There’s something about water that puts us at ease. Maybe it’s the rhythm of waves lapping at the shore, or the way a still lake mirrors the sky on a quiet morning. Either way, spa hotels near the UK’s lakes seem to offer more than just luxury; they provide a softer kind of escape. One that’s just as much about how you feel when you leave as how you arrive.
This guide brings together some of the most serene, design-led spa stays around the UK’s most beautiful lakes, from the calm of Windermere to tucked-away spots in the fells. Whether you’re craving a proper digital switch-off, reconnecting with someone special, or you just want to feel looked after for a while, these lakeside sanctuaries could be exactly what your nervous system needs.
We’ve picked places with lake-view saunas, private hot tubs, bespoke treatments, and yes, plenty of wine-by-the-water moments. Expect spa experiences that are both indulgent and grounded, no clinical white corridors here, just places where pampering feels a bit more human.
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Why Choose a Lakeside Spa Hotel?
Let’s be honest: most of us are tired. Tired of screens, traffic, notifications, and that underlying pressure to be doing something useful. A lakeside spa hotel doesn’t just break that cycle; it often melts it altogether. So why does this particular kind of escape seem to hit differently?
First, there’s the setting. Lakes tend to quiet everything — the landscape, your thoughts, even the pace of breakfast. Being near water helps people feel calmer, and when you combine that with heat therapy, massage, and slow dinners in soft lighting, your whole system begins to shift. You breathe slower. You sleep better. You remember what it’s like to not rush.
Then there’s the space. These hotels aren’t wedged into city corners. You usually get floor-to-ceiling windows, walking trails straight from the door, and spa lounges where no one minds if you sit in silence for half an hour with a herbal tea.
Many are also built around wellness in a much broader sense — think morning yoga by the lake, forest bathing, wild swimming, and spa menus that actually take into account how people want to feel. Whether you’re here for full-body renewal or just need a Sunday night soak with a view, this kind of hotel tends to give you both.
And because they’re often independently run or part of boutique collections, there’s a stronger chance you’ll feel cared for in a real way, not just ticked off a guest list.
Our Top Lakeside Spa Hotel Picks
These Lake District spa hotels aren’t just somewhere to stay — they’re places where the pressure drops the second you arrive. Some focus on complete wellness programmes, others are made for romantic hideaways or lazy afternoons in an outdoor hot tub. Here are a few that really stand out.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa – Best for full wellness programmes
Set on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall feels more like a restorative retreat than a traditional hotel. The grounds stretch into 400 acres of parkland, and the spa itself is built to encourage deep relaxation, with a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub and serious wellness packages.
What really makes this place shine is its holistic focus. Alongside classic treatments, they offer yoga, forest bathing, and even mindfulness walks through the deer park. You’re just as likely to hear birdsong here as you are soft spa music, which is kind of the point.
Couples, solo wellness-seekers, and anyone feeling a bit stretched thin will feel at home here.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – Best for private spa escapes
Gilpin is one of those places where every little detail feels quietly luxurious. There are actually two properties: the main hotel and the more exclusive Lake House, tucked away by a private tarn near Windermere.
Choose a Spa Lodge or Spa Suite and you’ll get your own hot tub, sauna, steam room – even a treatment area if you’re feeling fancy. Gilpin also partners with ESPA to offer high-end therapies, and the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, SOURCE, turns every meal into a bit of an event.
This one’s perfect for couples wanting to go all-in on privacy and pampering without lifting a finger.
Another Place, The Lake – Best for wellness with active escapes
Perched beside Ullswater, Another Place blends laid-back luxury with a gentle sense of adventure. The hotel’s Swim Club (their take on a spa) includes a glass-fronted indoor pool with lake views, an outdoor hot tub, and treatment rooms using natural, botanical products.
The real magic here is the balance: you could start your morning with a wild swim or paddleboarding, then spend the afternoon being massaged into a puddle. It’s family-friendly, too, so even parents can catch a quiet moment while the kids go exploring.
Ideal for wellness breaks that still include a little splash of fun.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa – Best for dramatic spa views
Right by Derwentwater, and with a waterfall practically in its garden, Lodore Falls Hotel brings serious scenery into the spa experience. The Falls Spa has a thermal suite with a herbal sauna, salt steam room, and those ever-popular outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.
This is the kind of place where you start picturing your next visit halfway through your current one. Treatments come from Elemis and ishga (an organic seaweed-based range from Scotland), and the spa terrace is made for long, slow drinks after a facial.
It suits anyone who wants their relaxation served with a side of wow.
