Choosing a spa hotel by a lake means weighing the quality of the thermal circuit, the setting’s solitude, and how easily you can step from a treatment room onto a trail. In this comparison, we look at the Lake District’s six most-booked spa hotels — from the waterfront Lakes Hotel & Spa in Bowness to the hinterland North Lakes Hotel — and then explore the quiet riverside village of Armathwaite, where the charm of a small Cumbrian escape meets outdoor adventure. Data is drawn from the News & Star’s 2024 booking survey, official property listings, and Tripadvisor reviews current as of March 2025.
Last checked: 2026-10-03
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Lakes Hotel & Spa location: Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3HH · Phone: 015394 42211 · Trivago rating: 9.0 · Review count: 8,600+ · Most booked list source: News & Star, Apr 2024
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-03.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, News & Star article (19 Apr 2024), Michelin Guide, HIP Hotels, The Telegraph, Leonardo Hotels, Leading Spa Hotels, Lake Austin official site, Kayak, SpaDreams.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification. Prices and ratings should be rechecked before booking.
Lakeside spa hotels at a glance
- Perched 500 metres above Lake Lucerne (Michelin Guide)
- 1,500 sq m spa, outdoor infinity pool (HIP Hotels)
- All-inclusive lakeside retreat (official website)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3HH (official website) |
| Phone | 015394 42211 (official website) |
| Trivago rating | 9.0 (from 8,600+ reviews – Trivago, data current March 2025) |
| Most booked spa hotel list | News & Star, April 2024 |
| Distance to Bowness centre | 0.3 miles |
What is the best spa hotel in the Lakes?
According to the News & Star’s 2024 survey of most-booked spa hotels in the Lake District, six properties consistently top the list. Below we compare them on location, rating, and standout features. Note: Trivago scores are drawn from public listings and may change.
| Hotel name | Location | Trivago rating | Review count | Notable feature | Price note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa | Bowness-on-Windermere | – | – | Lakeside lawns, 2 AA Rosettes restaurant | Mid-range |
| Whitewater Hotel | Newby Bridge | – | – | Riverside setting, leisure club | Mid-range |
| Appleby Manor Hotel and Garden Spa | Appleby-in-Westmorland | – | – | Garden spa, Edwardian manor | Mid-range |
| North Lakes Hotel and Spa | Penrith | – | – | Modern spa, indoor pool | Mid-range |
| Netherwood Hotel | Grange-over-Sands | – | – | Coastal views, thermal suite | Mid-range |
| Lakes Hotel and Spa | Bowness-on-Windermere | 9.0 | 8,600+ | 0.3 miles from Bowness centre | Mid-range |
The bottom line: Lakes Hotel & Spa leads on review volume and location, but each property suits a different vibe – waterside, countryside, or town.
Pros and cons of the top contenders
Lakes Hotel & Spa
- Highest Trivago rating among the six
- Walking distance to Bowness shops and lake cruises
- On-site spa with thermal suite and treatments
Trade-offs
- No dedicated car park (public parking nearby)
- Can be busy during peak seasons
- Rooms vary – some face the street
Our pick for a first-time spa visitor or couples
For those seeking a balanced mix of relaxation and outdoor access, Lakes Hotel & Spa offers the strongest combination of review credibility, lake proximity, and spa facilities. Its 0.3‑mile walk to the Bowness pier makes it easy to explore Windermere without a car. Walking enthusiasts will prefer the quieter Appleby Manor or North Lakes for direct trail access.
What is there to do in Armathwaite?
Armathwaite is a small Cumbrian village set on the River Eden, about 6 miles south of Carlisle. Its appeal lies in peaceful riverside walks and a sense of quiet. The Eden River Walk follows the riverbank past woodland and meadows – a short, easy loop of about 2 miles. The village also has a shop and a pub, and it serves as a base for exploring the north‑western edge of the Lake District National Park.
According to local tourism materials, the village is “worth a short detour” for those staying in the northern Lakes. The Armathwaite Hall estate (a separate venue from the spa hotels) offers further walking routes.
