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Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3DF

From £94.50 per person

Our customer rating: 5/5

Special Offer - Complimentary Room Upgrade

It’s time to indulge!

Enjoy Complimentary Room Upgrade - subject to availability with every residential package purchased (must include treatments) for arrivals until 31st January 2025. Booking window expires 31st January 2025. 

About

It’s one of the most scenic spots in the entire country. So it’s just as well that the Lake District has a seriously indulgent spa hotel waiting to soothe you after a day spent exploring. Located right on the shores of Lake Windermere, the stunning Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa elevates rest and relaxation to luxurious new heights.

Pull off your hiking boots and slip into something more comfortable - a warm robe and slippers will do nicely! The spa has a 20m indoor pool with stunning views, plus eight treatment rooms, a thermal suite and relaxation room, but that’s not the only way to unwind here. The Cumbrian countryside is the star of the show from the Lakeview Restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or get out into the fresh air for a stroll along the hotel’s own private jetties out on the lake.

Outdoorsy type? Exploring the glorious national park is a piece of Kendal Mint Cake - the hotel has England’s largest lake practically lapping at its doorstep. If that’s not enough, Coniston Water, Grasmere and Rydal Water are all within easy reach, too. You can shop till you drop in Kendal, go looking for Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter, and the pretty town on Ambleside is close by as well. To the south, you’ll find the traditional seaside resort of Morecambe, while Keswick lies to the north.

The exquisite Macdonald Old England Hotel offers more than a hundred superb bedrooms, so why not turn your spa day into a spa stay instead? The breathtaking scenery makes a great backdrop for romance, while superb facilities ensure friends can socialise in sumptuous style. 

Popular Facilities

  • Swimming pool
  • Aroma steam room
  • Rock sauna
  • Relaxation room
  • Thermal suite
  • Ice room
  • Gymnasium
  • Terrace Lounge & Cocktail Bar
  • Lakeside Restaurant

Packages

Bookings & Advice024 7671 6192

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Festive Season - SAVE UP TO 25%

1 Night Indulgent Spa Break for Two

  • 2 treatments, up to 50 minutes
  • Overnight accommodation
  • An allocation towards dinner from the A La Carte menu is included
  • Breakfast
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • £5 voucher to spend in our spa store (minimum spend applies)
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
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From £149.50 per person

Festive Season - SAVE UP TO 30%

My Signature Spa Day

  • 2 treatments, 80 minutes
  • Full afternoon tea
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrival from 10am
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From £195.00 £175.00 per person

1 Night Spa Break for Two

  • 1 treatment, up to 25 minutes
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
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From £94.50 per person

My Midweek Morning Retreat

  • 1 treatment, up to 25 minutes
  • Lunch
  • Three hours use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrive at 9am
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From £109.00 per person

My Midweek Afternoon Escape

  • 1 treatment, up to 25 minutes
  • Full afternoon tea
  • Three hours use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrive at 12pm
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From £109.00 per person

1 Night The Essential Spa Break for Two

  • 1 treatment, up to 25 minutes
  • Overnight accommodation
  • An allocation towards dinner from the A La Carte menu is included
  • Breakfast
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • £5 voucher to spend in our spa store (minimum spend £50)
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
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From £124.50 per person

My Perfect Treat Spa Day

  • 1 treatment, up to 55 minutes
  • Full afternoon tea
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrival from 10am
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From £145.00 £125.00 per person

1 Night Sunday Spa Retreat for Two

  • 1 treatment, up to 25 minutes
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Complimentary bottle of Prosecco in your room upon arrival
  • An allocation towards dinner from the A La Carte menu is included
  • Breakfast
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Treatments to be taken on Monday
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
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From £128.50 per person

Men's Detox Spa Day

  • 1 treatment, up to 55 minutes
  • Lunch
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrival from 10am
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From £170.00 £150.00 per person

My Total Time Out Spa Day

  • 2 treatments, 110 minutes
  • Full afternoon tea
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • Arrival from 10am
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From £245.00 £225.00 per person

2 Night Ultimate Spa Break for Two

  • 1 treatment, up to 50 minutes
  • 2 Night accommodation
  • A bottle of Prosecco in your room upon arrival
  • An allocation towards dinner from the A La Carte menu is included on the first night
  • Afternoon tea on the second day
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • A £10 voucher to spend in our spa store (minimum spend applies)
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
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From £237.50 per person

Couples Retreat Spa Day

  • 1 treatment, 55 minutes
  • A glass of Prosecco
  • Two course lunch or afternoon tea
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • 20% OFF any additional treatments pre-booked
  • Arrival from 10am
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From £265.00 £245.00 per package

3 Night Signature Spa Break

  • 2 treatments, up to 105 minutes
  • 3 Night accommodation
  • A bottle of Prosecco
  • An allocation towards dinner from the A La Carte menu is included on your day of arrival
  • Afternoon tea on your second day
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robe and slippers
  • £10 voucher to spend in our spa store (minimum spend applies)
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £357.00 per person

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Get in touch

Contact us for bookings and advice

Prices from £NaN per package

Details

Towel and robes providedYes
Length of pool20m
No. of treatment rooms8
Dual treatment roomsYes
Max no. in group24
Lockers availableYes
Product houseElemis and Jessica
Dress for lunchYes
Minimum age18
Local attractionsWorld of Beatrix Potter, Beatrix Potter Gallery, Leighton Moss, Wastwater, The Lake District and Blackwell The Arts and Crafts Centre
No. of bedrooms106
Check-in time16:00
Use facilities before check in timeYes
Dress codeSmart/casual
Hotel Accessible accessYes
Car parkingChargeable

