View across Derwentwater from the slopes of Skiddaw above Keswick, showing the lake and surrounding fells in autumn colours with the town visible on the shoreline in the northern Lake District
Keswick Spa

Spas in
Keswick

The northern hub of the Lake District, gateway to Skiddaw and Derwentwater, with a luxury cottage spa retreat on the sheltered slopes above the town.

Keswick sits at the northern end of Derwentwater, where the lake's wooded shoreline gives way to an expansive market town that has served as the gateway to the northern fells for over two centuries. Surrounded by some of the Lake District's most recognisable summits — Skiddaw to the north, Blencathra to the east, Catbells and the Derwent Fells to the west — Keswick draws walkers, climbers, and those simply in search of dramatic Cumbrian scenery in equal measure.

The town itself is well equipped with independent shops, restaurants, and the famous Pencil Museum, but it is the landscape that defines the experience. The Borrowdale valley stretches south towards Honister Pass, and the ridge walk from Catbells across to Maiden Moor is among the most popular routes in the national park. The northern circuit of Derwentwater is a gentler option, tracing the wooded shores past landing stages where rowing boats and motor launches make use of the same water that has been drawing visitors since the Picturesque painters arrived in the 18th century.

The Spa at Underscar sits above Keswick on the sheltered slopes of Skiddaw, set within a five-star self-catering cottage estate converted from a 19th-century coach house and walled garden. The spa's 13-metre indoor heated pool looks across towards Derwentwater, and the hydrotherapy jacuzzi, eucalyptus sauna, and steam room provide a complete thermal experience for guests staying in the 25 cottages on the estate.

Spa access is included with all cottage bookings, giving guests an unhurried base from which to explore the northern fells before returning to the water and warmth. Germaine de Capuccini and NEOM Organics treatments are available to book in the softly lit treatment rooms, and day visitors can access the spa through bookable day packages ranging from an evening Twilight session to a full eight-hour spa day with treatments and High Tea.

For those wanting further spa options in the wider area, the Borrowdale valley lies five miles to the south, where The Falls Spa at Lodore Falls Hotel offers a 16-metre outdoor infinity pool with thermal suite. Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa in Bassenthwaite, five miles to the northwest, provides another full spa destination within easy reach of Keswick.

1 Spa in Keswick

Keswick Spa

Aerial view of the turquoise swimming pool at Underscar luxury cottages near Keswick, showing crystal-clear heated waters with light ripple patterns and mosaic tiling, part of the relaxing spa and leisure facilities at this self-catering retreat beneath Skiddaw in the Lake District
Free for hotel guests
Day passes

Underscar Spa

Day Passes From £55
Treatments From £35

Thermal Facilities

  • Eucalyptus-infused sauna
  • Steam room
  • Dedicated relaxation room for post-treatment recovery

Pool Features

  • 13-metre indoor heated swimming pool
  • Hydrotherapy jacuzzi with massage jets
View Spa Details

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about spas near Keswick.

Is there a spa near Keswick in the Lake District?

Yes. Underscar Spa is located at Applethwaite on the sheltered slopes of Skiddaw, a short drive above Keswick with views over Derwentwater. The spa serves guests staying in the 25 five-star self-catering cottages on the estate, and is also open to day visitors via bookable spa day packages.

The facilities include a 13-metre heated indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy jacuzzi with massage jets, a eucalyptus-infused sauna, steam room, relaxation room, and a Technogym-equipped gym. Treatment rooms deliver therapies from Germaine de Capuccini, NEOM Organics, and The Gel Bottle. The day spa packages for non-residents start from £55 for an evening session.

For other spa options close to Keswick, Borrowdale is 5 miles south and home to The Falls Spa at Lodore Falls Hotel, which features a 16-metre outdoor infinity pool overlooking Derwentwater. Bassenthwaite is 5 miles northwest with Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa.

Can you do a spa day near Keswick without staying overnight?

Yes. Underscar Spa offers seven day spa packages for non-residents. The entry-level option is the Twilight Spa Experience at £55, giving 3 hours of evening access (6pm–9pm) to the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and gym.

Half-day packages run for 4 hours 15 minutes and start from £80 for the Harmonie package, which includes a 30-minute gel manicure or pedicure, hot drink, and traybake. Packages adding a massage or express facial are available from £90, while the Mindfulness Half Spa Day (£100) includes a NEOM back massage with a candle to keep.

Full spa days run from 9am to 5:15pm (8 hours 15 minutes) and range from £150 to £210. The premium Reflection Full Spa Day (£210) includes two hour-long treatments from the premium menu and High Tea. All packages include towel, robe, and slippers. Booking is required in advance.

What spa treatments are available near Keswick?

Underscar Spa near Keswick offers over 39 treatments using Germaine de Capuccini and NEOM Organics products products.

Massage therapies range from the 30-minute Walkers Leg Massage (£60) — designed for those who have been out on the fells above Keswick — to the 90-minute Aromatherapy Massage with Face and Scalp (£120). Deep tissue (£85), hot stone (from £65), and Indian head massage (£65) are also available.

Germaine de Capuccini facials range from 30-minute Express Facials (£65) through to advanced Timexpert anti-ageing treatments from £115. NEOM Organics body experiences (£90) blend meditation, shiatsu, and reflexology techniques in De-Stress, Sleep, or Mood Boost formats. Pregnancy treatments are available via the 90-minute Baobab Pregnancy Treatment (£120). For the full list, see the treatments section.

Is the spa at Underscar included with cottage bookings?

Yes. Spa access is complimentary for all guests staying at Underscar and is included with every cottage booking at no additional charge. This covers the 13-metre heated indoor pool, hydrotherapy jacuzzi, eucalyptus sauna, steam room, relaxation room, and gym for the full duration of your stay.

There is no time limit on facility access for cottage guests. You can use the spa at any point during opening hours without pre-booking. The spa operates adults-only hours during late evening and early morning, with designated family swim times available during the day for children staying in the cottages.

Cottage guests who want to book treatments can do so online via the try.be booking system or by calling 017687 71500. Advance booking is recommended for treatments, particularly at weekends and during peak Lake District holiday periods. See the full Underscar spa page for details on treatments and facilities.