Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Like to crunch before brunch? It’s easy at Macdonald Old England’s Vital Health & Wellbeing Club. The sleek, modern gym is crammed with the latest Life Fitness equipment which lets you track your workouts and view your progress from the LF app. 

Workouts feel like a breeze in this bright and open space. Build muscle in the free weights zone, power through some cardio then take advantage of the large stretching area. Need some extra motivation? Sign up for fitness classes like aqua fit, held in the gorgeous 20m indoor pool.

Prefer your exercise in the fresh air? Bring your walking boots or hire a wetsuit! The Lake District is famed for its postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes. As such, the hotel is awash with outdoor activities you can do right on its doorstep, from paddleboarding and cycling to long mountain walks. 

You’ve nurtured your body with heat and water at the spa. And now it’s time for food, glorious food! Luckily, Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa has just the thing to satisfy your appetite. There are two fabulous foodie spots on offer here, alongside a jaw-dropping setting for an indulgent afternoon tea.

Lakeview Restaurant

Known locally as 'the restaurant on the lake', the clue as to what makes this restaurant so special really is in the name - it offers one of the most impressive views across Bowness Bay and Lake Windermere you’ll ever see. Luckily, the modern British cuisine is every bit as exceptional as the scenery! 

Terrace Lounge

For a more relaxed experience, make yourself comfy in this elegant lounge and cocktail bar with its own stunning views across the lake from the sun terrace. Come for lunch, but if you fancy a scone alongside your self-care, afternoon tea is served here too. Spoil yourself with delicate finger sandwiches, tempting cakes and, of course, freshly baked scones served with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam.

It does! The 20m indoor swimming pool is perfect for laps, a refreshing dip or an aqua fitness class. Or just pull up a lounger and pose poolside while you drink in those stunning vistas.

Yes it does. There are 106 bedrooms here ranging from comfortable standard rooms to top-of-the-range balcony suites with unrivalled views of the surrounding Lake District. Rooms in the Georgian house section of the hotel have historic charm in abundance and come equipped with Egyptian cotton bed linen, or choose deluxe or super deluxe rooms for a little more of a lavish stay with some super luxurious toiletries.

Check-in time is 4pm for overnight stays at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, while guests need to check out by 11am.

Yes it is! Just tell the hotel you need an accessible room upon booking.

It is, and there’s lots for them to do here. Although kids need to be 18 to have a spa treatment, they can splash in the pool everyday between 10am and 5pm daily. Executive family rooms have space for you all to spread out, and there’s plenty of choice on the children’s menu. Family-friendly attractions close to the hotel include The World of Beatrix Potter, South Lakes Safari Zoo and Wreay Syke Alpaca farm.

Dogs are welcome at the hotel (only one dog per room at £20 extra per night) but you must call in advance to confirm availability of pet-friendly rooms. Your dog will not be allowed in the spa or restaurant, but can join you in The Snug. And your little pup will be pampered with comfy dog beds, dog bowls and delicious treats! 

No, but there is one nearby so you don’t have to miss out on a round. Windermere Golf Club is less than two miles away and its heart-of-the-Lake District location makes for some lovely views. Expect a challenge because this course is also known as a ‘miniature Gleneagles’.