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. 

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.