A Jewel in The Lakes

The Swan Hotel and Spa is located in the north of England, at the entrance to Cumbria's Lake District.

By Holly Patrick

The Swan Hotel & Spa

Perched on the fast-flowing River Leven at the foot of Lake Windermere, the Lake District's largest and most well-known Lake, the 18th-century Swan Hotel & Spa exudes Cumbrian charm.

A refurbishment and expansion in 2020 saw owners add bold Andrew Martin furniture to communal spaces and guest bedrooms, along with daring Designers Guild prints.

With the expansion, the property added a new wing and 29 bedrooms, bringing the total to 82 suites, loft apartments and on-site cottages. The expansion also welcomed a new spa, in partnership with British beauty brand Temple Spa, to provide guests with an extensive relaxation-focused treatment menu, a Finnish-inspired sauna, ice showers, an outdoor hot tub and a relaxation lawn.

"Since adding the spa to our offering, corporate groups often incorporate a wellness aspect into their time here," explains Becky Edmonson, head of sales and marketing at The Swan Hotel and Spa.

"We've also converted one of our meeting rooms into a yoga and meditation studio, which is a favourite among our business guests."

A day delegate rate and 24-hour delegate rate offer all the usual aspects needed for a productive meeting or event, but with the added benefit of building on these wellness packages.

"Many of our meeting clients start their day with yoga sessions or mid-morning pilates," Becky added. "Our pool hotel, sauna and gym are also very popular with all guests. These are separate facilities from the spa and can be accessed at any time."

Down to business

The Barn

The Ballroom

The Swan Hotel and Spa at Newby

The historical building lends itself to a variety of meeting spaces. From the rustic stone barn with a capacity for 80 delegates, ideal for educational sessions, evening receptions and dinners, to the grand Ballroom for another 80 delegates which overlooks the often glistening River Leven below.

Adjoining The Ballroom, the Clubroom can serve as an extension of the meeting space or be used for coffee breaks. For smaller meetings, The Bridge Room can seat a cosy 12 delegates.

Each of the meeting spaces is equipped with audio-visual technology, including projectors, televisions and sound systems, with high-speed WiFi.

Beyond the meeting facilities, the property's location invites guests to explore the great outdoors either on land or water. In the warmer months up to eight people can hop on an XL paddleboard at The Swan’s very own marina and work as a team to navigate the river.

Located nearby, Graythwaite offers a range of outdoor activities including from 4x4 off-roading adventures to bushcraft and clay-pigeon shooting to kayaking. For a more laid-back excursion step on board a river cruiser and head up to Lake Windermere to discover why the Lake's charm has continued to inspire artists, authors and poets for centuries.

When it comes to supper time, the property’s three in-house food outlets will sate all appetites, from hearty pub grub at The Swan Inn to refined fare at The Brasserie and light bites at The Swan Café.

"Sustainability remains one of our key focuses at the property. We're in the process of gaining our Green Tourism Bronze Award, we'll then strive for Silver and Gold,” explains Edmonson. “It's forced us to focus on every element of the business from food waste and sourcing to energy use and biodiversity. It's been a real education that we think will make a real difference."

Complimentary on-site parking with two electric vehicle charging points is offered to all guests. If travelling by train, Windermere Railway Station is just a 20-minute drive away.

For more information contact Becky Edmonson on [email protected]