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Where to go and what to do on a spa break in Windermere

Bonnie Friend's avatar
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Last updated: 22 July 2025

England's largest lake, located in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park, Windermere and its surrounding area is one of the UK's most popular places for rest, relaxation and escapism. Here are a few ideas as to why.

Things to do in Windermere

A trip to the Lake District is very much about being outside and enjoying the abundant natural beauty that the area has to offer. Windermere itself is famous for being England's largest natural lake, measuring 10.5 miles long and 219 feet deep. Whether you're enjoying the view with a cup of tea in hand, hiking in the surrounding area, wildlife watching, or exploring its charming towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, it's a beautiful place to visit all year round.

Visit the World of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was known to have fallen in love with the Lake District, moving to the area thanks to the profits from her books and becoming a passionate protector of its natural beauty. She left 4,000 acres of land and 15 farms to the National Trust when she died in 1943, including her beloved home, Hill Top and Hawkshead in Near Sawrey. It's therefore fitting that one of the most popular attractions in the area is the World of Beatrix Potter where you can walk through the pages of her famous stories, including a free activity trail for children and a themed Peter Rabbit café.

Explore Wray Castle

Once the holiday destination of a young Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle is an imposing house in the Gothic form of a medieval castle, standing proudly above Windermere and enjoying magnificent Lake District views. Replete with castellated towers, arrow slits, ruined battlements and an impressive porte-cochere, the National Trust property offers a range of things to see and explore from a Shingle beach to walking trails, an on-site cafe to its own arboretum.

Get out on the water at Windermere

With the lake itself being the main attraction in the area, it's little wonder that a world of activities await on the water. You can hire boats, kayaks, or paddle boards, or try windsurfing and sailing. Fresh water swimmers are big fans of taking a plunge as well. Just remember to always be safe!

Hike to the summit of Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a hill in the English Lake District on the eastern shores of Windermere, and is a lovely opportunity to go for a hike. There's a 3.5km round loop which winds its way up through Elleray Wood. At the top you're treated to 360º views over Windermere and the central fells.

Ride on The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is a real throwback to a bygone age. A charming steam train, it offers an enchanting day out for all ages. Having been established in 1973, it honours an age-old tradition as 1950s carriages take you through the countryside scenery of the Leven Valley to Lakeside Station. At Haverthwaite Station guests can hop off for a moment and explore the Victorian station complete with a tea room, gift shop, playground, a walk, and an engine shed.

Spas and spa hotels in and around Windermere

Windermere's talent for hospitality is arguably as well known as its natural beauty. With spectacular views framing the experience and setting the scene for rest and relaxation, here are some of our top recommended spa hotels in and around Windermere.

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Bowness-on-Windermere

Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, the breathtaking scenery and superb facilities of this hotel set the scene for a romantic getaway with a loved one. Enjoy country walks or a stroll along the jetty for fresh air adventures, then head to the spa where the trained therapists will ease you into a state of total relaxation during your luxury massage or facial. With a thermal suite to chill out in and magnificent views to look out on, you’ll be in total bliss.

Book a spa break at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere

On the shores of Grasmere in the heart of The Lake District, The Daffodil Hotel and Spa brings together stylish contemporary interiors with the natural beauty of its surroundings. A heritage property turned chic modern getaway, it's all about taking your time to enjoy the setting. The spa is an idyllic addition - ultra modern, with a thermal pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a mud rasul, bringing exotic aromas and spices of Morocco to Grasmere.

Book a spa break at The Daffodil Hotel & Spa
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Netherwood Hotel & Spa, Grange-Over-Sands

This is a hotel that sets the tone for romance as soon as you enter its woodland and landscaped gardens. Cosy lounges, sunny terraces and a luxurious spa all add to the romantic theme so save time for some relaxation together. The thermal experience is perfect for sharing, from the aroma steam room and salt inhalation room to the ice fountain and wooden hot tub. There’s a double treatment room and even a double nail bar for a couple’s spa treat too.

Book a spa break at Netherwood Hotel & Spa
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North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith

Lake District walks, cosy fires and succulent fare cooked in the hotel’s newly opened FYR grill restaurant are just the beginning at this Penrith Hotel, although the real luxury starts at the spa. Using renowned French Caudalie products, soothe aching limbs with a massage or let skin glow with one of its tempting facial treatments. With plenty of relaxation space, a gym and swimming pool and steam room, beautiful experiences and memories are guaranteed.

Book a spa break at North Lakes Hotel and Spa

Ribby Hall

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Preston

You are sure to feel glamorous on a day spent unwinding in the stylish spa at Ribby Hall Village. The five star holiday village is complete with a four-star, adult only Spa Hotel set within 100 acres of Lancashire countryside. The aqua thermal facilities are at the heart of the wellbeing experience. Here, you can enjoy different spa experiences that vary in temperature to detoxify, relax and revitalise you - try the rasul mud chamber or a luxury Elemis treatment. You’ll also have access to the Zen garden, with its own bar and relaxation areas - it's perfect for small groups.

Book a spa break at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

Stanley House Hotel & Spa, Lancashire

Amidst the Lancashire countryside, Stanley House Hotel & Spa is an award-winning boutique hotel set in 54 acres of the Ribble Valley in Mellor. With just 30 rooms and suites, the bijou retreat is world-class, luxurious and romantic, famed for its food, its style and its sense of relaxation. This is undoubtedly a romantic retreat, it's also somewhere you can enjoy with your best friend, enjoying the contemporary spa which is built to make the most of the views, whether it's soaking in the hydro pool or cycling in the gym.

Book a spa break at Stanley House Hotel & Spa

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Written by
Bonnie Friend
“A journalist by trade, Bonnie is the Editor for Spabreaks.com. Keen to spread the message on accessible wellbeing and a spa experience for all, she thinks green smoothies are somewhat overrated and her favourite spa treatment is an Elemis Couture Technology facial.”
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