Spas in
Bassenthwaite

Bassenthwaite Lake holds a quiet distinction: it is the only body of water in the Lake District officially named a lake, the others being meres, waters and tarns. This northern reach of the national park trades the busier shores of Windermere for something more secluded, ancient woodland, osprey nesting sites, and the kind of stillness that draws those seeking genuine escape.

The lake sits in the shadow of Skiddaw, England's fourth highest peak, with the market town of Keswick a short drive south. Walkers know this area for the Coledale Horseshoe and the quieter fells of the northern Lakes. Couples know it for one of the region's most impressive spa estates.

The turreted Victorian mansion has been welcoming guests since the 1800s, but the spa brings contemporary luxury to this historic setting. Multiple outdoor infinity pools gaze across manicured parkland to the fells beyond, their edges seeming to merge with the landscape. An outdoor hot tub offers the same views with the added pleasure of thermal warmth.

Inside, a 16-metre indoor infinity pool anchors the wellness facilities, while the thermal suite delivers genuine distinctiveness. The Amethyst Crystal Cave steam room takes its name seriously, this is not merely a marketing flourish but an immersive crystal-lined chamber designed for deep heat experiences. A traditional Finnish sauna provides the classic counterpoint.

The treatment menu spans 34 experiences, with thoughtful touches that acknowledge the setting. The Herbal Sleep Cocoon wrap is designed specifically to promote restful sleep after fell walking, the kind of detail that suggests a spa genuinely integrated with its landscape rather than simply positioned within it.

Spa access comes complimentary for hotel guests, while day visitors can choose from packages starting at £70 for a morning Sunrise Spa through to full-day experiences with treatments and lunch. For couples seeking the combination of country house grandeur and contemporary wellness, Bassenthwaite offers something the busier central Lakes cannot match: space, silence, and the rare pleasure of deer grazing outside your window.