Belton Woods Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Lincolnshire – Review
By Kirsty Reid, April 2026
As we snake through the manicured golf course leading into the sprawling 475-acre Belton Woods estate, I feel my shoulders drop. It’s the kind of entrance that hits the reset button on your mood.
The four-star Lincolnshire retreat boasts a grand stone facade, housing more than 100 rooms, a health club, a spa, and a collection of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place for some R&R. And what better way to kick off a weekend of relaxation than by diving straight into a spa treatment?
After a battle with traffic left us arriving later than planned, my friend Helen and I make a beeline for the spa, arriving just minutes before our appointments. And it’s here we can really switch off, leaving any road stress firmly in the rearview mirror as we prepare for our treatments – the Revitalising Ritual for me, and the Pro-Glow Smooth Facial for Helen.
My therapist, Paula, begins by talking me through the treatment so I know what to expect.
“Luxurious”
Belton Woods uses Elemis products and my treatment begins with an invigorating full-body frangipani salt scrub, which smells incredible! Next Paula massages frangipani oil into my skin, melting away my stresses and knots. A luxurious frangipani body cream completes the blissful experience.
Helen was equally impressed with her Pro-Glow Smooth Facial by a lovely therapist called Skye. Described as a HIIT workout for the skin, the treatment also included a shoulder and scalp massage and leaves her feeling zen and boasting smoother skin.
While the spa stays open until 9pm on weekends, we decide to return tomorrow and instead head to our room to unpack and get ready for dinner.
Our room features two comfortable double beds with cosy feather duvets and crisp, white linens. Neutral decor keeps the space feeling bright and calm, while a large wooden desk functions well as either a workspace or dressing table. Thoughtful touches like the Nespresso machine, proper glassware, tea and biscuits make our stay more welcoming.
“Lovely space”
Patio doors lead out to a balcony overlooking the pristine grounds. Visiting in March, it’s a bit chilly to sit out, but I imagine this would be a lovely space during the summer months.
We get ready for dinner and enjoying a cup of Yorkshire Tea and a complimentary biscuit, before heading down to the Belton Woods Bar & Grill, which promises a ‘warm and welcoming atmosphere’.
Despite having a reservation, there is no record of our booking and the restaurant is full. While it’s not the initial welcome we expected, the restaurant manager is able to accommodate by seating us in the bar area. Though it means we don’t have full table service, we don’t let it dampen our evening.
To start, we order bread with sea salt butter (£4.75). Service is slow, but the crusty oven-baked bread is delicious when it arrives.
My main of roast pumpkin gnocchi (£19.50) is a beautifully presented blend of pumpkin, chard, spring onion, and feta with a savoury red pesto. I enjoy every bite.
“Cosy”
Helen’s roast duck breast (£26.50) is a standout choice. The succulent dish is served with braised red cabbage, crispy kale, boulangère potatoes and ginger jus. A side of crispy French fries (£4.50) is a great addition to the table and go down a treat.
Full from the plentiful mains, we skip dessert and head back to the room for a good night’s sleep. The beds are super comfy and the feather duvet is heavenly.
Breakfast is served in the Bar & Grill – a contemporary dining area, with herringbone wood flooring and a mix of velvet and rattan. It’s classic yet cosy.
Breakfast is ample with the usual offerings. Think flaky pastries, cereal, hot buffet items and fruit juices. We both opt for a hearty fry-up and it’s cooked to perfection. We wash everything down with fresh orange and a good old Yorkshire Tea.
Next, we make our way to the health club for a quick gym session before retreating to the sanctuary of the spa for some much-needed relaxation.
“Perfect spot”
First, we enjoy the bubbling Jacuzzi before unwinding in the heat of the sauna and steam room. To finish, we swim a few lengths of the pool. The facilities here are excellent, though the pool area does feel a little dated compared to the rest of the hotel.
Before checking out, we visit the newly refurbished Claret Bar for a light lunch. Stylish and aesthetically pleasing, the bar has fab views of the grounds. Deep navy walls, warm wood flooring, and ambient lighting offer a cosy vibe, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or relaxing with a drink.
After browsing the menu, I finally settle on the chilli chicken ciabatta (£13.50), while Helen chooses the tuna and cheese melt (£11.50). A slight hiccup with the order results in Helen being brought the wrong dish. This is quickly rectified and the correct meal is soon brought to the table. While the food is simple and pleasant enough, it wasn’t particularly standout.
Fuelled for our trip home, we leave feeling well-rested and well-fed. Belton Woods has a great deal to offer, whether you’re visiting for business or a relaxing break. While the facilities and location are excellent, the service falls short of that same high standard.
Belton Woods, Gonerby Grange Lane, Grantham, NG32 2LN
Starting price (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stays)
From approx. £99–£150 per person per night (varies by offer and dates)
beltonwoods.co.uk
Kirsty has spent nearly 20 years grappling words, first in arts and events, then as a sub-editor for national magazines and newspapers. Now working in communications, she crafts messages that cut through the noise. She satisfies her creative appetite by writing about food, theatre and travel, sometimes accompanied by her trusty whippet, Willow.
