You've found the perfect Lake District spa hotel. The photos look stunning, the reviews are great, and the price seems reasonable. Then you arrive and discover the spa costs an extra £35 per person. Per day.
This happens more often than it should. The big booking sites show "has spa" but they don't tell you whether that spa is actually included in your room rate. After hearing this complaint from dozens of visitors, I decided to dig into exactly how each Lake District spa handles access.
The Four Business Models
Lake District spas fall into four categories, and knowing which type you're booking makes all the difference to your final bill.
Model 1: Spa Access Included
These hotels include full spa access with every room booking. You check in, grab a robe, and head straight to the thermal suite. No extra charge, no time limits, no awkward conversations at reception.
Spas in this category include Armathwaite Hall, Another Place, and Brimstone Hotel. At these properties, spa access is simply part of being a guest.
Model 2: Tiered Access
Some hotels offer spa access to certain room categories but charge others. This is where confusion creeps in.
Lodore Falls is the prime example. Book a suite and you get two hours of complimentary spa access per day. Book a standard room and you'll pay £35 per person for that same access. The rooms themselves might only differ by £30-40 per night, so it often makes sense to upgrade.
Swan Hotel Newby Bridge works similarly. Their Splendid rooms and above include spa access. Standard rooms pay extra.
Model 3: Partial Access — Some Facilities Free, Full Spa Extra
Some properties include a base level of facilities for hotel guests but charge separately for the full spa experience.
Low Wood Bay is the clearest example. Hotel guests get complimentary access to the Resort Leisure Area, indoor swimming pool, infrared sauna, jacuzzi, and steam room, during restricted morning and evening hours (7:30 to 10am and 5:30 to 8pm).
The full spa experience, which includes the outdoor infinity pools, indoor infinity pool, fellside sauna, dry salt sauna, steam cabin, and herbal lounge, requires a separate paid thermal journey.
This isn't necessarily bad value since the facilities are extensive, but you need to understand the split before you book.
Model 4: Spa Charged Separately
A few properties charge everyone for spa access, with no complimentary base level.
Netherwood Hotel charges separately for their Thermal Journey experience.
Which Spas Include Access?
Here's the complete breakdown:
Always Included:
- Armathwaite Hall
- Another Place
- Brimstone Hotel
- Daffodil Hotel
- Ambleside Salutation
- Lakeside Hotel
- Rothay Garden
- Beech Hill Hotel
- Macdonald Old England
- North Lakes Hotel
- Whitewater Hotel
Depends on Room Type:
- Lodore Falls (suites get 2hrs free)
- Swan Hotel Newby Bridge (Splendid rooms+ free)
- Grange Hotel (some packages include)
Partial Access — Leisure Area Free, Full Spa Extra:
- Low Wood Bay (Resort Leisure Area free during restricted hours; 25% off thermal journey Mon to Thu for guests)
Separate Charge for All:
The Real Cost Comparison
Let's say you're booking a one-night spa break for two people.
At Armathwaite Hall, a standard room might cost £220. Spa access is included. Your total: £220.
At Lodore Falls, a standard room might cost £180, but spa access adds £70 (£35 each). Your actual total: £250.
The "cheaper" room ends up costing £30 more. This is why checking the spa access policy matters more than comparing headline room rates.
My Recommendation
If spa access is important to your trip, and presumably it is if you're reading this, book a property where it's included. You'll use the facilities more freely without mentally calculating the cost each time.
For pure spa facilities, Armathwaite Hall offers the best combination of included access and impressive thermal suites. If budget matters, North Lakes Hotel includes spa access and sits at a lower price point.
For those set on Lodore Falls, factor the spa charges into your comparison — excellent facilities that justify the cost. For Low Wood Bay, remember the split: the leisure area pool and saunas are free for hotel guests during restricted hours, but accessing the outdoor pools and full thermal suite costs extra. Plan ahead and you won't be caught off guard.
