Skipton

We found a relaxing spa break surrounded by nature at this family-run North Yorkshire hotel, where you can enjoy impressive views, locally sourced food and fun outdoor activities

Down a scenic country road near Skipton, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is the vast 1,000-plus acre family-owned estate that is home to The Coniston Hotel. Here you’ll receive a warm Yorkshire welcome – upon check-in and throughout your stay. It’s the ideal getaway for those looking to combine outdoor adventures with downtime spent in the award-winning spa.

The Dales are The Coniston’s top-level rooms, which are modern and roomy and open out onto a private patio area with peaceful views out over the estate.

Dinner at The View restaurant uses Yorkshire produce as much as possible – including venison and livestock from the estate – with cute notes on the menu about its local suppliers. Portions are reassuringly hearty and we found plenty of options for two vegetarians.

The spa at The Coniston Hotel

The Nàdarra Spa is a short distance from the main building. You can make the dash in your robe and slippers if you wish (the hotel staff jokingly call this “free cold therapy”), or there are changing facilities inside.

There’s an indoor pool (pleasingly adults-only except between 9am and 10am), an aromatherapy steam room and three different saunas, but it’s worth braving another few chilly steps outside to one of the two outdoor infinity hydropools. These give stunning views over the estate’s lake, best enjoyed with a drink in hand ordered from the passing spa staff.

Top treatment at The Coniston Hotel

We booked the Mum To Be Cocoon treatment (from £95) which uses luxurious Ishga oils enriched with seaweed from the Scottish Hebrides. It started with a back massage lying on our side, before turning over to get our legs, arms, neck and scalp gently but effectively worked on. It’s tricky to get comfortable during the later stages of pregnancy, but we felt ourselves nearly drifting off during this, even while basically sitting upright.

What else is there to do at The Coniston Hotel?

This isn’t really the sort of hotel where you spend your time lounging about by log fires. It’s a place to get out and about in your wellies and Barbour jackets and make the most of the incredible countryside around you. The Coniston’s on-site activities include fishing, clay pigeon shooting at the well-equipped range and – the one we opted for – Land Rover driving experiences. It was a brilliant hour spent taking the high-spec car off-road around the estate’s rugged terrain, guided by our jolly instructor Bob.

How much does it cost to stay at The Coniston?

Rooms at The Coniston Hotel start from £129 (room only). The One-Hour Land Rover Taster Experience costs £150 for two people.