After carb loading on bread, eggs and plenty of bacon we had a few hours to kill before our spa afternoon so we decided to take a nice long walk around the lake and estate. A quick change in to some wellies and we were ready for a muddy, more like winter than spring time walk. The Coniston Hotel lies on a 1400 acre plot so there’s plenty of long, countryside dog walks for everyone to enjoy (even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel.) And whilst it wasn’t raining, the wind chill was pretty cutting, but even still the walk was perfect to walk off our brekkie because we had a mammoth afternoon tea to indulge in too.
By the time we’d finished we needed rolling out of the Huntsman’s Lodge to the Spa.
When we eventually managed to pull ourselves from our chairs, we walked over to the Spa. It was added to the hotels facilities back in 2015 and the modern building adds the perfect retreat to hide from the rain or relax after taking part in the hotels many andrenaline-packed activities on-site. Once again, the main attraction is the outdoor, infinity jacuzzi pool that looks out over the lake. We spent quite some time in there, whilst we sipped a G&T and a beer and chatted away before we went for our massage, courtesy of the outdoor bar that will serve you in the pool. You don’t have to lift a finger!
Whilst the Spa isn’t the biggest one I’ve been to, it actually offers a lot more than many. Aside from the outdoor infinity pool, it is complete with a Finnish Sauna, Steam room, a Himalayan Salt Sauna, an indoor jacuzzi and a 15m pool. Along with many treatment and relaxation rooms.
Our 1 hour full body massages were booked in for 4.45pm, Hannah took charge of mine. I explained that I’m quite touch sensitive, so she made sure that she kept at least one hand on me at all times so I didn’t feel jumpy at any point. I think it was the first massage where I’ve felt completely, 100% at ease.
I’d highly recommend the Spa for its gorgeous views and quality treatments if you are looking for either a couples retreat or a girly weekend! You can view Spa offers here.
As we arrived pretty early, our room wasn’t ready and because of the activities we had planned we eventually got to our room around 6pm. We were met with a huge suite, complete with its own living room space. It would be perfect for a Bridal party, especially with the space for Bridesmaids and the Bride to get ready in. The room also had a spacious terrace, once again looking out to the lake. Perfect for those wedding snaps. I have to say, although I said I would have never have gotten married in a hotel, this place was really starting to sway my views on hotel weddings.
The suite was super clean and tidy which is an absolute must need for a hotel visit. And this one ticked that box!
The humongous bed, and that word is no stretch of the imagination was hella comfy and I slipped in to a very deep slumber as soon as my eye mask came down across my face.
Our evening meal was hosted in the Award Winning MacLeod’s Restaurant. This place is fine dining and they make no apologies for the “ladies first” approach they put on offer here.
Our waiter was so incredibly knowledgeable about both menu and the extensive wine list we were about to enjoy.
Macleod’s is a light and airy space that doesn’t feel *too stuffy* despite its silver service, and it boasts a mouth-watering à la carte menu, most of which is locally sourced produce making it even better.
We were recommended the Rioja that had been barrel-aged for 5 years which went down a treat! Firstly we were brought an a mouche bouche of ham hock terrine, which was divine! One mouthful wasn’t enough – in fact it would have made an excellent pre-starter too.
For starters I went for the Slow Cooked Belly Pork which was very tasty, the crackling had been de-hydrated and air-dried which was an excellent (and healthier!) take on a traditional English favourite. Mr C went for the Seared mackerel which he said he really enjoyed.
I was very close to choosing Fillet Steak for main, but rightly so Mr C said I always choose that and should try something a little different, which I am so glad I did. I had the Pan Fried Stone Bass and Mr C had the Venison which he let me try to by Christ, that was incredible. My main also came with shelled cockles which we so flavoursome. Even the red wine went with my Fish main. My suggestion would be that the meal came with some fresh vegetables to bulk it up but this is a fine dining experience and it is more about quality than measure.
To finish we decided against a sweet pudding, we weren’t sure we would have enough room for that and didn’t want to end the day in a third food coma. So we went on further recommendations for the cheese board and shared 6 different cheeses. Some blue, some creamier, some goats cheese, all of which were super tasty. A tasty trick was to mix a drizzle of honey on the blue cheese which cuts through the bitterness of it. We devoured the plate (well not the ceramic plate it came on of course!)
I may or may not have stopped writing this blog post to make my own cheese plate, after thinking about ours at MacLeod’s!
We eventually sank the rest of our bottle of wine and sat laughing and talking till about 11pm (I think we may have annoyed some of the other guests with our loud and continual laughter) and headed to our comfy bedroom.
After a great nights sleep we had another early start and headed down to breakfast at 8.30am – I had the delicious Smoke Salmon and Scrambled Eggs, whilst James had a Full English, which he said he enjoyed but it would have been even better with a hash brown and some baked beans (I have to agree as they are a staple part of a cooked breakfast!) We were quite peckish and managed to polish off two rounds of toast as well as a huge pot of tea and coffee. We needed to line our stomachs before another busy day ahead.
Our first high-octane outdoors activity was the 4×4 Land Rover driving experience. The hotel is home to Land Rover’s very own, purpose-built course for testing their own models of cars. It was built to push the cars to their limits and see how they performed. The hotel took over the off-roading track and Land Rover built another course a few miles away. After a safety briefing with our instructor, James, we headed out to the practice lap and both had a go at the basic driving of the car and to make sure we were both confident to drive them. I was so close to wussing out, but Mr C convinced me that I needed to try it out and I’m so glad he gave me that gentle push.
I drove through water, steamed ahead both up and down a flight of steps! Drove the car on a 33 degree angle, 1 angle further and the car would topple over. We certainly pushed our long wheel based Defender to the max and I laughed all the way round. At all times I felt super safe and James, our instructor was a driving force of confidence.
And although I was pretty scared to try the 4×4 experience, I came away smiling from ear to ear and enjoyed it so, so, so much that I’d highly recommend everyone to face their fears and just go for it.
You can book the off-roading adventure here.
We stopped briefly and took shelter indoors away from the snow, and had tea and cake. We had the Salted Caramel Cake and oh-my-days, it was sensational. The wedge could have fed the hundreds but we both gobbled it al up, lips smacking of course.
Then it was on to the Falconry experience which I was most looking forward to!
We met with Matt who looks after the Birds of Prey – he’s worked there for 13 years and has an incredible bond with the birds. It’s easy to see how well looked after they are. With over 20 birds, there’s plenty to give you an introduction to falconry. We first met with Eric the Owl who was only a little baby, and heck, I fell rather in love with him. A stunning bird that would let you stroke him on this little chest, too. I could have spent all afternoon with him, but alas it was far too cold to keep him outdoors for too long.
We got to fly one of the Harris Hawks too, he was a little bigger and most certainly did not enjoy the cold having originated from warmer climes in Southern America. He flew backwards and forwards for us for food. A beautiful creature!
We finally called it a day, after freezing our knackers off in the snow / sleet that kept coming down. We had a quick photo stop with the Eagles who weighed an absolute tonne! I couldn’t carry him on my arm without a little assistance.
Why not book an introduction to falconry here.
After our falconry experience it was time to hit the road and head back home. I felt incredibly sad to be leaving as we had had so much fun (and marked the end of my 18 days annual leave from work!) – I’m already planning a trip back in the summer where we can hopefully enjoy some better weather. There’s still the archery and the clay pigeon shooting to try out as well. And I just have to go back to see Eric again!
Have you ever been to the Coniston Hotel or do you fancy an activity filled weekend away like this?
Check out the availability here.
Bee
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*Our stay was provided to us on a complimentary. All my views are based on my own experiences at the hotels estate.
