When the UK summer starts to heat up, where better to be than an outdoor pool? These are the best UK hotels with outdoor swimming pools. We’ve tried tested all of them and they are all family-friendly too.
Estelle Manor – Located in Oxford, Estelle Manor is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the UK. There are lots of options for spacious family-friendly accommodation, we loved our Walled Garden room and it was easy to arrange an extra cot. There are four restaurants available ranging from relaxed family-friendly brasserie style dining to The Billiards which is an adults only Chinese restaurant.
The grounds appeal both to adults and child with acres of garden and woodland, outdoor adventure trails (we loved driving the Little Landies) and the stunning outdoor pool which has become an Instagram sensation. There are set swim times for kids giving parents best of both worlds and other guests child-free peace in the pool.
There’s a structured programme at the kids club and lots of supervised activities and The Den for older kids. Eynesham Baths, the hotel’s spa, is the adult’s play ground and is completely child free.
Babington House – Babington House in Somerset is another firm favourite with us. We love the rustic, cosy luxury that is also casual and family friendly. We had an amazing room with bunk beds and separate children’s bathroom but there are other cottages or lodges that are spacious for children. The Teeny House creche offers a two hour complimentary session for kids. There are dedicated children’s swimming hours at the gorgeous outdoor pool and the main restaurant allows children until 7pm.
Beaverbrook – Located across 470 acres of countryside in the Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook provides a bucolic playground for even the most dedicated city kids. The structure of the hotel is very family-friendly with interconnecting rooms, bunkbeds and cots.
There’s an indoor / outdoor pool, playground and cinema with family-friendly screenings. The Kid’s Club for age 5 – 12 takes place every weekend and during the school holidays and is run by Sharky and George with exciting activities such as den-building and bug hunting. Beaverbrook also offers family packages and fun extras such as welcome amenities and special kids bedding.
The Grove – The Grove hotel perfectly combines British country elegance with mini adventures for kids, a beautiful spa and incredible restaurant choices. Located in Watford which is handy 20 minutes train journey from Euston station or less than an hour drive from central London
Set in an 18th Century mansion, the Grove is a classic country house hotel with interiors that blend both old and new. Art is an important feature with pieces on the walls and sculptures around and in the garden. The grounds themselves are perfectly sculpted with water features, glorious blooms and acres of land to run around including bluebell woods.
There are so many beautifully modern room options for families at The Grove, our deluxe room could actually fit a family of four – we loved our comfy bed, terrace and bathroom with roll top bath. But there are also suites and the options for interconnecting rooms.
Parents and children will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining – there’s Turkish cuisine in the sunshine at Skew’d in the hotel’s Walled Garden, the renowned Glasshouse which featureed on Million dollar buffet, British classics at the Stables and Madhu’s the Indian restaurant all of which have children’s menus or kid-friendly options.
Children will not be bored! We were there for one night but we could have kept them busy for a week! Noah loved the mini Landies at Asher’s activity centre and there’s also Ax Throwing and Archery there for a few years! There’s a playground, a soft play, and a kids indoor pool, bike riding. Ralph’s Beach at the Walled Garden was an absolute highlight for us with a heated outdoor pool. There’s an activity area plus kids mud kitchen, arts and crafts tent for kids and spa treatment areas for grown ups. Plus there’s even more during the holidays such as Pocket Towns, horse riding, petting zoo, football escapes even a pop-up cinema. Grown ups can enjoy gym, spa, tennis, and one of the world’s best Golf courses!
Anouska’s Kids Club for children aged 2-9. The club is set in a cute spacious lodge with outdoor space and there’s a full program of activities for little ones.
School holiday sessions can be booked in three-hour time slots and cost £45 per child.
The Tawny – This deconstructed hotel in the Peak District has the most beautiful landscape and woodland. There are several options for family rooms rooms such as Treehouse and Lookout cabins. We recommend a Boathouse with an amazing view of the lake and a gorgeous bath tub on the terrace.
The 70 acre grounds are beautiful to explore and there are garden games and a folly trail along the way. We loved the outdoor heated pool and the thoughtful added touches such as children’s adventure packs, welcome soft toys and children’s menus.
Soho Farmhouse – Part of the Soho House Group this Cotswolds hotel takes rustic charm to the next level. The open fire, plush sofas and cottage core cosy interiors are perfect for snuggling up together whilst the fresh air and changing leaves can be enjoyed exploring the grounds and woodland, horse riding or from an outdoor pool or hot tub. The pool has dedicated child swim times but a new children’s pool is opening soon.
The rooms are extremely spacious but the bunk rooms must be booked for a child-friendly stay. These are super cute and include toys and child-friendly bathrooms.
We love taking Oscar and Noah here! The hotel offers delicious farm to table dining experiences and local seasonal ingredients will be on the table at the hotel’s restaurants. Note the restaurants have set times for children.
The boys love the Teeny Barn where there’s toys, games and arts and crafts and a large outdoor playground.
The Nici- A Bournemouth hotel with Miami-vibes. We loved our stay at the Nici! The bright colourful art deco design appeals to young eyes but adults will love it two! We had a large apartment style room that was perfect for us but my sister also loved her room with a hot tub. The coastal location is ideal too as it’s just steps away from the pier.
The outdoor pool is available all day for kids and there’s a Kids Club cabana right next door with games arts and crafts as well as an inside den and cinema. We loved the restaurants South Beach and Old Harry Rocks and the kids did too!
Cliveden – Cliveden is the epitome of English elegance and the whole family will love the famous pool that has dedicated swim times. There is a choice of beautiful accommodation, with the spring cottage being the ultimate option for families. There’s lots to explore from Cliveden Maze to the Story Play Den. Families can dine together in one of the hotel’s two restaurants.
These are the best family-friendly UK hotels with outdoor pools. Will you be booking any?
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