Known as a walker’s paradise, Crawfordsburn Country Park is on a beautiful stretch of the Northern Ireland coastline and part of the Columban Way heritage trail. This location attracts walkers from all over, and after a tiring day’s hiking, the enticing respite that is The Old Inn, nestled in Crawfordsburn village, is the perfect place to rest and relax.
With the opening of the new Treetop Spa on 1st December, we were invited to come along and review the venue and it’s enchanting new facilities on offer, which includes a brand new outdoor heated hydro pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, experience shower, cabana and conservatory.
The Old Inn is Galgorm’s sister property, dating back to 1614, it’s labelled as one of the region’s most historic hotels. With 32 bedrooms, it simply oozes Jacobean character and charm. Now recently refurbished suites offer a new level of style and comfort, some even have an outdoor hot tub on the balcony and a copper bath next to the bed. Blissful relaxation, both indoors and out.
Treetop spa and outdoor bathing
Exclusively available to hotel guests, the outdoor Treetop Spa affords wonderful views overlooking the trees at Crawfordsburn Country Park – offering a real connection with nature. From the dreamy hot tub, you can see trees all around you and gives the feeling of being out in the middle of the woods.
Open all year round, the £2.5 million spa also includes a refreshing hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and a chic outdoor relaxation area; ideal to catch up with friends, have a romantic stayover or just to chill out and have some self-care time with the relaxing spa music.
Autumn is especially beautiful with the changing of the leaves from summer greens to golden browns, russets, and yellows. The heated pool is perfect for the colder months, as soon as you step into the pool you’ll feel the heat and insatntly feel relaxed and warm.
Food and drink
The hotel restaurant takes inspiration from the outdoor area, with beautiful trees lining the walls and ceiling. It is not only beautifully designed, but the atmosphere and staff make it a welcoming place to dine.
As a vegetarian, the menu did not disappioint. We stayed in December, so we got to test out the festive menu which includes 3 course for £40 per person, or 2 Courses £34.00, available throughout the month of December.
Breakfast is also in the hotel restaurant, with a buffet of fruits, pastries and cereals. Or you can order from the menu for a full english and other cooked breakfast options to fuel you up for the day.
The 1614 bar area has a homely feel, with cosy corners and log fires to sit and have a glass of wine after dinner, or to chill out in the afternoon. In the evenings, they have live entertainment from 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and 7pm on Sundays.
Rooms
We stayed in one of the beautiful highway rooms which was perfect for the two of us. The rooms are spacious and modern, yet retaining it’s charm and cosy feeling. The christmas tree in the room was a pleasant surprise, and the fridge was stocked with drinks on arrival, which I thought was a nice touch.
Rating: 10/10
Overall the hotel and facilities got a 10/10 for us, we couldn’t fault anything. Location was perfect for exploring the stunning costline of Northern Ireland, the hotel facilities had everything we needed for a relaxing stayover, and the treetop spa gives it that extra special dose of relaxation.
Stay overnight at the cosy inn, and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant, a tantalising cocktail in the bar, and a warm bubbly dip in the hot tub to soothe those cares (and aching legs and feet!) away.
To book your visit, or find out more of what the hotel and spa has to offer, or read other reviews, check it out booking.com.
Mountains, trails, paddleboards – if it’s outdoors, I’m probably obsessed with it! As an Outdoor Adventure and Travel Editor, I’m always seeking my next escapade. Through my blog, I share adventure stories, mountain-tested advice, healthy food inspiration, and training tips.
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