Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

There’s a special kind of magic at Armathwaite
Hall, some guests feel like they're staying
somewhere that's a mix betweeen Downton Abbey and Hogwarts. A classic English
aesthetic permeates the property, with quirky touches giving spaces an unexpected
charm. The stunning exterior looks like a castle; interior common areas are
richly decorated with oak-wood paneling, dark colors (think: maroon, reds, and
deep blues), and classic touches like grandfather clocks, pewter accents,
antique photos, and lots of armchairs. A billiards room looks every bit the
part and roaring fireplaces add warmth to grand spaces. The gardens are
extensive and beautifully manicured with gorgeous seating areas among the
hedges and miles of panoramic views beyond the property's borders. There’s
even a "wildlife park" next door where some of the animals can be
taken for walks. (We're not talking lions and tigers here, more like alpacas.)
Kids are welcome, though spaces are often used as a romantic retreat for couples.

Located in the Northern Lake District
across from the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, Armathwaite Hall is surrounded by lush hills, meadows, and Bassenthwaite Lake. With no traffic in the area, birds chirping is the most common sound guests will
hear. Nearby attractions (within 10 miles) include Jennings Brewery, Wordsworth
House and Garden, Crosthwaite Parish Church, Cumberland Pencil Museum, and
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery. Views of Skiddaw mountain and the fells in the
distance make this locale even more idyllic.

Each of the 46 guest rooms here has its own
individual character. Though the general feel is classic English decor, some
rooms are a tad more contemporary in their styling, like the Spa Feature units with
geometric prints, modern lights, and unique wall art. Other rooms are
absolutely traditional, like the ultra-spacious Studio Suites, with wood
panels and furnishings, fireplaces, and heavy lamps on matching bedside
tables. Spaces also range in size,
with the smallest being the Club Rooms, and there’s even a Family Room option
that offers twin or bunk beds in adjoining rooms so that kids and parents can have privacy. Beds are super comfy with Egyptian cotton linens and luxury
mattress toppers. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free
in-room Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Most bathrooms have deep
sunken tubs, showers, and bowl sinks; flat-screen TVs are also built into the
tiled walls. Robes and slippers are available, and towel warmers
keep things toasty. Some rooms have patios or balconies, but whatever space you
book, you'll have a view directed either towards the lake, the gardens, the
deer park, or the courtyard.

Dinner in the elegant Lake View dining room is
an event. The floor-to-ceiling windows with richly-colored drapes offer
spectacular views across Bassenthwaite Lake and are offset by crisp
white tablecloths, a gorgeous mantle, and an ornate wood-carved ceiling. The
restaurant -- open for lunch and dinner -- is full
of local flavors and offers 110 specially selected wines. For less fancy
meals, guests may enjoy lunch in the Conservatory (also called the Lake Room
thanks to its similarly stunning views); or they may order to-go picnics to
take with them into the gardens. The informal Courtyard Bar &
Brasserie offers lattes in the
morning, drinks later on, and relaxed dinners in a more modern setting. There’s a classic drawing-room type bar centered around a fireplace. And full
afternoon tea is served for those who desire a delightfully English experience.The gorgeous fairy-tale
setting of Armathwaite Hall obviously lends itself well to weddings, and there
are event spaces available for such happy occasions as well as for business
gatherings. The large full-service spa is perfect for adult pampering (no
kids under 16 allowed) and offers a variety of treatments. In addition to the
10 treatments rooms -- one of which is suited for couples with its own
whirlpool -- there’s an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, an
amethyst crystal steam room, an aroma room, a tropical shower, and more. A fully-equipped fitness center features cardio equipment, circuit/pulley
machines, and free weights. Yoga classes are sometimes offered in a separate
dance/exercise room. The piece de resistance in the spa area, however,
seems to be the huge outdoor hot tub that has views of the gardens. This hotel is pet-friendly,
though there's an additional fee for bringing along furry friends. Certain
rooms are allocated for people with pets and the surcharge includes a cushion,
dog treats, and waste bags.