The Lake District is recognised worldwide as one of the most appealing tourist destinations in the UK.
Few other parts of Britain can compete with the sights of this north-western corner which is a perfect all-year-round break. The imagination of the traveller in search of spectacular scenery can be found in the surroundings of the four-star luxury Langdale Hotel & Spa which is situated in the Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District. The 35-acre woodland estate really does provide a tranquil retreat away from the stresses and strains of daily life.
Perhaps that is why many guests combine a few days at the hotel with a spot of indulgence at the in-house spa. So whether you want to choose individual treatments or one of their spa packages, there is something for everyone. The spa uses Elemis and Anne Semonin products which have been carefully selected to cater for a personalised prescription treatment.
Anne Semonin Parisian Top-to-Toe treatment is one of their most popular. The 90-minute session has been designed to encourage the customer to forget about all their worries and indulge in the ‘here and now’. The treatment starts with an invigorating back cleanse to exfoliate and smooth the skin. A massage to the back, neck and scalp is then applied to soothe away muscle tightness and any tension.
The wonderfully relaxing massage then progresses to a full facial which is so thorough it lasts a whole 30 minutes. Products are mixed and matched according to individual skin types before generous amounts are massaged into the skin. As they are left to work their magic, the legs are individually rubbed. The result? Skin feels re-hydrated, nourished and protected leaving the customer with an overall sense of calm and harmony.
Other leisure and relaxation facilities include a 20-metre UV-treated swimming pool complete with massage seat and whirlpool spa bath, a steam room, Sanarium, tropical shower, deluge shower and lounger chairs.
With nourishment for the soul taken care of at the hotel’s spa, food for the body is served at four restaurants. All of the eateries – Purdey’s, The Terrace, Hobson’s Bar and Wainwright’s Inn – boast home-grown produce as the chefs work hand-in-hand with local purveyors of Lake District and Cumbrian fayre to ensure that they serve the freshest produce available.
While the other venues offer more casual dining throughout the day, Purdey’s Restaurant is suited more for the evening. As one of the finest eateries in the Lake District, it regularly attracts non-residents too. The restaurant truly is a fish lovers’ paradise. Scallops, salmon, monk fish and lobster can all be found on the delightful menu combined with tantalising ingredients which are cooked to perfection.
There’s plenty of choice for those wanting dishes ranging from chicken, lamb to duck and steak. But if there is something on the menu you can’t have or don’t want, then the chef is more than happy to alter the dish to suit the diner’s needs or taste.
Be warned, however, if you’re watching your waist. Those on a health kick may want to start their diet after a visit to Purdey’s. Dark chocolate and peanut butter mousse, with banana ice cream and passion fruit macaroon, pistachio cake, yoghurt sorbet, cherries, and candied pistachios and lemon cheesecake, cassis sorbet, vanilla meringue and blackberries are just some of the tempting desserts on offer.
Luckily to counteract some of the luscious food available, the Lakes offer some fantastic walks to take in the beautiful surroundings. The staff at the hotel have various leaflets to guide you on where to go as well places to see outside the Langdale estate. There is just something enchanting about being in this part of the world and any walk in the area is truly magical.
There’s plenty more to do within the vicinity. For the creative types, The Pottery in nearby Carnforth is a real treat where you can learn the processes behind making pots. Meanwhile romantic types can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride thanks to Black Horses Ltd in Cartmel. Couples can celebrate with a bottle of champagne or take a luxury picnic hamper from the village shop.
And after a long day exploring the Lakes, a stay at one of the hotel’s rooms is most welcoming. The Langdale offers a choice of 56 bedrooms, all of which are decorated in a luxury yet contemporary style and are located in a resort setting with mature woodland, streams and tarns. All bedrooms are individually furnished to a high standard and boast a LCD flat screen TV, Elemis toiletries, fair-trade refreshments and complimentary Wi-Fi access. One of the great spots to lay your head on is the Waterside rooms which are located on the banks of Great Langdale Beck which come complete with balconies that overlook the cascading water. The beautiful setting enhances the tranquillity and privacy of the room. The plump pillows on the four poster bed made up with down duvets and Egyptian cotton linen is the perfect place to recharge your batteries before waking up fresh for another day in the Lakes.