Brimstone Hotel – Best for couples’ spa indulgence
Brimstone doesn’t do things by halves. Tucked into the woodland near Langdale, it feels ultra-private from the moment you arrive. The design is moody and modern — think slate, soft light, and log-burning stoves — and the spa? Honestly, it’s sublime.
Guests get exclusive access to the Brimstone Spa, which is small, calm, and deeply restorative. The thermal journey includes seven different experiences, from herbal steam to lava saunas, plus a relaxation lounge you’ll want to nap in forever. Treatments are by Pure Alchemy, a skin and soul-focused range you won’t find just anywhere.
Best suited for couples who want total peace, no interruptions, and serious pampering.
Lakes Hotel & Spa – Best for group or girls’ weekends
If you’re heading to Windermere with friends and want spa time that feels lively rather than hushed, this is the place. Lakes Hotel & Spa has a playful, vibrant vibe that still feels high-end — think rooftop spa pool with panoramic lake views, and prosecco served while you soak.
There’s a full treatment menu, an indoor pool, steam rooms, and a great gym if that’s your thing. But the real treat is their packages: from spa days with afternoon tea to overnight stays with fizz and facials, everything’s designed to feel easy.
Great for birthdays, hen dos, or spontaneous self-care trips with your favourite people.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa – Best for hot tubs with a view
Right on the shores of Windermere, Low Wood Bay is a larger resort-style hotel, but with a surprisingly peaceful spa area that keeps its own relaxed rhythm. The outdoor thermal space overlooks the lake, with hot tubs, fire pits, and loungers for proper all-weather unwinding.
Inside, the indoor pool, dry salt sauna, and express treatment rooms make it easy to go from one zone of relaxation to the next. They also offer spa breaks that include dinner at the hotel’s Windermere Restaurant, which leans into classic Cumbrian ingredients.
A good fit for those wanting a lakefront setting and a mix of energy and ease.
Storrs Hall – Best for peaceful, private spa breaks
Storrs Hall isn’t a classic spa hotel, and that’s part of its charm. It’s quiet, elegant, and right on the banks of Windermere, with just enough luxury to feel special but never stuffy. Their Lakeside Suites include private hot tubs and saunas: perfect for spa-style relaxation without sharing the space.
While there’s no full spa complex, guests can book in-room treatments or enjoy the hot tub views with a glass of something cold. It’s low-key, but thoroughly soothing, the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard and gets everything right anyway.
Perfect for anyone who prefers privacy and calm over hotel hustle.
Tips for Planning Your Lakeside Spa Break
A little prep goes a long way when it comes to making a spa stay feel properly relaxing — here are a few things that help.
Choose your setting carefully
If you want total seclusion, go for somewhere like Gilpin Lake House or Brimstone, where the vibe is hushed and hidden. If you’d rather have options like spa, cocktails, and a walk into town, then Low Wood Bay or Lakes Hotel & Spa might suit you better.
Book treatments early
The best spa slots fill quickly, especially if you’re visiting over a weekend. Book any must-have treatments when you reserve your room, and ask if packages include them — some do, but not always.
Pack comfy clothes you’ll actually wear
Yes, you’ll get a robe, but it’s worth bringing relaxed layers, slip-on shoes, and maybe a book you’ve been meaning to start. This is not the time for “structured outfits.”
Go midweek if you can
It’s quieter, often slightly cheaper, and the pools and saunas tend to feel much more spacious. Plus, a Wednesday night soak somehow hits harder than a Friday rush.
Add an extra night if possible
Arriving late and leaving early makes the whole thing feel rushed. Two nights gives you room to settle, unwind, and actually enjoy your spa hair.
Book Your Spa Retreat
If your body’s been asking for a break, and your mind’s been quietly agreeing, a lakeside spa stay might be exactly what you need. Whether it’s Windermere, Ullswater or a hidden fellside tarn, these Lake District spa hotels offer something rare: space to breathe, time to rest, and the kind of care that lingers long after check-out.
FAQs
Do these hotels offer day spa access?
Most of them do — especially places like Lodore Falls and Low Wood Bay — but you’ll often need to book in advance. Some spas also reserve certain areas or times for overnight guests only.
Are treatments included in the stay?
Sometimes. A few packages will include treatments as standard (like a 60-minute massage), but in many cases, they’re add-ons. It’s worth checking the room type and what’s bundled in when you book.
Is the spa adults-only?
That depends on the hotel. Brimstone and Gilpin lean adults-only by design, while Another Place welcomes families and balances things with separate zones and timings. Always double-check the spa policy if you’re hoping for total peace and quiet.