UK & Ireland

7 amazing hotels with indoor pools in the UK

The UK may not have the best weather - even during summer - but that doesn't mean you can't put on your swimming gear and go for a relaxing dip!

With the real possibility of experiencing four seasons in one day in the UK, lying on a sun lounger with a good book and floating in a pool isn’t as appealing when grey skies and downpours beckon. Good news: With so many superb hotels around the country with indoor facilities and spas, you’re guaranteed a poolside haven without variable weather conditions threatening to dampen your mood.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic spa break for two, or a family trip with an added touch of luxury, these hotels with indoor pools in the UK have it all – incredible swimming, hydrotherapy, steam rooms and saunas, as well as rolling countryside, vibrant city or beachside locations. Not to mention excellent dining options. So, soak up the atmosphere and dive into bliss with a range of fantastic choices that will suit all budgets.

Enjoy an effortless chic hotel with indoor pool in Manchester

Undeniably classy and with an uber-cool vibe, the King Street Townhouse in Manchester is an idyllic escape in the city. The boutique feel extends throughout with carefully thought out interiors, locally sourced furniture and pops of colour in the artwork and furnishings. In the 40 rooms and suites, you’ll find cosy interiors in pastel blues, greens, browns and greys. Plus luxurious walk-in showers and super-soft bathrobes.

It’s the infinity pool on the seventh floor that has the wow factor. With strict booking sessions in place, it means guests can swim in peace and enjoy the stunning cityscape views across Manchester without the crowds. After a soak, head back downstairs to enjoy classic British fare in The Tavern. All-day dining is available from brunch to afternoon teas. Then step out into the city to explore all the best shops and attractions right on your doorstep.

King Street Townhouse

Top rated
Manchester
9.2 Excellent (679 reviews)

Discover a 14th-century manor house set on stunning parkland

Drive through the original 16th-century gatehouse of St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club in South Wales and drink in the views across 400 acres of rolling countryside flanked by the scenic Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Once the home to the wealthy Lewis family, the converted manor house is now a four-star country hotel with two championship golf courses.

Standard rooms have garden and golf course views, while the balcony rooms and suites overlook the shimmering lake. Guests have full use of the leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as the large indoor pool that is surrounded by plenty of comfy loungers and a Jacuzzi. For meals, sit back and relax and admire the period architecture of the Cast Iron Grill – and feast on traditional pub grub from steaks to ale pies.

Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre

Chepstow
7.9 Good (198 reviews)

Find pure luxury in this historic London hotel

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is located in wealthy Knightsbridge and offers an unparalleled level of service and opulence, with uninterrupted views over Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, to match. Rooms are superbly thought out, plush and elegant. You’ll love the light, bright and airy feel, with plenty of Art Deco touches, as well as the ingenious hi-tech Japanese toilets in the bathrooms.

Splash around in the 17-meter-long indoor swimming pool in the huge subterranean spa. Here guests can choose from treatments including traditional Chinese medicines and Nescens facials. Or choose the Oriental Suite, and enjoy the Rasul water temple – which conditions your skin to perfection using both heat and mud.

Don’t miss taking a peek at the stunning ballroom where Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret learned to dance. Be wowed by the 24-carat gilding, impressive chandeliers and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Top rated
London
8.6 Excellent (530 reviews)

Wake up to sea views in this affordable hotel

Just eight minutes from the sandy shores of Seaburn Beach, the Grand Hotel Sunderland is the only four-star rated hotel in the area. Location is key with many of the comfortable and simply furnished rooms overlooking the crashing waves of the North Sea. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Seaview Bar & Grill also makes the most of its position as guests can sip their morning coffee or dine on seasonal dishes while enjoying the beach panorama.

The sea temperatures might be a little chilly most of the year, however, the Grand Hotel’s heated pool surrounded by potted palms and sun beds is the perfect place to relax after a long stroll along the beach promenade. Make time, too, for the heated whirlpool, steam room and sauna.

Grand Hotel Sunderland

Top rated
Sunderland
8.6 Excellent (2189 reviews)

Relax in a countryside retreat close to Cotswolds city centre

Nestled in the Cotswolds countryside but only a stone’s throw from the market town of Cheltenham, the Greenway Hotel and Spa offers the best of both worlds. Wander the eight acres of sprawling grounds and then head back to the 16th Century Elizabethan manor house for a sumptuous afternoon tea in the light-filled Garden Room. Or perhaps enjoy drinks in the elegantly furnished outside terrace.

The choice of rooms is extensive and for a reasonable rate – from the Classic Lodge in the converted gatehouse to the Master Suite with a private sitting room, all spaces have been designed in a contemporary style that is sympathetic to its historic surrounds. Modern touches keep the hotel fresh and elegant.

In the sophisticated Elan spa, you can take a peaceful swim in the large indoor pool that is cocooned by Cotswold stone laden walls, or head outside to the alfresco wooden hot tubs and soak in the soothing bubbles.

The Greenway Hotel and Spa

Top rated
Cheltenham
9.2 Excellent (315 reviews)

Swim in Victorian grandeur in Edinburgh

The grand facade of The Balmoral won’t disappoint, nor will the lavish Renaissance interiors with impressive columns and sweeping staircases. But even though this is hotel was built in 1895, there is nothing olde-world about it. The rooms are contemporary classic, with some overlooking the interior courtyard. There are splashes of colour from floral wallpapers to patterned cushions throughout, as well as pristine white marbled bathrooms.

If you need to work up an appetite or want to de-stress after exploring vibrant Edinburgh, take a swim in the 15-meter-long heated indoor pool or sit back in the Turkish steam room. Spa treatments include a Hebridean sea salt oil scrub and body wrap from Ishga.

Dining at The Balmoral is a culinary experience to be savoured. Taste dishes made by Michelin-starred chefs Mathew Sherry and Alain Roux. You can also listen to the soothing sounds of a harpist while scoffing delightful cakes in the gorgeous Palm Court.

The Balmoral Hotel

Top rated
Edinburgh
8.8 Excellent (379 reviews)

Observe gorgeous sea views in this Cornish beach house resort

Seaside calm is the order of the day at St. Michaels Resort in Falmouth, Cornwall. Not only are the views here pretty spectacular across the incredible Gyllyngvase Beach, but there is a huge focus on wellbeing and relaxation.

The spa and health club are exceptional. Swim in the huge 17-meter- long swimming pool, submerge yourself in one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the southwest, unwind in the Cornish sea-salt steam room and condition your skin in the mudroom. There are also a fitness outdoor terrace, instructor-led classes and even 21 massage stations.

Rooms – some with sea views and balconies – offer an oasis of tranquillity with coastal themes, floating beds and Elemis toiletries. Meals are served in Brasserie on the Bay or the Garden Kitchen. Expect locally sourced and fresh Cornish ingredients that go into tasty dishes, including stone-baked pizzas to spicy squid. Both with informal settings, contemporary interiors and sublime ocean views.

St Michaels Resort

Top rated
Falmouth
8.6 Excellent (1447 reviews)