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Armathwaite Hall
S
et within the secluded splendour of 400 acres of deer park and woodland, Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa lays at the foot of the Skiddaw mountain, framed by the Lake District’s dramatic fells and the beautiful Bassenthwaite Lake. One of the original stately homes of England, the imposing building befits the sweeping landscape - a key reason to stay here. Another reason is the food - Master Chef Kevin Dowling makes the most of local seasonal produce, mixing classic English and French cuisine with Cumbrian specialties, so dining at the Lake View Restaurant is a must. From the best seat in the house, in full view of the majestic hills (and accompanying sheep), we enjoyed a faultless three course meal. Afternoon tea is available throughout the year and the breakfast is top-notch too.
SPA LAKE DISTRICT Another attractive draw is the hotel’s well kitted-out spa; a perfect
counterpoint to any tiring hikes you may have planned. Eschew the B&B experience for a truly relaxing and luxurious stay - the hotel has an impressive 16-metre infinity pool, an outdoor hot tub overlooking the landscaped gardens (champagne optional), a thermal suite with hydrotherapy pool and a ‘wallow’ and aroma room - as well as the usual sauna and steam room, state of the art gym and exercise studio offering a range of classes every day. The treatment list reads like a guidebook to bodily paradise. During my stay I indulged in full body massage (highly recommended - do go for the full hour) and the ‘Body Remodeller’, an intense treatment that uses carnitine and caffeine to eliminate fatty deposits. The numerous spa rooms are incredibly relaxing and tastefully decked-out, while many of the treatments - such as the Vitality leg treatment or Dornmethod massage - would be a welcome complement to any punishing walks you might have planned.
HISTORY An original stately home, Armathwaite Hall dates back as far as the 11th century. Current owners, the Graves family, bought the Hall in 1976 and recently celebrated their thirtieth anniversary of ownership. Be sure to stay in the main building for a truer sense of the grandeur of the place. The wood-panelled walls are a reminder of its heritage and traditional English motifs abound, with tartan fabrics and hunting memorabilia adorning the walls. Crackling fi res perfume the place with the rich aroma of woodsmoke while decanters of sherry add to the quintessentially English experience. We didn’t see any ghosts during our stay, but you’d be hard pushed to fi nd a better spot for a late-night whisky and a couple of deliciously spooky stories. HB armathwaite-hall.com Twin rooms start at £200, Lake View rooms start at £330 per night. 63
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