A 40th at the Spa

It was time to leave Scotland and head South. Heading out with a toddler takes three times the amount of time it would take for us to normally leave. As such, we ended up missing my plan A for the birthday - a cruise on Derwent Water. We had a stopover at Annandale Services, an old haunt of Ali's on her way back to Uni. I could tell why, it has a mini nature reserve to walk around and not your boring old service station that smells of wee. 

I had to think of a Plan B - Ullswater for a trip to the lake. Timing would work perfectly if it wasn't for the fact that Ali took a wrong turn, ended back on the M6 and had to go 20 miles each way to get to the next junction and back. So we missed Plan B. Onto Plan C - go direct to the North Lakes Hotel and Spa and check in early. 

What a hotel! We have a dog family room, with bunkbeds, a dogs bed, doggie treats, dog towel, dog bed. We had cookies on a plate with a chocolate smiling face. A huge bed and seating area. We've recently stayed in a dog room in a Travelodge and I can't tell you how black the floor was. The North Lakes Hotel and Spa goes above and beyond to welcome doggies. We have our own door to go outside for dog walks, a basket of toys and treats available. We all have our own spa bags with robes and slippers, and our toddler has her own bag with activities, towel and Very Important Little Person on the back of her robe. 

I booked afternoon tea for Ali's birthday and again, they went above and beyond. Allowing us to eat in a conservatory with our dog by our side, and the afternoon tea was wonderful. It could easily feed 4 people instead of just 2. After tea, a quick dip in the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna for me. Then Ali finished the big birthday with a facial and massage in the spa. Time to relax.