Paul Davies stays in stylish Lancashire luxury at The Lancaster House Hotel.
Close to Lancaster’s fortified city centre, the Koi carp pond fronting the Lancaster House Hotel might not necessarily class itself as a moat, nonetheless, the spouting stone water feature had a touch of the medieval about it. And the long-canopied entrance walkway led me towards a reassuringly heavy open door that added to the defences.
As I stepped into the expansive reception area, adorned with framed prints of local Lancashire scenes, I spotted a large country house fireplace with cosy nooks either side for a bit of warm private time. A sturdy wood-crafted stairway ascend to the upper floor rooms.
Whilst taking in these comforting surroundings, I received a “welcome to our castle” greeting from the friendly Lancaster House Hotel receptionist. She was clearly making a humorous reference to Lancaster’s imposing historical city centre fortifications just a few miles away from this tranquil location.
Comfortable rooms and luxury apartments
Arranged over two floors, there are 79 bedrooms and 4 apartments inside this spacious property. My stylishly modern apartment revealed three generous sized rooms, a trouser press, a roomy wardrobe, and a couple of extra-fluffy dressing gowns. There was a box of assorted Taylor tea and coffee sachets together with fresh mini milk bottles from a local farm cooling in the fridge. I have to say that was a nice touch.
A restorative strong cup of tea in hand, I happily sank into the deep three-seater sofa near the thick curtained window offering views of verdant grounds.
Satisfyingly, the bedroom’s king-sized bed was turned down with Egyptian cotton sheets and pillows which promised a good night’s sleep. Beyond the ample bedroom area, and through a set of sliding doors, the luxurious bathroom housed a deep free-standing bath and separate walk-in shower cubicle.
In essence, my apartment had everything both the business and vacationing traveller needs. So, I unpacked my bag and headed straight to The Sandpiper Health Club.
The Sandpiper Spa Health Club
Andy at the Health Club reception helpfully pointed me towards the range of Speedo and Zogg swimwear for sale for those, like me, who forgot to bring their own. He also handed me a freshly laundered thick towel. The changing room opened directly into the bright and airy 50-foot leisure pool. The inviting row of poolside loungers and an indoor jacuzzi offered me much needed languorous downtime
With monthly membership fees priced at £59, locals can mingle with guests inside this spa, Nautilus equipped gym and sauna where there are two steam rooms: one for the more serious sweat fanatic, and another for a slightly less steamy and more chilled experience.
There is also a discrete outdoor hot tub jacuzzi placed in an advantageous sun trap.
British Cuisine
Located at the heart of the hotel is the brightly decorated Foodworks Restaurant specialising in British cuisine. The appealing menu of locally sourced seasonal signature dishes such as the Lune Valley spring lamb rump, sharing and small plates plus a tasting menu gave me plenty of food for thought. With Thursday and Saturday being steak nights, my perfectly cooked medium rare fillet steak came with homemade wild garlic and jalapeño butter and fiery Sichuan peppercorn sauce. The sides of buttermilk onion rings and seasoned fries further added to my sense of wellbeing following my dreamy spa session.
There’s also a decently sourced and reasonably priced wine menu. I plonked for a large glass of the Big Beltie Languedoc Cabernet Sauvignon. I was further impressed by the attentive service I received when I mentioned that I am gluten intolerant. This carried forward to the next morning with my carefully adjusted Lancashire grill breakfast.
The Sandeman Bar
Named after the legendary Port brand, the hotel recently paired up its bar with the Portuguese House of Sandeman. The central open log fire and range of framed Sandeman posters detail a warm vibe that enhances this bar’s buzzy social atmosphere.
Good regular pub food classics are served, and the monthly membership deal includes 20% discount on drinks. However, pride of place is given to the Sandeman Port tasting experience.
The knowledgeable bar staff who organised my tasting experience arranged four ports for me to savour: White, Ruby, Tawny and LBV served on a bespoke wooden platter. The latter two proved best in glass for my tastes.
By now I was feeling extra fortified, so I headed back to my apartment for a king size sleep.
I liked The Lancaster House Hotel for its numerous stylish home comforts, excellent spa and leisure facilities and the touch of class Sandeman Port tasting experience. With the Eden Project soon opening at nearby Morecambe Bay, the Lancaster House Hotel is my wise choice of place to stay.
Tell me more about the Lancaster House Hotel
The Hotel’s location provides easy access to the historic city of Lancaster, the Southern Lake District and beautiful Morecambe Bay.
The hotel showcases the very best of Lancashire, with fine cuisine, local food produce and attentive service. Guests also have free access to the pool and other facilities.
The Lancaster House Hotel, Green Lane, Lancaster LA1 4GJ
T: 01524 844822 E: reception.lancaster@englishlakes.co.uk
Two-night break special offer until the 23 August 2026
