The Spa Hotel Review: North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Cumbria, UK 

Review:  Sue Walker

The North Lakes Hotel & Spa has undergone a recent £3 million refurbishment programme and sits in a prime location in heart of the Lake District and Cumbrian countryside. The country-house style interiors feature beamed ceilings, cosy open fires, comfy seating areas, and even the odd dog bed for those furry companions.


We stayed in a signature double room which was spacious with a comfy king bed and windows which offered a delightful view of the expansive lake.

The in-room Nespresso coffee machine came with a good selection of pods and there was a range of fruit and herbal tea along with gift wrapped fudge supplied from the local sweet shop. There was also a mini fridge containing fresh milk and bottled water

We headed off to the beautiful spa which features a swimming pool with a sauna, Jacuzzi & steam room. Myself and my husband were booked in for treatments and a therapist showed to the treatment area for the pre-treatment consultation. We were taken to a double treatment room where I settled in for the Caudalie Divine Body Scrub; a pampering treat with a skin buffing and softening exfoliator made from brown sugar, grape-seed oil and Caudalie’s hero product; The Divine Oil.

My partner had a luxurious Caudalie Divine Facial which used a fantastic series of steps including a cleansing exfoliator, cleansing milk, cleansing water, foaming cleanser, grape water, THE FAMOUS Beauty Elixir & a glycolic peel; it’s the first time he’s had a facial treatment and after that treat, it won’t be his last.


We loved the fact that we were so spoilt in the relaxation area, with a selection of snacks on offer oat flapjacks, strawberries, yogurt, smoothies, mini éclairs and fresh lemon & lime water.

The restaurant FYR which is pronounced ‘fire’, had a fantastic open fire grill, Cumbria’s only open fire restaurant where we could watch the chef cooking our steaks. The highlight for the starter selection was The Taste Table, which included a selection of seafood, cured meats and salads. Our Sirloin steaks were delicious and cooked to perfection, and the Elderflower pannacotta with a lovely rhubarb compote & ginger crumbs was amazing.

There was a wooden box with blankets to wrap up before going outside to sit around the fire pit which we thought was a lovely touch and a perfect end to a fantastic relaxing stay.

Rooms are from £55 per person, per night including breakfast or a one night spa break is from £139 per person.

North Lakes Hotel & Spa

ULLSWATER ROAD, PENRITH, CA11 8QT