Set against the dramatic backdrop of Skiddaw Mountain and bordered by the tranquil waters of Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa stands as a testament to refined country living. This former stately home, enveloped by 400 acres of pristine deer park and woodland, has evolved into one of northern England’s most distinguished luxury destinations.

ACCOMMODATION

The property’s 43 bedrooms represent the pinnacle of Lake District luxury accommodation. Each room serves as a private sanctuary, where traditional elegance meets contemporary comfort. The recently enhanced suites, positioned within the main house, deserve particular recognition for their thoughtful design and strategic location adjacent to the award-winning spa facilities.

These suites exemplify the hotel’s commitment to sophisticated comfort, offering guests an elevated residential experience that harmoniously blends the building’s historical character with modern luxuries. The attention to detail extends beyond the rooms themselves to the carefully preserved architectural features of this historic property, creating an atmosphere of refined authenticity.

Each room category has been meticulously conceived to provide a distinct experience, from the feature rooms that showcase unique architectural elements to the family rooms that balance luxury with practicality. The accommodation wing maintains the grandeur of the original stately home while incorporating contemporary amenities that discerning travellers expect.

DINING

The Lake View Restaurant represents fine dining at its most refined, where the culinary team demonstrates exceptional skill in combining traditional English fare with classical French techniques. Showcasing the wealth of local Cumbrian specialties and seasonal produce, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect modern, lighter dining preferences while maintaining the sophistication expected of premium cuisine. The restaurant is complemented by years of thoughtful wine selection, resulting in a cellar of distinction that provides the perfect accompaniment to the chef’s culinary creations.

We began our culinary journey at Lake View Restaurant with high expectations, which were immediately met by an impressive selection of starters. The king scallops arrived perfectly prepared, paired with a deliciously rich miso-glazed pork belly. We found the apple and celeriac accompaniments provided a beautiful balance to the dish. Our second starter, the burrata mozzarella, presented a lighter option. The quality of the ingredients are exceptional, and the balsamic caviar added an innovative touch that elevated the classic combination.

Our main courses proved equally accomplished. The Cumbrian lamb demonstrated the kitchen’s expertise in sourcing and preparing local produce. We were particularly impressed by the dual preparation method – the loin was cooked to perfection, while the confit shoulder offered a more intense flavour profile. The accompaniments of peas, broad beans, and mint provided classical support to the dish, while the confit potato added satisfying richness. The Stone Bass dish offered a lighter alternative, and we found the combination with asparagus and wild mushrooms to be well-judged. The buttered Jersey Royals were faultlessly prepared, while the sauce vierge brought a necessary brightness to the plate.

For dessert, we sampled what must be one of the finest iterations of sticky toffee pudding we have tried. The addition of a brandy snap brought welcome textural contrast, while the toffee sauce achieved the perfect balance of sweetness. We also opted for the chocolate hazelnut crémeux, which showcased the pastry chef’s technical skills. The white chocolate aero provided an interesting textural element, while the wild cherry sorbet cut through the richness effectively, providing an all-round delightful and indulgent experience.

The Grill offers a more relaxed yet equally impressive dining experience, designed with a stylish but informal atmosphere that perfectly aligns with its Lake District setting. The space has been fully refurbished to combine the hotel’s renowned hospitality with a welcoming ambiance. An extensive selection of wines and cocktails complements the rich, hearty flavours of the dishes, making it an ideal setting for both casual meals and special occasions. The menu maintains the hotel’s commitment to quality while presenting dishes in a more accessible style.

The Cocktail Bar provides a particularly noteworthy setting for pre-dinner drinks or evening refreshments. With its panelled walls adorned with gilt-framed artwork, decorative fireplace, and exclusive champagne booth, it epitomises sophisticated leisure. This space has become a destination in itself, offering an elegant retreat for both hotel guests and visitors.

Afternoon tea, served from 12:30 to 17:00, has been thoughtfully reimagined for the 21st century. While maintaining the elegance of tradition, the service incorporates teas from across the globe, including selections from Kenya, India, the Himalayas, and China. Modern dietary requirements are seamlessly accommodated, with vegan and coeliac options available upon advance request.

SPA

The spa at Armathwaite Hall stands as one of the property’s most impressive features. Spanning two floors, this contemporary wellness sanctuary offers a comprehensive approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. The 16-metre infinity edge pool, maintaining a consistent depth of 1.2 metres, provides an impressive centrepiece with views extending over the manicured gardens.

The thermal suite showcases particular innovation with its aroma room, which creates a unique environment between a steam room and tepidarium. The space features heated walls and periodic steam infusions, enhanced by stunning Snow Quartz Crystal features and mood lighting. This thoughtful design creates the perfect preparation space before guests progress to more intense heat experiences.

The facilities extend to include a traditional steam room adorned with an Amethyst Madonna Crystal Cave, a traditional sauna with garden views, and an outdoor hot tub that takes full advantage of the woodland setting. The hydrotherapy pool, complete with neck shower and mood lighting, provides additional therapeutic benefits.

Ten treatment rooms, including a spectacular couples’ suite with whirlpool bath, offer a comprehensive range of therapies. The spa partners with prestigious skincare brands Temple Spa and Voya to deliver treatments that range from traditional to innovative. The dedicated manicure and make-up area, along with the ‘Hush’ and ‘Tranquillity’ relaxation spaces, complete the offering.

For those seeking a more active approach to wellbeing, the state-of-the-art gymnasium features the Life Fitness Elevation series with USB workout memory capabilities. The exercise studio hosts a variety of classes, from high-energy circuits to meditative yoga sessions, while personal training and fitness assessments are available for guests seeking more targeted guidance.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa successfully delivers a modern luxury experience while honouring its heritage as one of England’s great country houses. Its combination of exceptional service, outstanding facilities, and magnificent setting establishes it as a premier destination for those seeking sophisticated relaxation in the Lake District. Whether visiting for a spa retreat, a gastronomic weekend, or an extended luxury escape, guests find themselves immersed in an environment where every detail has been considered and every comfort attended to.