Wellness

The Circle of Contemplation

To the south of the cottages lies the Circle of Contemplation. Created on the site of an Iron Age settlement, it is formed from Yoredale stone, laid down some 330 million years ago and quarried in Wensleydale. In the late eighteenth century, this ancient stone was commonly fashioned into gateposts, pillars and other enduring features of the landscape.

I created the Circle to honour the memory of my parents. Though they never lived at Beacon Hill, they loved this place deeply, and the Circle stands as a celebration of their lives and of their connection to this hill.

Believing myself to have coined the phrase Circle of Contemplation, I later discovered that Plato – another original thinker – had arrived there first!

Follow the path towards the Hideaways and take a seat in the Circle. From this quiet place, the land falls away towards the coast and the distant sea. Sit for a while, admire the view and enjoy the stillness. Like the stone itself, the Circle invites reflection, perspective and a sense of continuity with those who have gone before us.

Cooking over a wood fire in the Beechwood

Welcome to our beautiful 40-acre wood, where you’ll find three dedicated sausage sizzle areas just waiting for you! Cooking in a picturesque woodland glade is not just a treat for the taste buds, it’s an exhilarating experience for everyone, especially the little ones! It’s often a delightful mystery who enjoys it more—the parents or the kids!

Each sausage sizzle spot offers a stunning view to the south, making your outdoor cooking a truly enjoyable adventure. We happily provide all the necessary equipment, and we just ask that you bring along your favorite sausages and marshmallows to roast! So gather your family and friends, and let the fun begin!

Forest bathing in the woods

To help you relax and connect with the woodland around you, we have created a quiet space deep within the beechwood. In a secluded glade, six large oak planks are arranged in a circle, each set at a gentle angle to provide a comfortable place to sit or recline. Simply follow the path into the wood and allow yourself to slow down as you make your way there.

Forest bathing originated in Japan, where it is known as Shinrin-yoku, meaning “taking in the atmosphere of the forest”. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with water. The “bathing” refers to immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of the natural world.

Forest bathing is not about exercise or reaching a destination. It is simply an invitation to pause, switch off from everyday distractions and experience the woodland through all your senses.

Listen to the wind moving through the leaves.

Notice the changing patterns of light filtering through the trees.

Breathe in the earthy scents of moss, woodland plants and damp soil.

Feel the textures, sounds and atmosphere that surround you.

Research suggests that spending quiet time among trees can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood and support overall wellbeing.

Above all, forest bathing is not about doing — it is about simply being present and allowing the woodland to work its gentle, restorative effect.

Take your time, breathe deeply, and enjoy the peace of the woods.

Sauna and Wild swimming in Megs Lake

Welcome to our beautiful 2.5-acre lake nestled in 20 acres of re-wilded landscape! It’s a magical place where nature has truly taken over, offering you a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The lake is spring-fed, and the water is a stunning champagne clear – perfect for a refreshing dip!

Exciting news! Starting in mid-July, we’ll have a cozy wood-fired sauna right by the lake. You’ll be able to book a 90-minute slot online for your party, so keep an eye out for details coming soon!

IMPORTANT

Please remember, swimming alone isn’t safe – always dive in with a friend!
Take a moment to immerse yourself slowly in the water; it’s part of the fun!
Keep a close watch on your children; their safety is in your hands.
For your safety, the sauna is available only for guests aged 15 years and older, as per our insurer’s guidelines.
We can’t wait for you to enjoy all the adventures that await at Meg’s Lake!

Wellness treatments in our Salon

Step away from the stresses and strains of modern life, why not start your break with a treatment designed to destress and unwind? The salon at Beacon Hill brings you a wide range of treatments to nurture your mind, body and spirit, delivering the most unique, unforgettable spa therapies with results to match.

Begin your experience at Beacon Hill and enhance your stay with one of the following:

Breathe at Beacon
Take a moment for yourself with our blissful scalp and candle back massage. The massage candle melts into a wonderfully warm and rich oil to nourish your skin. The candle not only creates an atmosphere; it provides wellbeing and relaxation. Indulgent scalp massage with repairing hair oils.

£75

Beacon in Bliss
For the Northumberland walkers. Highly effective, stress relieving experience for tired, achy legs and feet. An invigorating body brush followed by a leg polish to gentle exfoliate the skin. Moisturising oil is applied to the legs and feet with a gentle massage technique. The treatment is completed with a cooling leg gel to leave you feeling refreshed and walking on air. Please ask for the Beacon in Bliss when booking this package.

£80

Beacon and Beyond
Drift off into relaxation with a back massage using aromatherapy techniques and hydrating oils, followed by our popular Germaine De Capuccini taster facial tailored to your needs. Please ask for the Beacon and Beyond when booking this package.

£85

Leave completely at peace, calm and relaxed.