Travel
The Coniston Hotel & Spa: ‘Soak up views of the Yorkshire dales from an infinity pool’
Our Head of Digital, Amy Moore, shares a review of her stay at The Coniston Hotel & Spa in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
Set within the rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, The Coniston Hotel offers a relaxing countryside retreat. Perfect for outdoor pursuits, guests can turn their hand to clay pigeon shooting, walking, cycling, and fishing. For those seeking something a little more relaxing, the spacious on-site spa offers the perfect spot to unwind.
Staying at The Coniston Hotel & Spa
The rooms
Rooms at The Coniston are luxurious, without feeling overly formal. I stay in one of the Dales Rooms – a generously-sized room offering views of the hotel’s impressive 1400-acre estate, complete with an enormous lake. A small private outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a morning coffee (straight from the in-room Nespresso machine, of course) – and watching a resident sheep or two amble by.
Inside, the king-sized bed provides an incredibly comfortable night’s sleep. There’s even a pillow menu to ensure quality shut eye.
The bathroom features a large shower and free-standing bath, with toiletries from Temple Spa and fluffy bathrobes to wrap up in. The perfect preview of what’s to come at the hotel spa.
A thoughtful final touch to the Dales Rooms is the amount of helpful tech. Cloud Nine Hair Straighteners and a Dyson Hair Dryer style my locks to perfection. It’s also helpful not having to lug such bulky items from home.
Inside the spa
The Nàdarra spa truly is the highlight of my stay at The Coniston. Set just a stone’s throw from the main hotel, the spa utlitises the estate’s stunning surroundings to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
Warm outdoor infinity pools (complete with jacuzzi jets) look out over the grounds, and offer particularly pretty views at sunset. The staff are also on-hand to bring refreshments straight to you – a glass of fizz really does pair well here!
Inside, there’s plenty to discover, too. The main pool is a great size for swimming a few lengths, and there’s a small bubble pool nearby to soak away any lingering tension.
A number of thermal experiences surround the main pool including an aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt sauna and Finnish sauna. An ice fountain in the centre adds a chilly blast to boost circulation.
Alongside the main facilities, the spa also offers a vast treatment menu, utilising products from the likes of Sothy’s, Aromatherapy Associates, and (Liz Earle Wellbeing favourite), ishga. I opt for a 60-minute treatment of a soothing facial combined with a relaxing upper body massage. I glide out of my treatment room, skin glowing and tension erased.
The food
One thing’s for sure at The Coniston – you won’t go hungry! The focus here is on hearty meals, sourced from local produce where possible. Ideal for refuelling after long days spent in the countryside.
There are two main restaurants in the hotel – The View and Macleod’s Bar & Lounge. There’s also a café in the spa called Blossom Kitchen.
The View is a particular favourite and features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the surrounding estate.
Relax here for a drink, or indulge in a three-course dinner. Particular highlights include hot smoked salmon, served with an apple, fennel and pomegranate salad and orange vinaigrette, and pan-fried prawns, seasoned with garlic, coriander and lemon butter.
Breakfast is also served in The View and features a good selection of hot and cold dishes. Select pastries and fruits from the buffet, or opt for a cooked breakfast from the menu. Eggs Royale – poached eggs, with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce atop a toasted muffin – goes down a treat.
In a nutshell
For city-slickers seeking a countryside retreat, The Coniston will not disappoint. Expect hearty food, sweeping countryside views and a fantastic base from which to discover the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Plus, the estate is great for exploring. Request a map from reception and take a ramble around the grounds or, for something a little different, book a session at the estate’s very own clay pigeon shooting range.
And let’s not forget the fabulous spa. It’s the perfect place to rest and reset, with a team of helpful staff on hand to support your every whim. The Coniston has all the ingredients for a truly rejuvenating and restorative weekend break.
Rooms from £138 a night
