Ashiatsu Massage near London: Worth the Short Train Trip

If you are in London and looking for Ashiatsu (barefoot, back-walking massage), May Thai Therapy in Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire, is an easy day trip. Trains from London King’s Cross to Knebworth take around 36–40 minutes, and the salon is 1.2 miles from the station. Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request, and it is one of our most popular requests, from £70 for 60 minutes, open 7 days a week, 10am–8pm.

Why travel out of London for Ashiatsu?

Ashiatsu is still a specialist request. Most massage menus are built around hands, forearms and elbows, and far fewer places offer massage given with the feet. If you have searched for “Ashiatsu London” or “barefoot massage London” and found only a handful of options, or none with a time that suits you, a short train ride north is a realistic alternative.

At May Thai Therapy, Ashiatsu is not a separate menu item with its own price. It can be included in any massage you book, on request, and it is one of the things our clients ask for most. That means you can combine it with the style you already like: a firm deep tissue massage, a clothed Traditional Thai massage, a sports massage or a slower aromatherapy massage with your choice of oil.

What Ashiatsu feels like

Ashiatsu means “foot pressure” in Japanese. Your therapist uses their feet to give broad, heavy, slow pressure along the muscles either side of the spine, across the shoulder blades and down the backs of the legs. Because a foot covers a much wider area than a thumb or an elbow, the pressure feels deep but spread out rather than sharp. People who usually say a massage is “not strong enough” are often the ones who enjoy it most.

The session normally starts by hand to warm the muscles. Your therapist then moves to foot work for the large muscle groups, and finishes the neck, arms and scalp by hand. You can ask for more or less pressure at any time, and you can stop the foot work whenever you like. For a deeper explanation, read What is Ashiatsu massage?

Getting here from London by train

Knebworth station is on the line out of London King’s Cross, with Great Northern and Thameslink services. Typical journey times, checked on 14 October 2026:

Times vary by service and on engineering works. Always check your train on National Rail or the operator’s app before you travel.

In the Summer 2026 timetable, off-peak Great Northern trains leave King’s Cross at around 6 and 36 minutes past the hour and call at Finsbury Park about five minutes later, so you rarely have a long wait. Finsbury Park is often the easier place to board if you are coming from north London or the Victoria line.

From Knebworth station to the salon

• Distance: about 1.2 miles by road.
• Walk: roughly 25 minutes via Station Road and the B197 (London Road), heading south into Woolmer Green. We are at 11 London Road.
• Taxi: about 3 minutes by car. We suggest booking a local taxi before you travel rather than relying on finding one at the station.

If you prefer a walk after your massage, the route back to the station is straightforward and flat enough for most people, but allow the full 25 minutes so you do not rush to your train.

Driving from London

If you drive, take the A1(M) north and leave at junction 6 (Welwyn), then follow the B197 north to Woolmer Green. We have our own car park behind the shop with room for 6 cars, plus free parking in the adjacent roads. There is no parking charge.

Planning your visit

1. Book first. Because you are travelling, book online (open 24/7) and add a note asking for Ashiatsu, or call 07360 276999. Walk-ins are welcome, but we are often busy, so do not risk the journey without a booking.
2. Choose 90 minutes if you can. A 90-minute massage (£105) gives time for a proper warm-up, foot work on the back and legs, and hand work on the neck and shoulders. It makes the trip worthwhile.
3. Pick your train with a buffer. Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals have a shorter treatment, because the next client cannot be delayed.
4. Wear something comfortable. For Traditional Thai you can wear loose clothes (we can provide them). For oil massage you undress to your comfort level and stay covered with towels.
5. Allow a few minutes afterwards. Sit up slowly, drink some water and then head back to the station.

Prices

Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request. See the full price list.

Ashiatsu does not change the price: you pay for the massage you book. Couples massage (£135 for two, 60 minutes) also works well for a day out from London, and either person can ask for Ashiatsu.

Is Ashiatsu right for you?

Ashiatsu is not suitable during pregnancy, with osteoporosis or other fragile bones, after recent back or spinal surgery, with disc problems, or if you have been told to avoid deep pressure (for example on blood thinners). Tell us about any health conditions when you book and your therapist will use hands instead. We do not offer pregnancy massage. For more detail, read Is Ashiatsu safe?

Find us

11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm. Parking: our own car park behind the shop (6 spaces), plus free street parking in the adjacent roads.

From Knebworth station: the salon is about 1.2 miles by road (a 3-minute taxi or drive), or roughly 25 minutes on foot via Station Road and the B197 (London Road). Knebworth is on the Great Northern line from London King’s Cross and Moorgate.

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More on Ashiatsu: Ashiatsu massage in Hertfordshire · How to book Ashiatsu · Thai massage near Knebworth

Frequently asked questions