Choosing between two award‑winning lakeside hotels—one on England’s Lake Windermere, the other on Ireland’s River Shannon—means weighing spa retreats against family‑focused leisure centres. This side‑by‑side comparison draws on official property information, independent editorial reviews, and guest feedback to help you pick the right waterfront stay for your travel style. Lakeside Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge sits directly on the lake shore, while The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe overlooks Lough Derg and the historic bridge between counties Clare and Tipperary.
Last checked: 2026-08-21
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Property: Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge) · Location: Newby Bridge, Lake District, England · Key Amenity: 17-yard indoor pool, spa treatments, free Wi-Fi · Price Starting From: €179 per night
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-21.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, TripAdvisor reviews, Fodor’s Travel editorial, The Telegraph travel review, Booking.com listing, Visit Lake District (Cumbria Tourism).
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification; all pricing and amenity claims are as reported by the cited sources.
Snapshot: Key verified facts
- Lakeside Hotel & Spa is at Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT, directly on Lake Windermere’s shore (Official site)
- Standard check‑in at the Newby Bridge property is 15:00 (3 pm), as listed on major booking platforms (Booking.com)
- Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe is rated four stars (Official site)
- The leisure centre features an 18‑metre indoor pool with waterslide, as documented by Fodor’s Travel (Fodor’s)
| Property | Location | Key Amenity | Price Starting From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge) | Newby Bridge, Lake District, England | 17‑metre indoor pool, spa treatments, free Wi‑Fi | £130 per night (Courtyard Room, 2026) (Visit Lake District) |
Who owns Lakeside Hotel and Spa?
Ownership of the Newby Bridge property
The official website of Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge does not publicly disclose the ownership entity. The hotel is operated as a commercial business under the Lakeside Hotel name; no parent brand or corporate ownership is listed on the site or on the Visit Lake District listing.
Ownership of the Killaloe property
The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe is operated by a private company; the official site indicates the hotel is independently run. The property is known for its wedding and events trade, but specific ownership details are not published on the site.
Is it better to stay in Keswick or Windermere?
Location and attractions
Keswick sits on the northern shore of Derwentwater, surrounded by fells and the Skiddaw massif, while Windermere town is the largest settlement in the Lake District and the main gateway to the lakes. Keswick is often chosen for its walking trails and family‑friendly atmosphere; Windermere offers more restaurants, shops and direct lake cruises.
Accommodation options
Windermere has a high concentration of hotels, including Lakeside Hotel & Spa at the southern lake shore. Keswick has a mix of guesthouses and B&Bs. Lakeside Hotel & Spa guests stay directly on the water, which is rarer in Keswick.
Accessibility
Windermere is easily reachable by train (Windermere station) and road; Keswick requires a longer drive from the M6. Both towns are served by bus services. The bottom line: Windermere wins for lake access and convenience; Keswick suits those who prioritise mountain scenery.
What is the nicest town in Lake District?
Top contenders
Commonly named towns include Ambleside, Keswick, Windermere, and Hawkshead. Each has a character: Ambleside is known for its mountain views and pubs; Keswick for its square and park; Windermere for its lakefront and dining; Hawkshead for its literary connections.
Factors to consider
Visitors prioritise scenery, amenities and atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel & Spa is located 15 minutes’ drive from Ulverston and 5 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere, giving guests a quiet base near several towns. A review on TripAdvisor notes that “the location is ideal – you can walk to the lake cruises and the steam railway.”
What is the best pub in the Lake District?
Popular pubs in Keswick
The Dog & Gun and The Blue Bell are frequently recommended in Keswick. Keswick’s pub scene is centred on the market square.
Recommendations near Windermere
In Bowness, The Old Laundry and The Castle Inn are popular. Lakeside Hotel & Spa operates John Ruskin’s Brasserie & Bar, which serves meals and drinks with lake views – mentioned as a plus by guest reviews.
Comparing the properties: What you get for your money
| Property | Location | Star Rating | Key Amenity | Price Starting From | Distance to Lake Windermere | Review Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge) | Newby Bridge, Lake District, England | 4‑star (self‑rated) | 17‑metre indoor pool, Elemis spa, Lakeview Restaurant (Off Peak Luxury) | £130 per night (Courtyard Room) | On the lake shore | “Unbeatable lakeside setting” – The Telegraph |
| Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre (Killaloe) | Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland | 4‑star | 18‑metre indoor pool, waterslide, kids’ pool, spa (Fodor’s) | From around €129 (estimated, check official site) | N/A – located on River Shannon / Lough Derg | “Spacious, clean rooms with stunning views” – TripAdvisor summary |
Pros and Cons
Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge)
- Direct lakeside position on Windermere, with lake view rooms.
- Full spa with Elemis treatments and 17‑metre pool.
- Two on‑site dining options: formal Lakeview Restaurant and John Ruskin’s Brasserie.
- Guest reviews praise the “tranquil atmosphere” (TripAdvisor editorial summary).
Considerations
- Some guest reviews note “dated room decor” and occasional maintenance issues.
- Premium pricing (£130‑£190 per night) is not always seen as matched by service quality.
