Planning a family holiday during the hot summer months (or any school holidays for that matter) can be challenging for so many reasons. And yet I always find myself in the situation every time a heat waves hits, or nursery holidays are on the horizon, I’m on a mega search to find last minute family hotels with swimming pools that are nearby to London.
We always prioritise the experience over the cost, but I do tend to find the best experiences are across the more high end hotels – with the top locations having both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
We’re lucky that the UK has some of the most luxurious family hotels with pools, so we’ve got plenty to choose from. The options do narrow slightly when looking for a family-friendly hotel near London that has a swimming pool, but doesn’t totally break the bank.
So, I thought I would share some brilliant ones I have come across for our family of 4 (two adults, a toddler, and a baby) and a few that have come highly recommended.
Whether you’re looking for a countryside retreat or a seaside escape, these top-tier hotels offer stunning pools perfect for splashing away the summer heat (or escaping the rainy days), and they’re also renowned for being exceptionally family and child friendly.
Read on to discover my curated list of the best 9 family hotels with pools in near London that will tick all of the boxes!
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1. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a former Georgian manor house, with beautiful gardens and charming architecture.
The reason FSH takes the top spot on my list of family hotels with swimming pools is… (surprise, surprise) the hotel’s impressive pool area. Amongst the many other facilities, the pool is what makes the hotel so appealing.
The stunning indoor pool is housed within a glass conservatory. Natural light floods the space, and looking outside you’re surrounded by beautiful views of the gardens.
For children, the hotel has a separate and incredible children’s pool – which was a big part of the appeal for us booking. This indoor pool area is complete with water jets, fountains, and a water slide that’s suitable for younger kids. The pool is shallow enough for little ones to splash around safely too.
Finally, there’s the outdoor ‘vitality pool’ where the family can soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh countryside air!
I speak about the Four Seasons in Hampshire in more detail in my post about the best baby friendly hotels for UK staycations, but I will touch on the family activities at this hotel here too.
One of the most unique and fun experiences is the falconry. The hotel offers interactive sessions where families can learn about these magnificent birds of prey, and even have a chance to handle them.
For those who prefer to stay active, you can hire bikes from the hotel and go on an adventure through the extensive cycling trails that wind through the property. On top of that, horse riding lessons are available at the hotel’s equestrian centre.
The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire seamlessly brings together luxury and family fun in a beautiful countryside setting. The pools are stunning, the options for activities are broad, and the dining options exceptional. As I said before- this hotel is top of my list for a reason!
2. The Grove, Hertfordshire
Second up, The Grove in Hertfordshire. This is another that doubles up in featuring on my list of top baby friendly hotels in the UK. Set on 300 acres of rolling countryside, you can’t help but give a big calm exhale upon arrival. It’s serene, welcoming, and extremely child friendly.
On the swimming pools front, the Grove has both indoor and outdoor pools (necessary given our unpredictable weather in the UK).
The indoor pool is sleek and modern, with a serene vibe that’s perfect for a relaxing swim. The outdoor pool, though, is where the kids like to spend most of their time.
It’s heated, meaning you can swim comfortably even on cooler days. There’s also a dedicated kids’ zone with shallow areas and fun water features—think fountains and jets. And if you want to beat the summer heat with a cocktail, there’s pool side service to look after you!
The range of family activities at The Grove is impressive. There’s a championship golf course and they even offer family golf sessions, which are a great way to get the kids involved.
Cycling around the estate is another must-do. The hotel provides bikes for all ages, including adult bikes with child seats. You can spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful grounds and my top tip is to pack a little picnic to enjoy by the lake.
Despite only being a short drive away from London, The Grove feels a million miles away from the big city.
For dining, The Grove has a variety of restaurants. My favorite is The Glasshouse. It’s a buffet-style restaurant, with an incredible spread. There are stations offering everything from fresh seafood to gourmet desserts. And the best part? Kids have their own food sections with all the kid friendly favourites!
If you’re looking for a more refined dining experience, check our Colette’s. This restaurant has a a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Although the ambiance is sophisticated and you might think it’s more adult-focused, the staff are wonderful and very accommodating with kids.
In a nutshell, The Grove is a brilliant choice if you live in or near London, don’t want to travel too far, and are looking for a family-friendly hotel with amazing pools and child-friendly restaurants.
