This luxury spa hotel in Cumbria has a stunning waterside location – find out what our reviewer made of the Lakeside Hotel, Lake Windermere

There’s something so restorative about spending time near water.

Whether it’s the sea, a river or a lake, the sound of lapping water or the ever-changing light on its surface, I am transfixed. It’s both calming and energising.

So if you stay at a luxury hotel and spa and that venue is on the edge of Lake Windermere, you’ve got a great combination for some deep down relaxation.

Lakeside Hotel and Spa at Newby Bridge in Cumbria looks out over this beautiful expanse of water and having such a splendid location certainly gives the place something extra special.

Our room overlooked the lake so there was plenty of opportunity to take it in from the comfort of a cosy armchair. That was for later though, because as soon as we checked in we were off exploring the area and went on a walk that took us through fields and forest to a tiny, secluded lake among the trees. It was so nice to cool our hot and tired feet in the chilly water.

It’s also important to take it easy and whenever I’m near any kind of water I like to go on a boat trip if I can. We took the ferry that ploughs its way up and down the lake for a 45-minute trip as far as Bowness (windermere-lakecruises.co.uk). We didn’t spent long there as it was a bit bustling and busy for us on a relaxation weekend, so we simply bought an ice cream and headed across the water right back where we came from. It was all about the journey rather than the destination after all!

Aveda spa treatments at Lakeside Hotel

One of the big attractions at Lakeside is the Aveda spa. I’ve been using Aveda’s natural hair products for years so was keen to try out the spa experience. I had the Purely A Treat, which can be a massage and facial or a longer massage. The Aveda style is to present the experience as something of a ritual and started with the choosing of the essential oils and a foot scrub and massage and finished with the ringing of a bell. I had the full hour massage, which was tailored to my needs (ie very firm) and it certainly removed the knots and tension and left me fully relaxed. The spa also has a gym, pool, steam room and sauna overlooking the hotel gardens. The facilities are only open to hotel and spa guests so it doesn’t get too busy in there.

Restaurants at Lakeside Hotel

Over the weekend we had the chance to sample both the venue’s restaurants.

The Lakeview, which does indeed have a view of the lake, offers more formal dining and we enjoyed an elegantly-presented three-course meal there, which included (my favourite) scallops, and the most delicious cheese soufflé. The more relaxed and contemporary John Ruskin Brasserie is at the other side of the hotel with garden views but the food is equally high end, with intense flavours and beautiful presentation. We took the opportunity to try the pork belly and some very elegant fish and chips. And as for the breakfasts, these are definitely worth getting up for! I felt bad about having the same thing both mornings when there were so many other great options, but I couldn’t resist the little stack of Cumberland sausage, black pudding, hash brown and poached egg.

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A stay at Lakeside offers plenty to do for a weekend treat and many ways to relax in very comfortable surroundings – a great way to enjoy being by the water.

Booking information and offers for Lakeside Hotel and Spa

If you stop two nights at the Lakeside Hotel and Spa, there is a 20 per cent discount on the price of a stay in a Woodland or Lakeland View room – £225 in the summer and £215 in the autumn.

You can also book a spa escape, which includes a three-course lunch and breakfast, overnight stay and one hour spa treatment for £204 per person per night in the summer and £190 per person per night in the autumn.

The Purely A Treat experience costs £79

For information, offers and up-to-date prices, visit lakesidehotel.co.uk