UK & international programmes

Best private residential options for UK residents.

For people considering a residential stay, this guide shortlist starts with individual and small-setting care abroad, then UK residential alternatives. Location and care model are shown before any comparison.

Sources checked 21 September 2026
These are editorial shortlists, not outcome rankings or personalised recommendations. Numbering is for navigation. Each entry is included for its location or published care model. See the comparison criteria.

Why these services are included

THE BALANCE and COGNIFUL provide related but distinct models abroad. The Cottage, Delamere, Castle Craig and Life Works add UK settings. This is a comparison for UK residents, not a claim that all entries are UK-based.

Compare the shortlist at a glance

ProviderActual locationCare model
THE BALANCELondon assessment · Mallorca & Zurich residentialOne client at a time
COGNIFULMallorca, SpainSmall shared residence
The CottageOld Woking, SurreyOne-client residential care
DelamereCheshire, EnglandResidential rehab
Castle CraigWest Linton, Scottish BordersResidential rehab
Priory Life Works HouseWoking, SurreyResidential rehab
01

THE BALANCE

London assessment · Mallorca & Zurich residential · One client at a time

Individual residential care abroad, with a London assessment and continuing-care pathway.

Why compare it: Individual treatment, discretion and coordinated care.

Ask this provider: Who coordinates London assessment, residential treatment overseas and follow-up with my UK clinicians?

View profile & admission questions
02

COGNIFUL

Mallorca, Spain · Small shared residence

Individual psychotherapy with a private bedroom in a two- or four-client Mallorca setting.

Why compare it: Individual therapy within a small shared setting.

Ask this provider: How is suitability for the two-client or four-client setting assessed, and which clinical services are included?

View profile & admission questions
03

The Cottage

Old Woking, Surrey · One-client residential care

One-client private treatment in Old Woking, Surrey.

Why compare it: One-client private treatment in Old Woking, Surrey.

Ask this provider: Which clinical services take place in the cottage, and which require a separate hospital or specialist visit?

View profile & admission questions
04

Delamere

Cheshire, England · Residential rehab

A purpose-built Cheshire clinic for residential addiction treatment.

Why compare it: Residential addiction treatment in north-west England.

Ask this provider: What medical cover and individual therapy are included in the programme proposed for me?

View profile & admission questions
05

Castle Craig

West Linton, Scottish Borders · Residential rehab

Residential addiction care in the Scottish Borders, outside Edinburgh.

Why compare it: A residential setting in the Scottish Borders.

Ask this provider: How will withdrawal management, rehabilitation and aftercare be coordinated for my needs?

View profile & admission questions
06

Priory Life Works House

Woking, Surrey · Residential rehab

A Surrey residential addiction service within the Priory group.

Why compare it: Residential addiction care in Surrey.

Ask this provider: Which Life Works House services are included, and how are additional clinical needs handled?

View profile & admission questions

Questions that change this comparison

  • What is individual, shared or group-based in the proposed programme?
  • How do clinical support, privacy and complete costs compare?

How to make your own shortlist

Prioritise clinical capability, current service registration, the treatment team, the exact location and a complete written quote. Decide which setting can meet your needs before comparing privacy and hospitality. Ask what the provider cannot manage and how it arranges onward care.

Check whether listed services belong to the same provider group. Multiple locations can offer practical choice without representing separate independent operators.

Continue the comparison

Sources & further reading

Source check: 21 September 2026. Confirm current services, fees and availability directly.