Signet Spa The Barnsdale
The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH
From £150.00 per person
About
It may be England’s smallest county, but what Rutland lacks in size it makes up for in charm and character. And nowhere is this more in evidence than at The Barnsdale, Rutland. This refined-yet-relaxed boutique hotel mixes quirky British features with authentic luxury within its artfully refurbished limestone walls. The result? Dreamy spa days and stays with a generous helping of rustic, country-house chic.
Steeped in over 250 years of history, The Barnsdale sits in 55 acres surrounded by a bucolic slice of the East Midlands countryside. It’s seriously pretty, but there’s more than just easy-on-the-eye scenery to help you unwind here. Wrap yourself in a plush dry robe and head to the al fresco sanctuary that is the Signet Spa. With a toasty outdoor pool, wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna cabin, it’s pin-drop peaceful. In fact, the only sounds you’ll hear is the occasional moo from the neighbours - the hotel’s herd of highland cows.
Tempted to make a night of it? All 46 individually furnished bedrooms come with thoughtful flourishes: think colourful headboards, artisan coffees and complimentary nightcaps of ginger liqueur. The hotel’s tranquil gardens have a croquet lawn for garden games, along with a menu crammed with local delicacies at the elegant 1760 Brasserie and the light-filled Orangery.
Warm up by a blazing wood-burner as you admire all of The Barnsdale’s cosy nooks and crannies. Although a recent refurbishment has given this former Georgian hunting lodge a contemporary feel, period features still abound. Upcycled antiques and bright furnishings mingle with original fireplaces and windows.
Grab a pair of mud boots from the Welly Wall and go exploring. On the hotel’s doorstep you’ll find Rutland Water (the man-made lake the county is famous for) for excellent walking, cycling and watersports. Close to the pretty market town of Oakham, you’re within a 15-minute drive of historic Stamford with its quaint streets and pretty shops. If you love to visit stately homes, you’re in the right place. Burghley House is close by, with Rockingham Castle and Deene Park a 25-minute drive.
With its blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, The Barnsdale offers an unforgettable escape. Whether you're seeking spa relaxation or a taste of the English countryside at its finest, this unique hotel ticks all the boxes for a truly memorable getaway.
Popular Facilities
- Outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Sauna
- The Clubhouse
- The Rod Room 1760 Brasserie
Packages
Bookings & Advice024 7671 6192
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Signet Spa Day
- 1 treatment, 60 minutes
- Tea or coffee on arrival
- Afternoon tea or a main dish in the 1760 Brasserie
- Five hours use of the leisure facilities
- Complimentary use of towels, robes and flip flops
- Arrive from 10am
From £150.00 per person
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Prices from £NaN per package
Details
| Length of pool | 10m (outdoor pool) |
|---|---|
| No. of treatment rooms | 2 |
| Towel and robes provided | Yes |
| Slippers | Yes flip-flops |
| Product house | GAIA |
| Dress for lunch | Yes |
| Max no. in group | 4 |
| Lockers available | Yes |
| Spa Accessible access | No |
| Car parking | Complimentary |
| Minimum age | 18 |
Facilities
- Outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Sauna
- The Clubhouse
- The Rod Room 1760 Brasserie
The Spa & Wellness at Signet Spa The Barnsdale
Immerse yourself in nature at The Barnsdale, Rutland, a place that makes the most of every inch of its glorious countryside setting. Its outdoor Signet Spa only opened in July 2024, and everything has been meticulously designed with your utter bliss in mind.
Put on your cosy dry robe in the Clubhouse, and let your journey into al fresco wellness begin. Go for a dip in the toasty water of the pool. Heated to a balmy 28 degrees, where else can you swim while gazing out at a herd of cute Highland cows?
Flit between the different thermal experiences on offer in the fresh air. This self-care sanctuary includes three wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna pod as well as two treatment pods with gorgeous views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Lie back and enjoy a menu of GAIA treatments. Whether you’re seeking beautiful skin or inner calm, GAIA products are pure and natural, and deeply nurturing.
The Gym & Fitness at Signet Spa The Barnsdale
Fitness fanatic? The Barnsdale, Rutland may not have its own gym, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your leggings at home. It regularly hosts wellness events, from gong baths to yoga, led by expert practitioners. But that’s not the only way it can help you feel energised.
Set in 55 acres of its own glorious grounds, you can take a stroll in the gardens to get your steps up. Or grab a walking map and a pair of mud boots from the in-house Welly Wall and venture out into the Rutland countryside just beyond.
Like to keep fit and have fun with friends? Challenge them to a game of petanque or croquet on the lawn. Or take the five-minute stroll to Rutland Water. This man- made lake is set in 4,200 acres of open countryside and offers everything from bike hire to watersports.
Restaurants & Food at Signet Spa The Barnsdale
Ultra-indulgent spa breaks need ultra-indulgent eating and drinking options to match. Luckily at The Barnsdale Hotel, Rutland you’ll find the food is every bit as fine as the spa treatments.
1760 Brasserie
Here on a spa day that includes afternoon tea or lunch? You’ll eat in the elegant yet laid-back 1760 Brasserie. Named after the year the original hunting lodge was built, menus showcase local produce. You’ll find Rutland cheeses, Hambleton Bakery bread and Oakham Grainstore beer-battered fish among the delicacies on offer.