Facilities

  • Swimming pool
  • Aroma steam room
  • Rock sauna
  • Relaxation room
  • Thermal suite
  • Ice room
  • Gymnasium
  • Terrace Lounge & Cocktail Bar
  • Lakeside Restaurant

The Spa & Wellness at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

The Lake District is, of course, a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. But when the weather is looking a bit British outside, there’s nothing nicer than lounging at a spa, encased in your warm, snuggly robe while admiring views over the majestic Lake Windermere from floor-to-ceiling windows.

You work hard. So rest assured that when you visit the spa at Macdonald Old England your only job here is to relax. Take a dip in the 20m indoor pool, breathe deeply in the aroma steam room and soak up the dry heat of the rock sauna. 

Cool off in the ice room, where you can recover from the heat by rubbing ice on your body - or that of your partner. Well, it does help to boost the circulation and metabolism!

Take your pick of rituals, from body wraps to facials. Each ELEMIS treatment is tailored to suit the needs of you and your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Then continue your deep dive into euphoria by drifting into a blissful post-massage slumber in the zen-like relaxation room.

The Gym & Fitness at 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. 

Restaurants & Food at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

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.

Spa Location

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere
LA23 3DF
0344 879 9000 ext 4

Get Directions

How to get to the Spa?

By train: The hotel is two miles away from Windermere station which is served by Northern services.

By bus: Several bus services call at Windermere, including the Coniston Rambler 505, the Langdale Rambler 516 and services to Lancaster, Morecambe and Ulverston. 

By car: You’ll find Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa two miles from the A591. Use the postcode LA23 3DF for your satnav.

Parking: Parking is chargeable and at present costs £20 per night for hotel guests and £5 for spa day guests.

Reviews

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Relaxing afternoon
  • 5 Service
  • 5 Quality
  • 5 Satisfaction

Set out to finish off the weekend with a nice spa afternoon and loved the chill atmosphere. The pool area was very modern and the sauna and steam room newly refurbished. The treatment rooms were relaxing and the treatment itself very good. Afternoon tea was taken in style overlooking the lake and we were well served by a charming gentleman. We would have liked less cake and more savouries as the scones were enough for us but all in all a very pleasant experience.

Chris Hulme, Stoke on Trent

Very lovely hotel in great location and very simple spa with good treatment options.
  • 5 Service
  • 4 Quality
  • 4 Satisfaction

Spa itself is very simple, but nice size pool. Steam room, rock sauna and ice room. Beautiful location overlooking the lake. We had a deluxe room which was good size, small velux window which was a little disappointing but it was so quiet. Beds very comfy. Hotel staff were so lovely and attentive to all our requests. My daughter is gluten, dairy and meat free due to intolerances and the restaurant had multiple options for her for dinner and breakfast. Wi-Fi is a bit flakey in certain bits of the hotel. It is mainly an old and large building so be prepared for that. It was an excellent stay and the Sunday night stay was excellent value.

Heather Fordham, Bedford

Spa experience and afternoon tea
  • 5 Service
  • 5 Quality
  • 5 Satisfaction

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon experience - lovely swimming pool, excellent back massage, and a very nice afternoon tea overlooking lake Windermere.

Sarah Smith, Lytham St Annes

Loved the overall experience
  • 2 Service
  • 5 Quality
  • 5 Satisfaction

Marina was spot on!! Best massage I’ve ever had... amazing!

Vicky Pearman, Hexham

Great spa break
  • 4 Service
  • 5 Quality
  • 4 Satisfaction

Lovely spa break with my friend to catch up and escape from life and work. Lovely lake twin room, great food and fantastic massage and facial. Would recommend.

Debbie Burdon, Spennymoor

Bank holiday treat
  • 4 Service
  • 5 Quality
  • 4 Satisfaction

We really enjoyed the spa and our facials were faultless. Shame the sauna wasn’t working.

Joanne Barraclough, Liversedge

Great stay
5 / 5

Fantastic stay. So grateful for the staff who couldn’t do enough. Lovely setting. Beautiful scenery. Food was to a high standard. Only downfall was that the rooms could do with a little upgrading...... Read more

Best stay in Windermere
5 / 5

My partner and I came for a spa night which included treatments, dinner and breakfast. All I can say is WOW! The staff on reception were so helpful and friendly. Our room was a standard room and it...... Read more

Living in the past for me, avoid.
2 / 5

Lets start with the positives, the view form our lake view room was stunning, a modern bathroom and a comfy bed. Food in the restaurant was very good and in terms of position you cannot get any...... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa do afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea with a stunning view over Lake Windermere? Yes please! Served in the Terrace Lounge or al fresco every day between 12pm and 5pm, the afternoon tea at Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa boasts fluffy scones, dinky finger sandwiches, and a dainty selection of patisserie.

Does the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa have a swimming pool?

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.

Does the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa have accommodation?

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.

What are the check-in and check-out times for overnight stays?

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

Is Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa accessible

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

Is Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa family-friendly?

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.

Is Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa pet-friendly?

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! 

Does the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa have a golf course?

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’.