15 of the Best UK Hotels with Pools or Beach Access for a Hot Bank Holiday Escape
- GirlWellTravelled
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
It’s hot. Flights are a bother. And frankly, that Turks and Caicos Islands fantasy is staying in the group chat a little longer. But no need to sweat it. Britain is having a moment—and with a long weekend incoming, there’s still time for a splashy staycation.
Here I gift you the hottest accessories of the moment. Rooftop pools in the capital to chic beachside inns, these are 15 of the UK’s most stylish hotels with pools or beach access, ready to rescue your bank holiday plans.
London Hotels with Pools: Dips in the City
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – Knightsbridge
The longest hotel pool in London, glass-wrapped and soaked in natural light. Think high gloss, quiet luxury and smoothies post-swim.
The Ned – Bank
Two pools: one spa-side daydreams, one rooftop. Come for the dip, stay for the negroni and a view.
The Westin London City – Queenhithe
Modern, calm riverside glam and under the radar. Great for poolside wellness without the scene.
St Pancras Renaissance – King’s Cross
Catch the Eurostar (or not), stay for the subterranean pool. A city swim spot that feels completely hidden.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – Knightsbridge
Spa serenity steps from Harvey Nichols. The 17-meter pool is sleek and surprisingly tranquil and service as smooth as the marble floors.
Pan Pacific London – Liverpool Street
Understated Asian elegance in the city's skyline. The pool is calm, glassy and flanked by an award-winning wellness floor.
The Londoner – Leicester Square
A 'super-boutique' hotel with sleek underground pool, sauna and cinema. Extra points for its calm among the West End buzz.
Shangri-La The Shard – London Bridge
At level 52, swim among the clouds in the highest pool in Western Europe. Pure drama, zero tan lines required.
Countryside Hotels with Spa Pools or Outdoor Dips
Chewton Glen – Hampshire
Treehouses and hot tubs with views. Indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy circuit. Think forest air, seaside walks and possibly one of the UK's best spa hotels, especially when London starts to boil.
Chewton Glen is not just a hotel and spa haven—she also stars in her own short story.
The Grove – Hertfordshire
40 mins from London, with an indoor pool, woodland walks and alfresco dining under shady ancient oaks.
Lympstone Manor – Devon
Michelin-starred escape with estuary views, outdoor hot tubs and a pool too.
We stayed. We loved. We reviewed.
Beachside Hotels: Sand Between Your Toes
The Gallivant – Camber Sands
Effortless coastal cool, dune-facing sun loungers and yoga before breakfast. No pool, but beach and sand dune access are only few barefoot steps away. Plus some of the best food in the South East.
An old but still gold review of The Gallivant
The Terrace Rooms & Wine – Isle of Wight
Seaside meets sommelier. Without a pool, but you won’t miss it—Ventnor beach is two steps away, and the sunsets come with pét-nat. Think Mediterranean vibes without the boarding pass.
Not just a seaside, wine afficionados hang-out but stars in its own story.
Two Wild Cards for Water Lovers
The Scarlet Hotel – Cornwall
Adults-only, eco-conscious and clifftop cool. Natural reed-filtered pool, hot tubs overlooking the sea, and a spa that whispers, not shouts. Your ultimate off-grid escape.
Bude Sea Pool + The Beach at Bude – Cornwall
A tidal lido carved into the coastline. Stay at The Beach or The Falcon and take the plunge in this salty, open-air favourite.
Booking Tips
Some pools are spa-only or require pre-booking—check your room rate.
Pack your swimwear, then pack a second set.
If it’s hot, act fast. These stays don’t stay available for long.
Need help planning your own escape? As a Travel Specialist at On Your Itinerary, I help travellers find the right stay for the right moment. Be it a poolside pause in London or a barefoot beach retreat.
Let me do the legwork so you can focus on the fun. Enquire now via my site or drop me a line for bespoke trip planning.
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