the United Kingdom (2026 Guide)
OptionalCash or card
0–10%; many high-end spas add service charge
0–10% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
£
Cultural notes
UK spa tipping is less standardised than the US. Many spas (especially in hotels) add a 10% service charge to the bill, which removes the need to tip further. If not, around 10% to the therapist is generous; nothing extra is also fine. Cash directly to the therapist is preferred over card.
Frequently asked questions
Is a service charge always added?
Often at hotel and luxury spas; always check the bill.
How much for a massage?
10% if no service charge; nothing if it is included.
Tipping other services in the United Kingdom
- Sit-down restaurant10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
- Counter / takeaway£0 — not customary; round-up or tip jar appreciated
- Café£0 — round up or drop change in tip jar
- Bar£0 — or offer "one for yourself" (~£1)
- Housekeeping£2–5 per night for mid- to high-end stays
- Porter£1–2 per bag
- Concierge£5–20 if they secure something hard to get
- TaxiRound up to nearest £ or ~10%
- RideshareOptional — £1–2 or ~10% via app
- Food delivery£1–3 or ~10% via app
- Grocery delivery£0 for supermarkets (Tesco/Sainsbury's policy bars it); £1–2 for app couriers
- Hairdresser10% standard
- Tour guide10–15% of tour cost, or £5–10 per person for free walking tours
- Tattoo artist£0 — not customary; 10–20% if you do tip
- Valet£2–5 on return of vehicle
- Airport baggage£1–2 per bag (porter service is rare at UK airports)
- Busker£1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers£20–50 per mover for a good job
- Tradesperson£0 — not customary; tea and biscuits preferred
Tipping a massage therapist in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: getawayguide.co.uk, visitlondon.com