Armathwaite Hall And Spa, Bassenthwaite

Driving up the western side of Bassenthwaite Lake whets the appetite for what is to come as Armathwaite Hall peers majestically into view.

Armathwaite Hall is a luxurious four star country hotel, located right in the heart of the Lake District. As you drive down the leafy drive, rhododendrons shine in the Cumbrian sunshine and there at the end of the drive sits the hall.

Set in the secluded splendour of 400 acres of deer park and woodland, the hall overlooks Bassenthwaite Lake and is framed by the dramatic Skiddaw Mountain and Lake District Fells.

Attached to the Hall is the Spa which opened in 2009, where you can feel at one with nature whilst enjoying the spa, the outdoor hot tub, 16m infinity pool and tranquil terrace all offering stunning views over the woodland.

Check in at the hotel was fast and seamless, we were offered a glass of water on arrival as well as help carrying our suitcases to the room. We had a few issues with the room we were originally allocated, but fortunately another room was soon allocated.

The Studio Suite was as you might expect, well appointed and very spacious. The views across the well manicured lawns to Bassenthwaite Lake were outstanding. The king size bed came with Egyptian cotton linen whilst a huge flat screen TV sat at the top of an open fireplace. It seems to be the fashion though these days to have settees that are low to the floor, which meant that if you wanted to watch the television from the settee you would be looking up, it was much more comfortable watching it from the king size bed.

The bathroom came with his and her sinks, the spa bath even had a TV at the end of it so you could watch your favourite programme whilst having a bath!

Evening drinks are taken in the Cocktail bar - it is an impressive place with a crafted brass bar counter with heritage oak flooring and regal velvet drapes.

Evening meal is taken in the Lake View Restaurant. It was pleasing to see that they have a smart dress code for dinner: smart dress is required with strictly no blue jeans, t-shirts or trainers. Everyone stuck to the code thankfully which gave the dining experience an air of exclusivity.

My starter of Chicken Liver Parfait served with toasted brioche and pear and damson chutney was delightful, whilst my partner's spring vegetable pithivier was fresh.

The Cumbrian chicken served with lavage, baby turnip, baby leek and dauphinoise was tender and cooked so as to be Mouth watering.

If you are a cheese lover I can recommend the local cheese selection, thankfully served at room temperature so you can actually taste amongst others an intense and creamy Eden Valley Brie and a subtle Shipston Blue.

My partner's strawberry and vanilla panna cotta could have come straight from Italy. Perfect in every way.

Breakfast is served too in the Lake View Restaurant with a cold buffet selection or a cooked to order hot English breakfast. As we sat in the conservatory part of the restaurant looking over the fells and Bassenthwaite Lake enjoying a good start to the day, I couldn't think of anywhere better to have breakfast with such stunning views.

The Work It Out Massage I had in the spa lasted 55 minutes. I have experienced a lot of massages but have to say that the massage I had here was one of the best. I opted for a hard massage and I know it was one of the best because even now after 2 weeks from the visit the knots, aches and pains in my shoulders, neck and lower back have vanished.

Unfortunately my partner's spa treatment wasn't as successful - due to a difference of opinion between hotel and spa about which treatment she was having, the treatment never came off.

If you wander across a meadow from the back of the hall you come to the small yet well stocked Lake District Wildlife Park where you can see over 100 species of animals, birds of prey and reptiles. If you have children they would never be bored.

Armathwaite Hall and spa does feel like a lap of luxury in every way. If you get good weather to explore the grounds and surrounding area the experience is even better.

An undiscovered secret not far from Yorkshire that is waiting to be discovered.

Armathwaite Hall and Spa, Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4RE
Telephone 017687 88900
www.armathwaite-Hall.com