- No water slide or dedicated kids’ pool.
Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre (Killaloe)
- Large leisure centre with 18‑metre indoor pool, waterslide, kids’ pool and sauna
- Spacious rooms with lake/river views, described as ”clean and comfortable”.
- Strong wedding and events venue with award‑winning garden.
- Generally considered good value for money.
Considerations
- Noise during weddings/events can be a concern for some guests.
- Occasional maintenance issues reported.
- Mixed reviews on food pricing and quality.
Best for segments
- Couples: Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge) – the quiet atmosphere and spa suits romantic getaways.
- Families with children: The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre (Killaloe) – the 18‑metre pool, waterslide and kids’ pool are major draw.
- Solo travellers: Both options; Newby Bridge offers easy access to Lake District walks; Killaloe is near the Celtic trail and Shannon boating.
- Luxury seekers: Lakeside Hotel & Spa – its lakeside setting and Elemis spa are the upmarket choice, especially with lakeview rooms from £190 per night.
Pricing band block
Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge) typically sits in the upper‑mid bracket for the Lake District, with courtyard rooms around £130 and lakeview doubles at £190 per night (2026 tariffs from Visit Lake District). The Killaloe property is generally positioned as mid‑range; while no official starting price is published on the site, independent review sites suggest rooms start around €129‑€149 per night, making it a more accessible option for families.
Location and getting there
Lakeside Hotel & Spa is at Lakeside, Newby Bridge, LA12 8AT, accessible by car via the M6 Junction 36 and A590. The nearest train station is at Oxenholme (connection to Windermere) or direct to Windermere from Manchester and Oxford. The hotel is a 15‑minute drive from Ulverston and about 25 minutes from Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre is at Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland, on the R464 road between Limerick (30 minutes) and Ennis (25 minutes). Shannon Airport is a 45‑minute drive. The hotel overlooks the 13‑arch bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina.
Alternatives in the set
If these two properties don’t fit your needs, consider other lakeside properties:
- Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa (Bowness-on-Windermere) – a larger property on the lake shore with a full spa.
- Lake District Castle Hotel (Bassenthwaite) – a historic hotel on Derwentwater.
- Woodlark Hotel (Killaloe) – a smaller guesthouse near the Shannon.
Our pick: Who should book which?
First‑time visitors to the Lake District and couples seeking a romantic getaway: Book Lakeside Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge. Its direct lake access, full spa and two dining options provide a classic Lake District experience. The Telegraph described it as “generous bedrooms” and “unbeatable lakeside setting”.
Families with children and budget‑conscious travellers: Choose The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe. The 18‑metre pool, waterslide and spacious rooms offer excellent value for active families. Fodor’s calls the pool complex a “key attraction for families”.
“In an unbeatable lakeside setting, this large, family-friendly hotel comes with high-quality, old-fashioned service.”
– The Telegraph Travel reviewer, Travel journalist
“Lakeside Hotel & Spa is popular for its inviting and tranquil atmosphere, with many travelers highlighting the stunning lakeside views and cozy decor.”
– Tripadvisor editorial summary, Review platform summary writer
Related reading: Harvey’s Point Hotel: 4-Star Lakeside Retreat Review ? Swan Hotel and Spa Guide: Lake District Reviews & Prices
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Frequently asked questions
What is the star rating of the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe?
The hotel is officially rated four stars, as stated on its own website (Lakeside Hotel IE)
Does the Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge have a pool?
Yes. The property features a 17‑metre indoor pool, spa bath and sauna, according to guest reviews and the official amenities list. Hotel guests receive free access to the pool and spa facilities.
How far is the Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Ulverston from Lake Windermere?
There is no Lakeside Hotel & Spa property in Ulverston. The Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge is located directly on the shore of Lake Windermere. A property in Ulverston is not identified in the sources; the closest is the Newby Bridge hotel, 15‑minute drive from Ulverston town centre.
What amenities are available at the Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge?
Guests enjoy a 17‑metre indoor pool, spa (Elemis treatments), gym, sauna, free Wi‑Fi, and two dining venues: Lakeview Restaurant and John Ruskin’s Brasserie & Bar. Check‑in is at 3 pm.
What is the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe known for?
It is best known for its large leisure centre including an 18‑metre indoor pool, waterslide, kids’ pool, steam room and gym. The hotel also markets itself as a leading wedding and events venue with award‑winning garden.
Is there a bar at the Lakeside Hotel & Spa?
Yes. The Newby Bridge property has John Ruskin’s Brasserie & Bar. The Killaloe property also operates a bar, typical for Irish hotel.
Sources cited
- Lakeside Hotel & Spa – Official site
- Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre – Official site
- Visit Lake District – Lakeside Hotel & Spa listing
- TripAdvisor – Lakeside Hotel & Spa (Newby Bridge)
- TripAdvisor – The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre (Killaloe)
- Fodor’s Travel – Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre review
- The Telegraph Travel – Lakeside Hotel & Spa review
- Off Peak Luxury – Lakeside Hotel profile
- Booking.com – Lakeside Hotel & Spa