3. Chewton Glen, New Forest
Third on my list is Chewton Glen. Picture rolling green fields, a charming countryside ambiance, and a hotel that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
One of the first things I’d suggest doing is to hit the swimming pools. There’s a lovely indoor pool, but the real gem for me is the dedicated children’s pool. It’s shallow enough for the little ones to splash around safely and has these fun water features that will keep kids entertained for hours.
For activities, you can sign up for a forest adventure, which is essentially a guided tour through the lush New Forest. The children will love it because they can spot deer, birds, and even a few bunnies hopping about.
You can also rent bikes from the hotel and explore the surrounding areas. The New Forest is a cyclist’s dream, with its flat terrain and scenic routes.
On the dining front, the Chewton Glen restaurants source ingredients locally, and the menus are designed to cater to both adults and children. If you’re there on a Sunday, don’t miss the traditional Sunday roast—it’s to die for!
For anyone considering a stay at Chewton Glen, I’d say go for it. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. And the dedicated children’s swimming pool really seals the deal for me.
4. Cliveden House, Berkshire
Cliveden House in Berkshire is a magnificent stately home, with rich history and stunning architecture. From its opulent interiors to its beautifully landscaped gardens, Cliveden exudes an air of timeless sophistication.
One of the standout features of Cliveden House is its pool facilities. The outdoor pool, known as the “Profumo Pool,” is famously linked to the Profumo Affair (major scandal in British politics) of the 1960s, which ads a tiny touch of intrigue and history to your swim!
Surrounded by elegant cabanas and comfortable loungers, the outdoor pool is heated, so it’s comfortable for a dip no matter the weather. The kids will love splashing around, and the poolside service is really helpful to get refreshing drinks and snacks.
The indoor pool is equally impressive, and can be found in the luxurious spa area. I’d say it’s less ‘fun for kids’ and more ‘serene oasis’, and if you can catch a break from the children, the indoor pool is perfect for a quiet swim or a soak in the hot tub.
The spa also offers a range of treatments for parents needing some pampering, which is always a bonus!
When it comes to family-friendly activities, Cliveden House excels.
Yes, you may have booked the hotel specifically to escape the hustle and bustle of London, but actually one of the best experiences you can have there is taking a boat trip down the River Thames. The hotel offers private boat rentals, complete with a skipper, and you can explore the scenic riverbanks and enjoy a leisurely cruise. My advice is to bring along a picnic, and make it a perfect afternoon outing!
A real highlight of your stay (beyond the pool) is the afternoon tea in The Great Hall. This is a grand ol’ space, with high ceilings and opulent decor. Kids are treated to their own special tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweets.
All in all, book a family break at Cliveden house and I promise you will not be disappointed.
5. Coworth Park, Ascot
Based in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, Coworth Park in Ascot is part of the prestigious and luxury Dorchester Collection. I see it as so much more than a hotel to be honest. It’s a destination in itself!
Approaching the grounds, you drive up a tree-lined avenue to the grand Georgian mansion. The architecture is impressive, the gardens are lush and manicured, and first impressions are very positive. That’s a theme thats carried throughout the duration of your stay at Coworth.
The pool facilities are also great. The indoor pool is beautifully designed, with a glass ceiling that floods the space with natural light.
For families, there’s a designated swimming area where kids can splash around freely and safely.
If you want to get involved in the family-oriented activities, you can choose from horse riding (the hotel has its own equestrian center), treasure hunts, and afternoon tea that also caters for kids.
The combination of luxurious accommodations, top-notch service, and a wide array of family-friendly activities makes it a perfect getaway for families. Whether you’re riding horses, hunting for treasures, or simply relaxing by the pool, every moment at Coworth Park is effortlessly designed with parents and children in mind.
6. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is a grand country house in Wiltshire, just 6 miles away from Bath. Set amidst 500 acres of lush parkland, a long, tree-lined drive leads to the stately mansion with historic architecture and beautiful gardens.
The swimming pools at Lucknam Park are excellent, and the hotel boasts both indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pool is a very relaxing space, and the area includes a hydrotherapy pool, complete with jets and bubble loungers.
One minor drawback is that children under 16 are only allowed to use the pool between 9am -11am, and 3pm – 6pm. Those timings worked really well for us around meal times and naps, but if you have children older than toddler age who aren’t napping anymore, it’ll be important to make use of the other facilities at Lucknam to keep them entertained.
The outdoor pool area is also a real highlight. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and equipped with comfortable loungers, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy sunny days. The family-friendly pool area is designed with children in mind, so there’s a shallow end and fun water features.
