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Macdonald Old England Hotel & SpaLakes Hotel & Spa
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Windermere
Low Wood Bay SpaBeech Hill Hotel & Spa
Modern indoor swimming pool at Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa in Bowness-on-Windermere, featuring deep blue mosaic tiling, contemporary black and white interior design, underwater lighting, and heated pool facilities in a luxurious Lake District spa setting

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Guest Access

Free for all hotel guests

Day Passes

Available to book

Age Policy

Family Friendly

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The Setting

The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands directly on Lake Windermere's shores in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere. Among the Lake District's most historic hotels, it features private jetties with lakeside moorings providing exclusive water access. The 20m indoor pool offers panoramic Windermere views through floor-to-ceiling windows, positioning it as "the restaurant on the lake" for spa and dining experiences.

The thermal suite combines traditional Finnish sauna with aromatherapy steam room, ice room for circulation-boosting cold therapy, and aromatherapy experience showers. The 20m lakeside pool maximises Windermere vistas while mature gardens extend down to the shoreline. Eight treatment rooms offer Elemis therapies.

Complimentary pool and thermal suite access included for all hotel guests, with spa day packages available to non-residents. Children are welcome in the pool between 10am-5pm, though thermal suite facilities remain 18+ only.

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ThermalPoolsDay PassesTreatmentsAccessBookFAQs

Thermal Facilities

Experience Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa's thermal suite featuring 4 heat experiences designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and enhance your overall wellness journey. Featuring both sauna and steam room experiences, each facility offers unique therapeutic benefits to help you unwind and rejuvenate.

Finnish Sauna

Traditional Finnish sauna

Aroma Steam Room

Aromatherapy steam room

Ice Room

Cool down experience

Experience Showers

Aromatherapy shower

Pools & Water Features

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa features an indoor pool, offering a serene experience designed to promote relaxation and improve circulation.

Indoor Pool

20m lakeside pool with Lake Windermere views

Day Passes

Explore our curated day packages designed for those seeking a temporary sanctuary in the Lakes.

Book Day Pass
From £109

My Morning Retreat - Weekday

Start your day at the spa with a relaxing treatment before unwinding and enjoying a two-course lunch with lakeside views (Monday-Friday). More info

  • Spa access (9am-12pm)
  • 25-minute Elemis treatment
  • 2-course lunch in Lakeside Restaurant
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
From £109

My Morning Retreat - Weekend

Start your day at the spa with a relaxing treatment before unwinding and enjoying a two-course lunch with lakeside views (Saturday-Sunday). More info

  • Spa access (9am-12pm)
  • 25-minute Elemis treatment
  • 2-course lunch in Lakeside Restaurant
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
From £109

My Afternoon Escape - Weekday

Escape the everyday and spend the afternoon relaxing with a soothing treatment and afternoon tea (Monday-Friday). More info

  • Spa access (12pm-3pm)
  • 25-minute Elemis treatment
  • Afternoon tea
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
From £109

My Afternoon Escape - Weekend

Escape the everyday and spend the afternoon relaxing with a soothing treatment and afternoon tea (Saturday-Sunday). More info

  • Spa access (12pm-3pm)
  • 25-minute Elemis treatment
  • Afternoon tea
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
From £70

My Time For Me Spa Day - Weekday

Unwind with a soothing treatment, enjoy four hours of spa luxury, and step into indulgence (Monday-Friday). More info

  • 4-hour spa access
  • 25-minute Elemis or ishga treatment
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
From £70

My Time For Me Spa Day - Weekend

Unwind with a soothing treatment, enjoy four hours of spa luxury, and step into indulgence (Saturday-Sunday). More info

  • 4-hour spa access
  • 25-minute Elemis or ishga treatment
  • 20m pool with Lake Windermere views
  • Finnish sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Book Pass
The Spa Menu

Treatments

Explore Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa's curated menu of 18 luxury therapies across 3 categories, including ELEMIS and ishga therapies. From rejuvenating massages to revitalizing facial treatments, each experience is designed to restore balance and enhance wellbeing. Book in advance, see our FAQs for details.

Book Treatment

Massage Therapies

8 Treatments

Facial Treatments

3 Treatments

Body Treatments

7 Treatments
Policies

Access Details

Our directory helps you navigate the specific guest and public policies of Lake District hotel spas. For detailed information about spa access, time slots, and booking procedures, see our FAQs.