Why this matters: Armathwaite provides a low‑key alternative to the crowded central Lakes – ideal for a quiet afternoon or a riverside picnic.
Is Armathwaite worth visiting?
Yes, if you value solitude over spectacle. The Eden River Walk is well‑marked and suitable for all fitness levels. The village itself is tiny – a single street with a shop and a pub – but its proximity to the Lake District’s northern fells makes it a useful stop. For spa‑goers at the North Lakes Hotel (Penrith) or Appleby Manor, Armathwaite is a 20‑minute drive and offers a calm interlude between treatments.
One Tripadvisor reviewer noted the “peaceful atmosphere” and “lovely river views”.
The catch: There are no spa facilities in Armathwaite itself – it’s a day‑trip destination to complement your hotel stay.
What are the 5 best walks in the Lake District?
According to the Lake District National Park Authority, these five walks are among the most popular, ranging from easy to demanding:
- Catbells – 3.5 miles, moderate, panoramic views of Derwentwater.
- Helvellyn – 8 miles, challenging, Striding Edge ridge.
- Scafell Pike – 6.5 miles, strenuous, England’s highest peak.
- Old Man of Coniston – 5 miles, moderate, old mine heritage.
- Buttermere circular – 4.5 miles, easy, lakeside path.
For a spa‑break itinerary, the Buttermere walk or a short section of Catbells are ideal – you can finish in time for an afternoon treatment.
The pattern: The easier walks (Buttermere, Catbells) pair well with a spa day; the strenuous ones (Helvellyn, Scafell Pike) are for serious hikers.
One‑day spa and walk itinerary (Armathwaite base)
Morning: Start with the Eden River Walk (2 miles, 45 minutes). Then drive 20 minutes to North Lakes Hotel and Spa for a morning spa session (thermal suite and pool).
Lunch: The Armathwaite village pub or a packed lunch by the river.
Afternoon: Head to Penrith for the North Lakes Hotel’s full treatment menu or visit the nearby Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (rated 4.4/5 on Tripadvisor) for a lakeview sauna.
Evening: Return to Armathwaite for a quiet dinner.
“Bürgenstock Resort is perched 500 meters above Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne.”
— Michelin Guide editorial team, travel editors
“Lake Garda feels like a holiday for all the senses.”
— Leonardo Hotels editorial team, hotel-group editors
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, spadreams.com, lakearrowheadresort.com
Frequently asked questions about Lake District spa hotels and Armathwaite
What is the Eden River Walk?
A 2‑mile riverside path from Armathwaite village to the Eden Gorge, suitable for all ages. The route is described by local tourism boards as “easy” and “well‑maintained”.
What are some short walks in Cumbria?
Short options include the Eden River Walk (2 miles), Bowness promenade (1 mile), and the Aira Force circular (1.5 miles). All are accessible year‑round.
Is there a shop in Armathwaite?
Yes – Armathwaite has a small village shop (opening hours vary) and a pub serving food.
What are some good walks around Armathwaite?
Apart from the Eden River Walk, the nearby village of Lazonby offers a 4‑mile circular along the river. The Lake District’s northern fells are a short drive away.
What is the phone number of Lakes Hotel & Spa?
The official phone number is 015394 42211, as listed on the hotel’s website.
Sources and further reading
- Michelin Guide – Best spa hotels 2025 (elevation of Bürgenstock Resort)
- HIP Hotels – Dreamy lakeside retreats (EALA spa area, restaurant)
- The Telegraph – Europe’s best lakeside hotels (Rosewood Schloss Fuschl)
- Leonardo Hotels – 2026 wellness guide (Lake Garda climate)
- Leading Spa Hotels – Hotels by the water (category definition)
- Tripadvisor – Lake District spa hotels (21 properties, Low Wood Bay rating)
- Lake Austin Spa Resort official website (all‑inclusive positioning)
- Kayak – Lake Austin Spa Resort rates (price range Sep 2026)