Poolside service is available, so you can easily order snacks and drinks for the family.
A trip to Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa offers you poolside fun, horseback exploring, cycle trails, archery, and gourmet dining. If you’re looking for a countryside escape at a family hotel with swimming pools, that’s only 2hrs from London, check out Lucknam Park!
7. The Langham, London
So you don’t have to actually leave London to get to The Langham, as it’s based right in the heart of the city. It’s a hotel with rich history and contemporary comforts, and it’s a fantastic spot for a UK staycation – even if you live in London and just fancy a mini break.
The hotel is extremely elegant, and as you enter the grand lobby you’re met with stunning chandeliers and impeccable service.
The swimming pool at The Langham Located in the Chuan wellness sanctuary. There is only an indoor pool, and it is beautifully designed. That being said, the reason that this hotel features lower down on my list is although the pool is wonderful, it’s not possible for children to swim all the time. There are designated swimming times for children before 10am and after 2pm, and of course all under 16s have to be accompanied by an adult. Minor hurdles aside, during child friendly swimming times, kids can experience the gentle water features and the overall calming atmosphere.
Beyond the pool, the Langham offers loads of family-friendly activities, with a highlight being the bespoke Family Program. This includes special amenities like child-sized robes and slippers, a welcome gift, and milk and cookies at bedtime. These thoughtful touches made our children feel incredibly welcome and excited about their stay.
The Langham also hosts a Children’s Afternoon Tea, inspired by classic literature characters like Peter Rabbit. It’s a really lovely and whimsical experience with beautifully decorated pastries, sandwiches, and a selection of teas and hot chocolate.
8. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is located in the heart of Bath, a city famed for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The hotel itself is steeped in history, and occupies a collection of Grade II listed buildings with a contemporary twist, offering a unique and sophisticated ambiance.
One of the most distinctive features of The Gainsborough is its access to the natural thermal waters that have made Bath a wellness destination for centuries. The hotel actually has an exclusive Spa Village, where guests can benefit from the therapeutic benefits of these ancient waters- and children are welcome. The thermal pools are beautifully designed, combining historic elements with modern luxury.
The main pool area features a stunning glass atrium that floods the space with natural light.
There are specific times in the day when children are welcome to enjoy the thermal waters, and there are also family-friendly swimming areas with warmer temperatures and shallower depths, perfect for the kids to splash around safely.
Beyond the hotel, a great family favorite activity is to visit the Roman Baths, which are just a short walk from the hotel. This brings history to life in an engaging way for the kids.
When it comes to dining, The Gainsborough excels with a family friendly menu. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, and the chefs are very willing to accommodate younger guests. The children’s menu includes delicious and nutritious options like grilled chicken, fish goujons, and fresh pasta, so even the pickiest eaters are satisfied.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and educational family getaway within a few hours from London, take a trip to Bath and visit The Gainsborough Bath Spa.
9. Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
Rockliffe Hall is a luxury five star spa hotel, nestled in 375 acres of County Durham countryside. There are beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands, offering a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from everyday life.
The pool facilities at Rockliffe Hall are top-notch. The indoor pool area includes a dedicated children’s splash zone, where the little ones can play safely under the watchful eyes of lifeguards. This area has fun water jets and fountains. For adults looking to relax, the poolside loungers and the nearby hydrotherapy pool provide a peaceful escape.
The outdoor pool is open during the summer months, and is another fantastic space for family fun!
As you’d expect, Rockliffe Hall excels when it comes to family-friendly activities. You can play some golf on the championship golf course, and the kids can even take part in junior golf lessons provided by the hotel. It’s a great way to introduce them to the sport and spend some quality time together outdoors.
Other highlights are the croquet lawn, and the hotel provides bikes for rental so your family can take a bike ride through the expansive grounds.
Rockliffe Hall offers the blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities that I search for in every hotel. Whether you’re splashing around in the pools, playing golf, exploring the estate on bikes, or enjoying a delicious meal, every moment is designed with families in mind.
Conclusion: The Best Family Hotels With Swimming Pools Near London
Choosing the perfect family hotel that a) has a pool, and b) isn’t a mega trek from London is a tough one. Get it right, and you can elevate your vacation to new heights of luxury and fun, and an opportunity to cool down with the summer heat!
These top 9 luxury family hotels not only offer exceptional pools but also provide a wide range of activities and dining experiences that cater to every family member. Make your next family trip unforgettable by staying at one of these magnificent hotels!