Hotel Guests

Free access to pool and thermal suite

Spa Day Packages

Spa day packages available

Pool & Gym Hours

7am-6:30pm

Children Swim Times

10am-5pm

Age Restriction

18+ for thermal suite

Pre-booking

Required for spa day packages with treatments

Book your Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa experience

Reservations are highly recommended to ensure the highest level of personal service and availability.

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Expert Guidance

Common questions about navigating the Lake District's premier wellness retreats.

What facilities does the spa at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa have?

The spa at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa features a 20 metre indoor pool with panoramic Lake Windermere views through floor to ceiling windows, making it one of the few Lake District spas where you can swim while gazing across the water. The thermal suite includes 4 heat experiences: a traditional Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, ice room for circulation boosting cold therapy, and aromatherapy experience showers.

Eight treatment rooms offer ELEMIS and ishga products therapies, from express 25 minute facials to signature 85 minute experiences. The spa is located within a historic lakeside hotel with private jetties and mature gardens extending down to the shoreline. While the thermal facilities focus on traditional heat experiences rather than outdoor pools or hot tubs, the unique lakeside pool views and central Bowness location set this spa apart. For full facility details, see the thermal facilities and treatments sections.

How much does a spa day cost at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?

Spa day packages at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa range from £70 to £109 per person, with options to suit different budgets and time preferences. All packages include full access to the 20 metre lakeside pool and thermal suite facilities.

The most affordable option is the My Time For Me package at £70, which includes 4 hours of spa access plus a 25 minute ELEMIS and ishga products treatment. For a more complete experience, the My Morning Retreat (£109) offers 3 hours of spa access, a 25 minute treatment, and a 2 course lunch in the Lakeside Restaurant with views across Lake Windermere. Alternatively, the My Afternoon Escape (£109) swaps lunch for afternoon tea. Prices are the same on weekdays and weekends. Pre booking is required for all spa day packages. For current availability and booking, see the spa day packages section.

Can children use the spa at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?

Children are welcome to use the 20 metre swimming pool at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa between 10am and 5pm daily. This makes the hotel a good choice for families who want to combine a Lake District break with some pool time. The pool features Lake Windermere views and is maintained at a comfortable swimming temperature.

However, the thermal suite facilities are restricted to guests aged 18 and over only. This includes the Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, ice room, and experience showers. The age restriction ensures these heat experiences remain safe and the environment stays tranquil for adult guests. If you're seeking a quieter pool experience without children, consider visiting before 10am or after 5pm when the pool is adults only. For families wanting dedicated spa time while children enjoy other activities, the hotel's central Bowness location offers easy access to boat trips, shops, and Lake Windermere attractions. For access details, see the spa access information section.

Is spa access included with my room at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?

Yes, complimentary pool and thermal suite access is included for all hotel guests at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa. This means you can enjoy the 20 metre lakeside pool with Lake Windermere views and all thermal facilities without any additional charge during your stay.

The pool and gym are open from 7am to 6:30pm daily, giving you flexibility to visit before breakfast or fit in a swim around your day's activities. The thermal suite includes a Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, ice room, and experience showers. Children can use the pool between 10am and 5pm, while the thermal facilities remain adults only throughout the day. If you want spa treatments during your stay, these are charged separately and advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred time. For day visitors who are not staying at the hotel, spa day packages start from £70. See the spa access information for full details.

What's included in a spa day at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?

All spa day packages at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa include full access to the 20 metre indoor pool with Lake Windermere views and the thermal suite facilities (Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, ice room, and experience showers). Complimentary towels are provided, and changing rooms have large lockers that you secure with your own chosen code, so no coins are needed.

Robes and slippers are available to hire for £10 if you want to relax on the terrace overlooking the lake. This is optional but recommended if you plan to move between the spa and outdoor terrace areas. All packages include at least one 25 minute ELEMIS and ishga products treatment, with options ranging from express facials to neck, back and shoulder massages. The Morning Retreat and Afternoon Escape packages also include a meal (2 course lunch or afternoon tea respectively). Lockers, showers, and hair styling facilities are available in the changing rooms. For package options and booking, see the spa day packages section.