Special day enjoyed at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, Bassenthwaite

NESTLED on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just a stone's throw away from Keswick, is a fantastic spa experience in one of the country's most beautiful settings.

Over the winter months I visited the spa at Armathwaite alongside my mum, sister and auntie to celebrate my mum's birthday with what turned out to be a truly special day.

It has to be said that the four of us could have a good crack and fabulous time just about anywhere, but what we found at Armathwaite were special memories that will stay with all of us for a long time.

From even before we arrived, the staff at Armathwaite went above and beyond to help make our day one of absolute relaxation: the day started, as many of our outings do, with a little bit of chaos, when we were stuck in traffic on the A66. However on ringing the spa to say we were slightly late the staff could not have been more accommodating.

Some much-loved family time was spent in the hotels outdoor hot tub (Image: Newsquest)

Entering Armathwaite is a serene experience in itself; you're handed a coffee and robes as you complete your consultation form for the day's treatments.

Our spa day started with a relaxing wander into the spa's outdoor hot tub before we spent some time lounging and chatting on the relaxation beds by the pool.

As part of our intial few hours we also spent time in the sauna and steam room, as well as the indoor jacuzzi, which was the perfect chance to chat, relax and put the world to rights.

As part of the spa day experience we were treated to a delicious two course lunch in the hotel's brasserie, lounging in our robes and enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.

The two course meal we enjoyed in the hotels Courtyard Bar and Brasserie as part of the spa day (Image: Newsquest)

Lunch consisted of two courses from the menu - in which we selected the starter and main option, in which I enjoyed king prawns sautéed in chilli, garlic and chive butter, toasted ciabatta followed by a handpressed steak burger, caramelised onion, crispy pancetta, blue cheese - the food was delicious and it was hard to believe that this was all on offer as part of the day.

READ MORE: Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Bassenthwaite launches Christmas package

Lunch was followed by a 55 minute treatment, for which I chose a My Kinda Skin facial, which is a bepoke facial prescribed to the client's skin.

The facial was almost an hour of pure relaxation with a really informative and helpful consultation provided to me by my therapist both pre- and post-treatment, which allowed me to take away a lot of helpful tips that have helped me look after my skin more pro-actively following the spa day.

The day was a delight; from the moment we walked through the doors at Armathwaite, to the second we left, we were treat like royalty, enjoying a day that will be remembered as being incredibly special.