Our writer Rachel McAlley recently visited the Yorkshire Dales to spend a night at The Coniston Country Estate & Spa. The retreat is set in beautiful surroundings including; rolling hills, lake, and acres of land for walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
The estate started out as a farm shop, one of the first in the area, many years ago and has been owned by the Bannister family for just over 50 years. Throughout the years the hotel has developed from farm shop to a country retreat including a top class hotel to spa and to what it is today. This award-winning hotel and spa has so much to offer visitors from near and far.
Once you’re inside the hotel you are instantly met with friendly greetings at the reception desk. The team check-in each guest and offer advice on every aspect of the hotel. There is Macleod’s Bar & Lounge for light bites, hot drinks and bar snacks. The View is the signature restaurant, which serves lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner either inside by the open fire or outside on the terrace. Alternatively guests can enjoy an Asian-Yorkshire fusion meal within Blossom Kitchen at Nàdarra Spa.
The Dales Rooms
The hotel has recently undergone a huge renovation project and the 70 rooms are country-themed and seriously stylish. The Dales Rooms are the newest addition with high-end furnishings and have views over the estate lake. They each have private patio, Dyson hairdryer, Temple Spa toiletries, and some divine locally made snacks. For techies The Dales Rooms have 50” TV’s with Chromecast, Nespresso machine, Infrared photo heaters, and docking station alarm clocks!
Our writer was booked for dinner at The View where she was offered two menus to choose from. The Taste of Italy a special monthly menu, and the A la Carte menu showcased Coniston classics. The menus can be mixed and matched so guests don’t have to choose from just one, which is a great option to offer.
The View Restaurant
The food and drink is made with local produce from Althams Butchers, Dark Horse Brewery, and Jacksons of Cracoe amongst others. All dishes are fresh, great quality, and taste delicious. The chefs should be proud of their offering at The View as the restaurant is always busy, even on a Monday evening.
The hotel is a gateway to both the Yorkshire Dales and across the border to Lancashire, which means it’s a perfect base for tourists, especially those wanting a country retreat. The Coniston also has plenty of private rooms for conferences, weddings, and other events.
However, the spa is what sets itself apart from everything else. The Nàdarra Spa is another level when it comes to relaxation and treatments at The Coniston.
The Nàdarra Spa
Whether you like swimming, relaxing on a lounger, or indulging in an infinity pool the Nàdarra Spa has it all. There is an outdoor bar, private spa garden with baths, indoor bubble pool, and ice fountain to name a few facilities. There is also so much more to offer from the exquisite Asian-fusion alfresco dining to the fully equipped fitness suite. And if saunas are your go to then check out the Finnish sauna, Himalayan sauna, Infrared sauna, and Aromatherapy steam room.
If you want a treatment the Nàdarra Spa offers a couples suite, Scottish seaweed bath, Spa Rasul, and every other treatment imaginable. Products used within spa treatments include Natura Bissè, Ishga Seaweed Skincare, and Aromatherapy Associates.
Within the grounds of The Coniston Estate guests can book a day fly fishing, a Land Rover Experience, and clay pigeon shooting. There is so much to this hotel that involves being outdoors, which is quite a unique proposition and makes for the perfect country retreat. Guests can even take a boat on the lake from the boathouse and bothy!
Would we recommend staying at The Coniston? We absolutely would, a definite yes from H&N Magazine.
Prices vary from around £159 to £629 per night depending on the room type and whether dinner and the spa are included. Visit The Coniston Hotel to find out more or Instagram @theconistonhotel
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa
Coniston Cold
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 4EA
Words by Rachel McAlley