The Orangery
If the weather’s not warm enough to feast al fresco in the charming courtyard, head to the lush surroundings of the Orangery. Relish seasonal flavours and local fare, all while admiring the stunning countryside it came from.
The Clubhouse
Unwind and enjoy light refreshments, smoothies and hot drinks in this beautifully-designed building. Nestled in the Signet Spa, this relaxed space is reserved for spa guests. Nothing beats sipping a wild mint tea freshly picked from the hotel’s kitchen garden!
Spa Location
Signet Spa The Barnsdale
Signet Spa The Barnsdale
The Avenue
Exton
Oakham
LE15 8AH
01572 724 678
How to get to the Spa?
By train: The nearest train station is in Oakham, just under four miles away. There is a regular cross-country train service to Oakham, which runs from Stansted to Birmingham via Cambridge, Peterborough, Stamford and Leicester.
By bus: It’s best to get a taxi. The Rutland Flyer 2 (RF2) bus service takes you from Oakham, but the nearest bus stop is still a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
By car: The Barnsdale is just off the A606 that runs from Oakham to Stamford. The postcode for your satnav is LE15 8AH.
Parking: On-site parking is plentiful and complimentary.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a swimming pool at The Barnsdale, Rutland?
There is, so don’t forget to pack your cossie. The blissfully warm outdoor pool is 10m long and has gorgeous countryside views. Pin-drop peaceful, the only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional moo from the neighbours - some very pretty highland cows.
The Signet Spa also has three wood-fired hot tubs, a sauna hut, treatment huts and the clubhouse. It’s just a stone’s throw from The Barnsdale’s main building but don’t worry, you won’t get cold! You’ll be given a plush dry robe to keep you cosy while you flit between the thermal facilities.
Does The Barnsdale, Rutland do afternoon tea?
There’s nothing nicer than whiling away the afternoon with a glass of fizz to sip and some tempting treats to snaffle. And at The Barnsdale, the only hard part will be deciding whether to put jam or cream on first. Enjoy all the traditional trimmings in the beautiful Orangery or take your tea al fresco in the Courtyard. Expect dainty sarnies, warm scones and cakes that are (almost) too pretty to eat.
Is there accommodation at The Barnsdale, Rutland?
Of course! The Barnsdale has 46 individually designed bedrooms which make extending your spa day into a spa stay a real temptation. Classic rooms are compact and cosy. More spacious Heritage or Culture rooms offer opulent interiors, while Royal rooms offer the best views in the house. No matter which room category you go for, expect plenty of luxurious touches, like complimentary ginger liqueur for a late-night tipple!
What time is check-in and check-out at The Barnsdale, Rutland?
You can check-in to the hotel from 3pm and check-out is by 11am on your day of departure. For spa packages, arrival times vary, so please check your booking confirmation.
Where is The Barnsdale, Rutland?
You’ll find The Barnsdale Hotel, Rutland on the shores of the beautiful Rutland Water, one of the largest manmade lakes in Europe and known for its watersports, walking and cycling. You can walk to the North Shore in 10 minutes, or drive there in under five minutes. It’s just a five-minute drive from the pretty market town of Oakham, a 15-minute drive from Stamford and a 50-minute drive from Leicester.
Does The Barnsdale, Rutland have a dress code?
No, there’s no strict dress code and the hotel feels delightfully informal and unstuffy. Saying that, people do get glammed up to dine in brasserie 1760. You may feel more comfortable in smart/casual attire, but it’s really up to you!
Is The Barnsdale, Rutland family-friendly?
Sometimes it’s nice to know you won’t get hit in the face by a pool float. So if you’re craving a bit of quality time with a pal or your partner, you’re in luck. The Signet Spa is blissfully adults-only. You need to be 18 to access treatments or facilities.
But over at the hotel children are really made a fuss of, with outdoor play areas, board games and activities laid on in the school holidays. Two family rooms have bunk beds, and kids get a cuddly toy and book to take home.
Is The Barnsdale, Rutland accessible?
The Barnsdale Hotel, Rutland has two accessible bedrooms on the ground floor, both with wet rooms. All ground-floor areas are accessible to wheelchairs. The Signet Spa has limited accessibility. This outdoor spa is surrounded by gravel and there’s no disabled access to the pool.
Is The Barnsdale, Rutland dog-friendly?
Yes it is! A maximum of two well-behaved pooches over the age of one can stay in Heritage, Culture or Royal rooms. It costs £20 on a two-night basis, and for that they’ll get a bed, dog bowls, treats and a towel for muddy paws. These dog-friendly rooms offer external access and ample grounds to sniff. They can join you for din-dins in the Orangery or Courtyard - just don’t leave them in the room unattended.
Does The Barnsdale, Rutland have a golf course?
No, but there is one on the opposite shore of Rutland Water, just a 12-minute drive from The Barnsdale. With stunning views of the UK’s largest manmade lake, Rutland Water Golf Course lets you play the challenging 18-hole, championship Normanton course (which has a strict dress code for both men and women). For something more fun and relaxed, try the nine-hole par 3 Hambleton course.