It’s hard not to enjoy a trip to the Lake District, complete with England's largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site it's brimming with natural beauty.
With that backdrop, the scene is set for rest and relaxation, making it ideal for a spa break (or two).
True to the many merits of the spa industry as a whole, there are lots of gorgeous choices when it comes to spa retreats in the area, giving you the opportunity to enjoy different experiences for different occasions. Two excellent examples are Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa and North Lakes Hotel & Spa, both of which have their own unique atmosphere, facilities and appeal.
Whether you're seeking dramatic lakeside scenery and luxurious thermal experiences or a cosy retreat with excellent leisure facilities, both hotels offer memorable places to relax, dine and stay. Here’s what you need to know.
Nestled in the heart of Borrowdale Valley near Keswick, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is surrounded by some of the Lake District's most spectacular scenery. Overlooking Derwentwater and the Catbells mountain range, it's a destination where nature and wellbeing come together beautifully in a contemporary spa experience that combines rest, relaxation, and holistic wellbeing.
The award-winning Falls Spa has been designed to celebrate its natural surroundings, blending contemporary luxury with the expansive landscape. A favourite feature is the 16-metre outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool, where you can unwind while enjoying panoramic views across the fells. The spa also includes a glass-fronted Finnish sauna, and a thermal suite with experiences including a laconium, herbal sauna, aroma steam room, salt steam room, drench showers and an ice fountain, as well as a Rasul mud chamber, which is perfect for a shared treatment experience. For spa treatments they use a combination of Elemis and ishga (famous for the use of Hebridean seaweed) products, so the emphasis is very much on holistic wellbeing as well as results-driven therapies.
The four-star hotel combines elegant country house charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from stylish bedrooms in the main hotel or luxurious spa suites, many of which enjoy views across the lake or surrounding fells. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Lake District, while the lounges, outdoor terraces and communal spaces encourage you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The hotel blends luxury with relaxed Cumbrian hospitality, making it equally suited to romantic getaways, celebrations and peaceful countryside escapes.
Food is an important part of the Lodore Falls experience, with two restaurants to choose from. The Falls Brasserie offers contemporary British cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, served alongside those everpresent views of Derwentwater. The restaurant is also popular for afternoon tea and relaxed dining throughout the day. For something a little different, Mizu brings Pan-Asian flavours to the Lake District, serving Japanese, Malaysian and Thai-inspired dishes in a stylish setting overlooking the waterfall and riverside terrace. Together, the two restaurants provide plenty of choice, whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, an elegant evening meal or a special occasion dinner.
Located in Penrith, North Lakes Hotel & Spa offers a welcoming and comfortable spa experience with the added convenience of easy access from the M6. It's ideal for everything from spa days with friends to weekend breaks exploring the northern part of the Lake District.
North Lakes Hotel & Spa offers a relaxed and welcoming spa experience that's ideal for both day visitors and overnight guests. The spa includes an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, relaxation areas and a fully equipped gym. Treatments use Caudalie skincare products (famously the creators of ‘vinotherapy’), with a selection of massages and facials designed to help guests relax and recharge. Its combination of wellness facilities and leisure amenities makes it an excellent choice for those who want to balance relaxation with fitness and exploring the surrounding area, making wellbeing part of your stay but not necessarily the sole focus.
North Lakes Hotel & Spa combines contemporary comfort with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located, it provides an excellent base for exploring both the Lake District and the Eden Valley. Rooms are designed with comfort in mind, while the hotel's lounges and communal spaces create a relaxed environment to congregate with friends. Whether you’re visiting for a spa weekend with your nearest and dearest or a family getaway, the hotel is a comfortable retreat with easy access to some of Cumbria's most beautiful landscapes.
Dining at North Lakes Hotel & Spa centres around FYR Grill, where guests can enjoy dishes cooked on a bespoke open fire grill right in the heart of the restaurant. It’s a relaxed and convivial dining experience that has a real sense of togetherness - perfect for feeling restored after a day of wandering and time in the spa. For drinks, lighter meals and afternoon refreshments there’s also the hotel's lounge and bar areas, making it easy to unwind throughout the day.
Both spas offer excellent opportunities to relax, but they cater to slightly different experiences.
As is so often the case, both spas offer different experiences for different occasions, so choosing between these is less about which you prefer and more about which is right for your particular break and what you want to get out of it.
If you want to connect with nature in luxury style, making the spa experience the focal point of your stay, then Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is a wonderful choice. It’s also great for a romantic stay. If you're looking for a more rounded experience where you can enjoy excellent leisure facilities, rejuvenating spa treatments and time to explore the surrounding scenery, especially if you’re visiting with a group, then North Lakes Hotel & Spa.
One of the best things about the Lake District is that no two stays are ever quite the same, and the same can be said for these two destinations. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa offers a luxury wellness experience surrounded by dramatic natural beauty, while North Lakes Hotel & Spa provides a relaxed atmosphere with excellent leisure facilities. Each showcases a different side of Lake District hospitality, ensuring that every visit offers something new to discover.
If you like this post, here are some similar ones that you might be interested in:
Find the best Bath wellness escape with our luxury guide to Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel and The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Explore their five-star facilities, award-winning dining, and the perfect sanctuary for your next retreat.
Read full postAfter Bovey Castle won the Gold Award in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards, we look at what makes it such a gorgeous spa retreat.
Read full postDiscover Edinburgh's luxury spa escapes with our luxury guide comparing One Spa at the Sheraton Grand and the Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian.
Read full post
