North Lakes Hotel & Spa

Stayed here last week for a catchup with my friend. The hotel was lovely and the spa and gym area is really nice. Gym is well equipped and spa was nice and quiet. The room was nice and comfortable. Shower was great! It was just unfortunate there was a lot of building work going on at the hotel and we were not informed of this prior to arrival. If we had known, we may have chosen to go somewhere else. The building work started at 8am in the morning and woke us up, we were there to relax to wasn’t expecting to be woken up by drilling. I would definitely return once the building work has been completed.

Just off the M6 at Penrith, sitting there like a welcoming refuge for the weary traveller, is the rather splendid North Lakes Hotel & Spa—a place that seems to understand exactly what someone needs after a long drive up the motorway: comfort, character, and the possibility of a well-earned drink. This was my second stay, which in hotel terms is the equivalent of returning to a restaurant because you actually meant it the first time when you said “we must come back.” The reception area makes quite the first impression. It’s spacious and full of character, with handsome stone walls and a roaring fire that practically insists you slow down for a moment. It feels less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a very well-appointed country lodge where someone sensible has already lit the fire. Just off reception is the bar, which contains all the essential ingredients required to put a smile on the face of any traveller: comfortable seating, a lively atmosphere, and a drinks selection capable of improving even the longest motorway journey. My room was clearly one of the newly refurbished ones, and judging by the activity around the hotel, the refurbishment programme is very much in full swing—around twenty more rooms were being worked on during my stay. If my room is anything to go by, they’re doing something very right. The design had a few wonderfully quirky touches, including a traditional telephone that looked delightfully out of place in the modern world—like a polite nod to a time when people actually answered phones. There was also a rather smug little SMEG fridge, sitting confidently beneath the desk as if it knew it was both useful and stylish. The room offered a great selection of tea and coffee, which I enjoyed from the comfort of a very agreeable sofa. It’s one of those small luxuries that hotels sometimes overlook, but here it was done properly—perfect for a quiet moment before heading out again. Of course, no stay at the North Lakes would be complete without a visit to the spa facilities, and I made full use of them. The pool was excellent, and both the steam room and sauna delivered exactly the sort of restorative warmth one hopes for. A particularly notable detail was that the sauna is located within the changing rooms, meaning there’s no male/female integration. For those who prefer their sauna experience without awkward small talk or the silent panic of not knowing where to look, this is a welcome arrangement. And then there was breakfast. If one were forced to compare it to something, it might be a scarecrow… outstanding in its field. Every possible taste seemed to be catered for. There’s a generous buffet selection, but you can also order a freshly cooked breakfast to your liking, which arrives exactly as it should—perfectly cooked and deeply satisfying. It’s the sort of breakfast that quietly convinces you that you’ll skip lunch… though that optimism may fade by midday. This was my second visit, and I’m pleased to report it lived up to the memory of the first. Comfortable rooms, characterful surroundings, excellent facilities and a breakfast worth waking up for. It won’t be my last visit. After all, when a place gets this much right, it would be almost rude not to return.

Comfy room, good food - loved the beetroot salad! Great laid back atmosphere in the communal areas. Didn't use the spa but looked good through the windows. Helpful, happy staff. Only one criticism is the shower is very poor. Low pressure. Could do much better. Everything else I'd rate A to A+!

Such a fantastic place to get away from It all and unplug. Superb for the whole family, with really thoughtful and caring little touches. Also one of the few hotels that understands what a family room needs…there comes a point where putting 2 kids in a fold-out, 3/4 size bed doesn’t work…and The North Lakes understands that. Breakfasts are fantastic, there are hours and hours when kids can be in the pool, the movie room is ace, the games and crazy golf are a lovely way to ‘be’ as a family. This is our 3rd trip and it is now an annual tradition.

My daughter has just had her ‘hen do’ here and we all have had the best time celebrating. The staff were so helpful and friendly and the cocktail making was fun to do. The food was scrumptious and the rooms were delightful. I would highly recommend this girls night in experience to any hen party/celebration.

Superb service, delicious food and loads of options on the menu to choose from. We have greatly enjoyed our dinner at the FYR. Imogen and Ricky were great, very positive and attentive throughout the evening. Loved Christmas decorations too. We will definitely come back sooner rather than later. Thank you

It is a beautiful hotel with the most elegant rooms. The bed was huge but extremely comfortable. Everything you need in the room, plus extras like the sleep pack & sleep spray made it that more unique. The staff are super friendly & accommodating. The food in the restaurant was outstanding. We were a group of 18 on a company event & every single person enjoyed their food. The restaurant staff were patient & helpful. Lots of breakfast choices to suit too. This is the second time I've stayed here and absolutely look forward to staying again. It's only a 10 minute walk from the station or if you're driving, there is lots of parking too.

A wonderful place to stop off on the way up to the north of Scotland. We have been there a few times. Wonderful pool and sauna, breakfast is lovely. You need to ask for vegi sausages and poached eggs. Book breakfast when you book the room to get the early slots. Also lovely sandwiches if you arrive after hours.