Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in Lake district

"On edge of the unspoiled Bassenthwaite Lake you’ll find Armathwaite Hall, an imposing period building with grand lounge rooms, modern suites and a resident cat called Saffy. Warm service awaits in the warren-like hotel, which has two restaurants plus a well-furnished spa. For dinner, the more casual option is The Grill, a classic steakhouse with inventive starters, plenty of main course options and friendly, personable service. Steaks are served with beef dripping chips, grilled veg or salad, and traditional sauces like béarnaise and peppercorn, washed down with fruity red wine. Lake View Restaurant has an elegant, more cheffy menu with favourites like chicken kyiv and crème brûlée, served with a local or seasonal twist – we liked that the brûlée was offset with blood orange sorbet. The breakfast is served in the (hopefully sunny) conservatory and has a self-service continental menu plus a list of classic hot options including a full Cumbrian breakfast, Isle of Man kippers and smoked haddock with hollandaise and eggs. Guests can then head out on one of the many local walks to soak up the epic Lake District landscape, head next door to the Lake District Wildlife Park or just take a stroll down to the edge of Bassenthwaite for a moment of peace. The spa experience The smart spa has an exhaustive treatment list, including walker’s recovery massages for hikers, as well as a range of spa day options like sunset and sunrise sessions. We had a 55-minute full-body massage with a meticulous technician using Templespa products – after we relaxed in the hush room with fruit salad and cucumber water. The facilities are extensive and include an indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool and a strong range of thermal options including sauna and salt aroma room, with invigorating, circulation-firing ice scrub for after. Doubles from £295, check rates and availability at armathwaite-hall.com or booking.com"