Looking for a relaxing spa weekend in the Lake District?
In today’s blog, I’ll be sharing details from my recent lake spa vacation. It was perfect and included a luxury spa hotel on Lake Windermere, great food, country pubs, a pretty village, and easy but adventurous hikes nearby.
I’m not going to share a huge list of things to do in the Lake District. This is what I did during my spa weekend and loved it!
Our stay at Beach Hill Hotel and Spa was wonderful. I went with my friend Charlie, so it was a fun weekend for the girls, but this itinerary is also great for couples and families.
Where to stay for a spa weekend in the Lake District
We stayed at the Beach Hill Hotel and Spa.
We recommend this hotel to:
- Great views from every window
- incredible food
- great location
- Luxurious spa with outdoor hot tub overlooking Lake Windermere
- Reasonably priced hotel compared to nearby hot spring hotels
The Beech Hill Hotel and Spa was a cozy hotel with beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens that extended all the way to Lake Windermere.
The food is a big selling point and every meal we had was excellent.
The only downside was that some of the exterior looked a little shabby. Nevertheless, I still think Beech Hill Hotel and Spa is one of the best spa hotels in this price range with such a perfect location.
How to spend a spa weekend in the Lake district
Here’s a quick guide to how to spend a spa weekend in the Lake District. I’ve itemized the itinerary here, but you can find more photos and details below.
First day
- check-in
- relax
- Dinner at Beach Hill Hotel
the 2nd day
- breakfast at hotel
- Drive to Rydal Mount and Gardens (20 minute drive; parking is £10, redeemable for £5 in the gift shop, but if you arrive early and it’s not busy you can park outside on the road for free. Parking is available (Pelter Bridge Parking is also nearby)
- Visit Rydal Falls (just a short walk away)
- Take this gorgeous waterfall walk (optional wild swimming)
- Lunch at Badger Bar (4 minutes walk)
- Cross the road from Badger Bar and stroll around Dockey Tarn Lake
- Visit Rydal Cave
- Return to Beach Hill Hotel to relax and enjoy the spa
- If you want to enjoy some fizzy drinks in the jacuzzi, we provide nice plastic glasses and ice buckets at the bar!
- Dinner at Beach Hill Hotel
Third day
- have breakfast at the hotel
- Last use of spa
- Check out hotel
- Ambleside trip
- Take a boat trip around Ambleside on a Lake Windermere cruise
- Lunch at Ambleside
- Time to do something on your Lake District bucket list
Now, on to the photos…
Arriving at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa
The hotel is reminiscent of traditional Lake District buildings, with thick stone, cozy fireplaces and rural décor. The hotel is located on a busy road, but everything is centered around the opposite side of the hotel (overlooking Lake Windermere), so once you’re inside you don’t notice the road at all.
A large and cozy lounge area with board games and a bar are just around the corner.
There are large windows on the side of the building that offer views of the outside world.
It would be lovely to sit here when the weather gets a little warmer. There are also benches on the lawn facing the lake.
Our room was really spacious.
It can comfortably accommodate a family of four, or one adult if you’re visiting with friends.
Great view from the bedroom window.
And there is a nice sized balcony which is nice for warm summer days!
The bathroom was clean and basic with a very powerful shower. It was small so it was fine, but there was no storage space so I didn’t have a place to put my toiletries.
Dinner at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa
On our first evening, Charlie and I both started with mackerel and dill ballotine, a salad of salted apples, potatoes, and capers, served with herb oil.
Next was a 6-ounce pastured fillet steak with chunky chips, grilled garnish, and peppercorn sauce.
Charlie had duck leg confit with sweet potato mash, red cabbage and poached pears.
The food was incredible!
The cost for two courses was £34.95, with an additional charge of £8 for the steak.
Breakfast and Beech Hill Hotel and Spa
We both started our day with a delicious veggie breakfast. There’s also a continental breakfast buffet, so I ate some fruit and took some pastries home too.
Our Lake District Waterfall Walk
We followed the online guide for this waterfall walk linked above.
We started at Rydal Mount and Gardens.
We then walked through the beautiful and peaceful gardens.
To Rydal Falls.
The small stone building has a picture-perfect window seat!
Then we’ll go see more waterfalls.
Before you muster up the courage to take a dip!
Snack after dipping. I was glad I brought a coffee flask with me for breakfast and had some coffee ready for my walk.
Lunch at Badger Bar
Badger Bar is just a short walk from Rydal Mount & Gardens.
It’s a very cozy pub with lovely staff and a local dog who is always happy to chat.
A pint of fish finger butties and cheese chips.
Dockey Tarn Lake
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a sidewalk across from Badger Bar.
It connects to Dockeytarn Lake and offers lovely walks around the lake.
Rydal Cave
You can also visit Rydal Cave, which is not far away.
Spa time!
Afterwards, return to the hotel and take a rest at the spa.
There are two outdoor jacuzzis with views of the lake.
Second dinner at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa
For my second dinner, I had goat cheese risotto balls from the vegetarian menu. Vegetarian and vegan menus are separate and must be requested. Even if you don’t like vegetables, it’s worth a look!
Then I had the best of poach-roasted local chicken with honey-roasted parsnips, cream of cauliflower, and florets.
Charlie had a packet of vegetables.
And we both finished with sticky toffee pudding.
Breakfast #2 at Beech Hill Hotel
I had French toast for my second breakfast and Charlie had a vegetable breakfast again.
Ambleside
On your last day in the Lake District, we recommend spending some time in the pretty village of Ambleside.
There are lots of nice shops, cafes and restaurants.
You can also take a cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises to see the lake in a different and relaxing way.