The 12 Best UK & Irish Hotels & Stays With Swimming Pools

By Tessa Dunthorne

1 year ago


Whoever said Britain was too cold for a dip? These are the best UK and Irish hotels (and private houses) with swimming pools you’ll want to visit this summer

The Best Hotels With Swimming Pools In The UK & Ireland

The Tawney Hotel

Where? Consall Lane, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 0AG

Outdoor or indoor pool? Outdoor

The Tawney pool

Tell us about it: Surrounded by striking Staffordshire countryside, a stay at The Tawney is a retreat to nature. Opt for a waterside stay in its romantic and secluded boathouses aside the lake, and seek total in its outdoor swimming pool, which has sensational views of the whole valley. thetawny.co.uk 

Grantley Hall

Where? Ripon HG4 3ET

Outdoor or indoor pool? Both

Grantley Hall hotel pool

Tell us about it: This grand Yorkshire house is set in glorious English countryside – but its indoor swimming pool is set in a sort of Grecian opulence, all columns and sandstone. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, brave the brisk northern air for the 18m outdoor pool (don’t worry, it’s heated). grantleyhall.co.uk

Una St Ives

Where? Little Trevarrack, Laity Lane, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 3HW

Outdoor or indoor pool? Outdoor (and heated)

Una St Ives pool

Tell us about it: Una’s exceptional architect-designed villas and lodges host perfect views of idyllic Cornish countryside. It’s recently opened the Una Lido, a heated outdoor swimming pool, which comes complete with poolside bar and which will host a buzzing series of summer events. unastives.co.uk

The Nici

Where? West Hill Road, Bournemouth BH2 5EJ

Outdoor or indoor pool? Both (plus heated and hydrotherapy)

The Nici hotel pool

Tell us about it: Having undergone a major recent refurbishment, The Nici is now all about colour. The resort’s outdoor swimming pool sees trendy striped sun umbrellas ranking the pool and its loungers, while the indoor swim offerings include both heated and hydrotherapy pools for a stay with some splash. thenici.com

The Merrion

Where? Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland

Outdoor or indoor pool? Indoor

The Merrion swimming pool

Tell us about it: At the heart of this hotel is its spectacular swimming pool. A whopping 18m infinity pool set in French limestone, and bookended by a tiled trompe l’oeil (depicting a neo-classical landscape), it’s a tranquil space to relax. Plus, a swim here can be followed by a visit to the two Michelin-starred restaurant. merrionhotel.com

The Blakeney Hotel

Where? The Quay, Blakeney, Holt NR25 7NE

Outdoor or indoor pool? Indoor

Blakeney Hotel swimming pool

Tell us about it: This quayside hotel has a brilliant panorama of the Norfolk coast, and if you’re so inspired by the view of water that you simply want in, its pool is a fresh (and less salty) option. The stylish indoor swimming pool sits plum alongside the hotel’s Jacuzzi. Both are heated. blakeney-hotel.co.uk

Lowen at Trevear Farm

Where? St Issey, Wadebridge PL27 7RQ

Outdoor or indoor pool? Outdoor (and heated)

Trevear Farm pool

Tell us about it: Guests of this fabulous three-bedroom cottage have exclusive access to its outdoor (and heated) swimming pool. The space also has a full outdoor dining suite and BBQ, so it’s the ideal sunny weather stay. trevearfarm.co.uk

Ockenden Manor

Where? Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath RH17 5LD

Outdoor or indoor pool? In-and-outdoor (and heated)

Ockenden Manor hotel pool

Tell us about it: Step onto the sublime (and vast) grounds of this Elizabethan manor house and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time or onto the set of Wolf Hall. Not so with the spa or pool, though, as these are state-of-the-art. The in-and-outdoor heated swimming pool means you’re able to swim year-round on your stay. hshotels.co.uk

Careys Manor

Where? Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RH

Outdoor or indoor pool? Hydrotherapy indoor pool

Careys Manor pool

Tell us about it: A classic English escape, Careys Manor is bordered by dreamy sloping trees and covered in twisting moss and vines – dreamier still, though, is its spa. The hydrotherapy pool is misty with its bubble jets and long, thin taps, and you can perch up with a book on its underwater benches. Magical. careysmanor.com

The Nare

Where? Carne Beach, Veryan-in-Roseland, Truro TR2 5PF

Outdoor or indoor pool? Indoor, outdoor and spa-pool

The Nare pool

Tell us about it: Panoramic views of the coast (plus sandy, sun-soaked beaches), The Nare is the ideal escape in Cornwall for the aqua-obsessed and sociable swimmers. In addition to easy beach access, the hotel can brag about its three pools – indoor, outdoor and its hydrotherapy spa-pool. narehotel.co.uk

Talbooth House & Spa

Where? Maison Talbooth, Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HN

Outdoor or indoor pool? In-and-outdoor

Talbooth Hotel & Spa pool

Tell us about it: Boasting an indoor-outdoor spa and its large, crystal-clear pool, Talbooth House & Spa is a tranquil escape for R&R seekers. And with only 12 rooms in the whole hotel, you’ll have fuss-free pool access. milsomhotels.com

Cornwell Manor

Where? Cornwell, Chipping Norton OX7 6TT

Outdoor or indoor pool? Outdoor (and heated)

Cornwell Manor pool

Tell us about it: This originally Jacobean manor house hosts up to 24 guests of your choice. Make it a pool party in the heated swimming pool, which boasts its own poolhouse that comes well-equipped with a stylish sauna and a bar. cornwellmanor.com