Rec for Lake District hotel

[DrinkFlirtShag]

Hi,

We've had a stressful few months and I'd like to treat DH to a weekend away for his birthday. Fancy the lake district as it's about the right drive from us and we haven't been there loads before. Plan would be mainly relaxing/eating/drinking with maybe a medium walk in the afternoon (with a pub/tea shop on route). It'd be 2 nights in a hotel ideally with a pool/spa - the budget is about £400 and if possible I'd like a little bit of luxury for that (I know I won't get 5 star for my budget but whatever you can come up with).

Does anyone have any recommendations or am I being unrealistic?

The Wild Boar is lovely and you get use of the spa at Low Wood Bay, which is their sister hotel (check as it’s a few years since I’ve been). It’s a short drive into Bowness for a potter around Windermere, where there are loads of nice shops, bars, ice creams etc. You can take a little boat on the lake.

Lodore Falls

Wonderful views.

But check spa dates they are doing some upgrade / maintenance work

Low Wood, as mentioned in the PP, is lovely. So is the Samling, nearby, but will be out of your budget I suspect.
Would also recommend the Daffodil near Grasmere and the Langdale (er, in Langdale) for very nice options, with good walking on the doorstep.

The Drunken Duck is incredible but again, may be out of budget.

Oh and don't go anywhere near Bowness, it's bloody awful! For a "medium walk" in the south Lakes (where all these options are) head for the Langdales or Loughrigg/Rydal. Just gorgeous.

Oh, I wasn’t suggesting Bowness for a walk! Just a potter. There are far nicer walks as you say @FeelinTwentySixPointTwo

Echo The Drunken Duck but there's no pool/spa.

See if the newly renovated Langdale Chase has a deal on?

Or Brimstone Hotel & Spa.

The Daffodil Hotel and Spa in Grasmere is exactly what you need! It's so relaxing and beautiful settings. Very comfortable beds, amazing food and lovely spa.

Sorry, no - the Drunken Duck hasn't got a spa but when I've stayed there I've booked day passes for the Low Wood.

Drunken Duck used to offer discount rates for the Langdale spa but not sure they do that any more..

Thank you. These all look lovely - some are out of my budget unfortunately.

The Wild Boar, The Daffodil are possible. Rothay Garden has come up - does anyone have opinions on that? Or Bridge House/ The Inn at Grasmere is under budget but looks like it's just a pool at The Inn?

Thanks for all the suggestions though - feeling a bit excited now!

The Daffodil is the best of those options, so if that's in budget then get it booked!

From there there are very lovely short walk options; one being Loughrigg via Loughrigg Terrace; another up to Easedale Tarn, or else the coffin trail and Rydal caves.

For a slightly longer walk you've got the Fairfield Horseshoe on the doorstep.

Rydal water is good for wild swimming if you're into that.

And definitely go for lunch or dinner at Tweedies in Grasmere while you're there. Have a great time- I'm jealous!!

Cedar Manor just outside Windermere/bowness.
Doesn't have a pool but the food is to die for.

Oh I've just seen that they don't serve dinner any more!

Brimstone is AMAZING but your budget will only get you one night.

I would go for Lodore with your budget- lovely spa, great location for nice walks. The Asian restaurant is fab and if you fancied something else then Keswick is a short drive.

Salutation at Ambleside has a pool/spa. Not sure on budget.