Pros

  • Built on 400 acres of English countryside near Bassenthwaite Lake
  • Classic decor with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs
  • All rooms have views; some have patios, fireplaces, and hot tubs
  • Elegant and casual dining options available
  • Full-service spa with a variety of treatments, steam, and sauna
  • Fully-equipped fitness center
  • Indoor pool and outdoor hot tub with garden views
  • Pets allowed (for an additional fee, includes cushion and dog treats)
  • Free parking on-site
  • Meeting and conference spaces for business travelers
See More Pros

Cons

  • No free breakfast (available for a fee)
  • Some rooms could use a little updating
See More Cons

Bottom Line

This stunning four-and-a-half pearl Lake District hotel built into a stately English country home looks like a fairy-tale castle. Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake on 400 acres of deer park and woodlands, this elegant retreat offers breathtaking views. Each of the 46 rooms are uniquely laid out and decorated; all are clean and comfortable, with some spaces having fireplaces, patios, and hot tubs. The full-service spa is topnotch and offers a variety of treatments as well as an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, fitness center, and more. The outdoor hot tub overlooking the garden is simply exquisite. 

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

Scene

Classic, elegant, and relaxed English country living

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.

See More Scene

Location

Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake on 400 acres of English countryside

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.

See More Location

Rooms

Individually decorated with modern amenities and panoramic views

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.

See More Rooms

Features

Fine and casual dining options, afternoon tea service, full-service spa, and an outdoor hot tub with a view

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.  

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

Scene

Classic, elegant, and relaxed English country living

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.

See More Scene

Location

Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake on 400 acres of English countryside

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.

See More Location

Rooms

Individually decorated with modern amenities and panoramic views

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.

See More Rooms

Features

Fine and casual dining options, afternoon tea service, full-service spa, and an outdoor hot tub with a view

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.  

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Babysitting Services

  • Basic Television

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.