After a solid week hiking across the Lake District’s rugged trails, we were ready for a different kind of mood.
Cue North Lakes Hotel & Spa in Penrith — a well-placed stop at the edge of the national park that offers a real contrast to muddy boots and mountain summits.
The visit fell on one of those rare spring days where the UK actually delivers: bright skies, a bit of warmth, and that optimistic feeling in the air. Perfect spa weather, if that’s a thing.
Met by a friendly reception team, we were given a quick tour of the facilities and shown through to the changing rooms — spotlessly clean, well-stocked with fresh towels, robes, and slippers. A great start and exactly what you want from a spa: no faff, just calm.
Unusually for me, I kicked things off with a bit of activity. North Lakes’ in-house gym is actually more of a full-blown fitness centre — expansive, airy, and packed with every piece of gym hokery-pokery one could ever desire. I kept it simple, stuck to the treadmill, and felt pretty pleased with myself. But let’s be honest, I was mostly there for the post-workout reward: doing absolutely nothing.
The spa pool area is a relaxing haven, lined with loungers and a warm ambience. The pool itself is ideal for anyone who wants to knock out a few lengths, but I was more than happy dipping into the jacuzzi and claiming my corner of calm. The real game-changer? Bar service. There is nothing quite like lounging in a robe, fizz in hand, pretending you have nowhere better to be (because you don’t).
After a couple of glasses of fizz and a few chapters of SEO for Beginners (you can take the girl out of the office…), we headed off to lunch. The FYR Grill is a local favourite and a fantastic addition to the hotel. I’ve dined there before on a previous winter stay, so I knew it would be worth the visit — but this time, spring was doing its thing.
The restaurant centres around an open-flame grill, which gives the whole place a rustic, slightly theatrical edge — smoky aromas, glowing embers, and a sense that something seriously tasty is about to appear. The vibe is relaxed but confident: wood, leather, and stone textures paired with low lighting and a layout that works equally well for date night or post-spa dining in a robe and sliders.
This time, we were seated on the sun-drenched outdoor terrace, surrounded by garden views and low-key elegance. We’d opted for a light two-course lunch from a menu full of fresh, simple options.
To start, I went classic with a Caesar salad — crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, proper anchovies, and just the right amount of crunch from the croutons. Perfick. My husband went for the prawn cocktail, which landed exactly as expected: juicy prawns, generous lashings of Marie Rose sauce, a fresh salad garnish and some buttered wholemeal bread on the side. Nicely presented, generous without being over-facing, and a great way to start.
A glass of crisp white wine and those spring-green views set the scene perfectly for the mains. I chose a roast chicken sandwich on granary bread — simple, well-seasoned, and packed with a creamy, comforting filling. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Across the table, my husband tucked into a classic Eggs Benedict — and let’s just say, the egg pop was vibing.
All in all, it was a relaxed, fuss-free lunch made even better by the friendly service, the unseasonably lovely weather, and (possibly) that large glass of Pinot Grigio. Would return? Absolutely.
After lunch, my husband opted to enjoy the terrace a little longer (no surprises there), while I headed upstairs to the treatment rooms for what turned out to be a rather indulgent facial.
The spa offers a wide menu of treatments, covering everything from deep tissue massages to holistic rituals and targeted skincare sessions. Whether you’re after a quick boost or full-body restoration, the options are varied and clearly curated with care. Treatments are delivered using Caudalie products — the cult French skincare brand known for its natural, vineyard-inspired ingredients and glow-giving formulas. It’s a great match for the vibe here: gentle luxury, no fuss.
I went for a hydrating facial, aimed at refreshing post-hike skin — and it didn’t disappoint. My therapist was warm, professional and knew her stuff, customising the treatment to suit my skin’s needs (mainly: less dry, more dewy). The experience was pure switch-off mode — deep cleanse, gentle exfoliation, massage, and a rich treatment mask. I floated back to the relaxation lounge with glowing skin and zero intention of checking my emails.
I’ve visited North Lakes Hotel & Spa on various occasions, at different times of the year and for different reasons — and the one thing I’ll say is this: they always deliver. Whether it’s a spa day, a weekend stay, or just a long lunch, the experience is consistently strong. Reasonably priced, with a well-versed and knowledgeable team across the board (and behind the scenes), the hotel balances great facilities with a location that’s both accessible and scenic. It’s indulgent without being ostentatious — and that’s exactly why I keep going back.
If you are in the area then I suggest you visit – tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
North Lakes Hotel and Spa – Ullswater Rd, Penrith CA11 8QT
Tel: 01768 868111
Sober Summer: Expert Tips for Enjoying Beer Gardens Without the Booze
