The Coniston Hotel And Spa, A Perfect Treat To Look Forward To

If you are reading this during the current pandemic then you are probably getting a bit fed up of the monotony now. If you need something to look forward to with a bit of pampering in mind then perhaps you should cast your thoughts to the Coniston Hotel and Spa.

Set in a 1400 acre estate the hotel has won the Welcome To Yorkshire 'Large Hotel of the Year' award. With 71 bedrooms, 3 restaurants and a multi million pound state of the art spa, that opened in 2015, it is easy to see why it won the prestigious accolade.

The majortiy of the bedrooms look out over the rolling Yorkshire countryside and although you are under an hour away from most of the major cities of Yorkshire and Lancashire, the tranquility of the hotel and spa feels like you are in another world.

The Superior bedrooms tend to be on the large side, some with balconies that overlook the estate. The homely room was tastefully furnished and was somewhere you felt you could stay for more than one night. It was pleasing to be able to sit in comfortable chairs to watch the television instead of having to watch it whilst laid on the bed.

Fast WiFi, beds that were not too hard or too soft and a soothing colour scheme throughout added to the experience. A good size bathroom complimented the overall feel of the bedroom.

The self-contained spa is just a few footsteps away from the main hotel block. They seem to have ticked every box here including a 15m indoor swimming pool, Himalayan salt sauna, which definitely clears your airwaves, an Aromatherapy steam room, Indoor bubble pool, Finnish sauna and an Ice fountain.

The star attraction for me though was the Outdoor Infinity Edge Spa Bubble Pool. Where else can you admire the breath taking (if you have any breath left after the steam room) views over the Coniston Estate and in the distance the rolling North Yorkshire views whilst underwater massage jets release the tensions of modern life away?

The Huntsmans Lodge is where you will find roaring fires, a terrace with views overlooking the lake and a menu that embraces the best of the British countryside.

We dined in Macleod’s restaurant. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant combines fine dining with Yorkshire charm. As we enter the resident pianist plays Food Glorious Food, besides it being a nice touch, it also added a certain uniqueness to the dining atmosphere.

Crisp white tablecloths, smart glassware, exceptional service and being addressed as Sir and Madam kept the standard high.

By the time my main of Fillet of Beef had arrived we had been serenaded with piano versions of songs by Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles. Surprisingly it made it All Come Together.

My sister chose the vegetarian option of Wild Mushroom Tortellini which was said to be perfect.

The cheese board came with a very rich Tunworth - an English Camembert which was good enough to make a Frenchman weep and the Leeds Blue made by Mario Olianas in Adel uses apparently sheep’s milk from Harrogate, creamy and light it reminded me very much of the hotel with the best of Yorkshire all coming together as one.

Breakfast depending on how many guests are staying at the hotel can be served in either restaurant. We ate again in Macleod’s. The continental was self service though they seem to be missing a trick by not serving fresh bread rolls. The full English is cooked to order and sets you up for a full days walking. With the hotel being dog friendly too there is no excuse not to try the woodland walk.

An idyllic setting, good food, great service and a spa that is a taste of pure indulgence. It might seem a Long and Winding Road at the moment but in the words of the Beatles I can’t wait to Get Back. You never know if you ask even the restaurant pianist might play the song for you.

The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA
Telephone 01756 747 600
www.conistonhotel.com