Over 40 locals visited the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa yesterday for an informal and relaxed afternoon with a bit of food, a couple of drinks, some music and a tour of the new spa gardens and terraces.

The afternoon celebrated the final stage of the £13m development - the gardens that surround The Falls Spa, which feature a Japanese style rock garden with Azaleas, Bamboo, Rhododendrons, and more.

A riverside walkway that leads to terrace within the rose garden that offers 360-degree views of Lake Derwentwater and Cat Bells mountain range.

The new Falls Spa facilities were available to view, as well as guided tours of three of the new spa suites, delicious canapes were served from Mizu’s new menu, followed by sweet treats from the hotel’s new afternoon tea offering.

Tours of the gardens were carried out by the distinguished garden designer Bruce Walker, whose imaginative and exciting designs have achieved amazing results with the Spa gardens.

Bruce said: “The gardens compliment the prestigious new Spa with Lakeland slate walls and scented rose arbours enclosing terraced patios and seating features with distinct planting styles.”

Matt Collins, general manager said: "We have had an excellent afternoon at our official spa gardens opening, even the sun made an appearance.

"A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in creating our beautiful gardens, all who turned up today and the incredible Glen Anderson, who provided a marvellous afternoon of entertainment.”