The North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Cumbria
Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria, Lake District
Fantastic family facilities in a outstanding hotel - with a convenient location to explore the exceptional beauty of the Lake District
Arriving at the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, literally 2 minutes from the motorway, my first impressions kicked in. It looked deceptively on the small side and I wasn't a fan of the exterior blue paintwork. However never judge a book by it's cover. Once you step foot through the door those initial thoughts quickly melt away as you find yourself in a beautifully appointed hotel in the style of an old hunting lodge. The crackling open fires were a warm welcome on a particularly cold day and the interior is very spacious yet intimate. There is plenty of space for families to relax in the many snugs and seating areas so that you feel totally at ease without invading anyone else's space. The experienced and dedicated staff are genuinely helpful and openly friendly.
Families can be accommodated together in family rooms, with bunks and/or extra beds. Children aged up to 16 years can stay free of charge in your room and you just pay for their breakfast. However if this is not your idea of a romantic weekend then inter-connecting rooms are available at very competitive rates. We stayed in a family room that had bunk beds. These were conveniently packed away for the daytime so you can enjoy the extra living space, until they were needed. Alfie, my toddler spotted a welcome drink in his full sized wooden cot - which was greatly appreciated after a long drive. The room in fact had lots of thoughtful touches - like complimentary mineral water, fresh ground coffee & a great tea selection, fresh milk delivered daily, free WiFi internet access and a complimentary newspaper. A stylish décor, extra thick towels and a great bed for a good night's sleep, completes the picture.
Baby sitting service is outsourced through Safe Hands whilst you're at the hotel. We, of course, left this to the last minute before finding out that we couldn't be accommodated. Note that there is a minimum booking of 4 hours at £12.50 per hour. As Alfie needed his sleep at 8pm we were creative with the use of the free WiFi and set up a video link with a PC and a mobile phone. This enabled us to venture down the corridor to the restaurant and enjoy a bit of adult time whilst keeping a watchful eye on Alfie. The food was wholesome and delicious, the service impeccable and the ambience was just wonderful. A pianist played throughout our evening and similar entertainment is provided every Friday and Saturday night. Together with the roaring open fires the high vaulted ceilings this was truly an enjoyable evening.
Children can eat either from the children's Trekkers menu or choose half portions from the a la carte menu and pay half price. Families with children under 12 can dine in the restaurant up until 8.00 pm. However a separate children's high tea is served from 6-7pm. Drinks and all-day snacks are available from The Martindale Cafe and Terrace Lounge. The Stag Bar (kids allowed until 7.00 pm) is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or pint of traditional real ale. Room Service is available 24 hours each day.
All guests staying at the hotel receive complimentary membership of the Spa throughout your stay. Whether its working out in the well-equipped gym or easing those muscles in the steam room there is something here for everyone. I managed to find time to be pampered in one of the relaxing spa treatment rooms, while Hubby took Alfie for a swim in the large 13 metre pool. Other facilities include a children's splash pool, a solarium and an extensive program of exercise classes.
The Kid's Trekkers Den club offers an activity programme and games for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The Trekkers room is located in the leisure club area of the hotel. The club operates every weekend and includes favourites such as air hockey, pool table and computer games on the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2. On Friday and Saturday nights a movie is shown with complimentary cookies and milk afterwards.
With easy access to the Lake District and Eden Valley, and ample free parking, the North Lakes Hotel and Spa is an ideal base for either a short break or a holiday. A courtesy transfer is available from the nearby railway station.