The Berkeley, London
Estelle Manor, The Cotswolds
The Manor House, Cheshire
Chewton Glen, New Forest
The Nici, Bournemouth 
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Delightful Dips: The UK’s best outdoor hotel pools and spas
By Lauren O'Neill | 11 August 2023 | Lifestyle, Travel
Get sunshine-ready with our roundup of the most exclusive and elegant outdoor pools and spas, from luxury hotels across the UK.
When the summer is on top form in the UK, there is nothing more tempting than the draw of outdoor pools for a refreshing dip. With everyone flocking to them, London’s many Lidos are not often a relaxing choice when the sun cracks the flags.
Rather than resign ourselves to saving poolside lounging for holidays abroad, there are ample hotels across the UK with stunning outdoor pools where you can retreat for a little rest and relaxation – all with back-up options if the weather is not on side!
Here, we share some of our favourite spots to cool off on a sunny summer’s day.
The Berkeley, London
The Berkeley is a staple in London and, among many of the hotel’s stand out features is its coveted rooftop pool – the perfect spot to while away the summer days in style, complete with incredible views of the city. Available only to hotel guests, the exclusive hotspot has had a makeover for this summer – guests will be greeted by a colourful new mural created by artist Chiara Perano and, once the pool closes to guests at 7pm, all are able to book a table poolside (or relax on the loungers) at its newly-launched summer rooftop bar and watch the sunset over the city with a sundowner in hand.
Estelle Manor, The Cotswolds
From the group behind Maison Estelle, one of London’s most exclusive private members clubs, all eyes are on the opening of its countryside outpost Estelle Manor – a country club retreat in Oxfordshire that has left no expense spared. The Grade II listed pile, on the outskirts of The Cotswolds, is set among 60 acres of land and surrounded by 3,000 acres of sprawling parkland and gardens. Among its many outstanding credentials, giving it the edge is a Riviera style terrace complete with 25-metre outdoor pool, sunbeds and its own bar. The perfect spot to see out the summer in the UK.
The Manor House, Cheshire
A hidden gem nestled in the quiet village of Alsager in Cheshire, the Manor House hotel is an unassuming family-run hotel concealing a truly impressive outdoor spa. Home to an outdoor pool with the UK’s first ever swim up bar, the English Country Garden themed spa has several offerings for the seasoned spa goer including a sunken tabletop hydrotherapy tub, panoramic Laconium, salt steam inhalation chamber, vitality pool, herbal sauna, and ice cold plunge bath. Guests can take in the fresh air, and relax poolside on the spa’s hanging double daybeds, each under their own pagoda. Access to the spa garden is only available for guests booking a spa package.
Chewton Glen, New Forest
Chewton Glen, situated in Hampshire’s New Forest is a hotel that needs little introduction. This five star icon is one of the UK’s ultimate country house hotels, with a variety of accommodation options, including several contemporary treehouses, and loved for its close proximity to the forest as well as the coast. For those who prefer to cool down in an outdoor pool with amenities, rather than with a dip in the sea, Chewton Glen is home to a 10-metre outdoor pool, complete with comfortable sun loungers and surrounded with lush greenery, with views overlooking the grounds.
The Nici, Bournemouth
The Nici is the new kid on the block and has made something of a name for itself since it opened this summer in Bournemouth – largely down to its retro Miami Beach inspired style, and of course its expansive outdoor terrace with 30-metre outdoor pool. Complete with pale pink and cream striped sun loungers and parasols that wouldn’t look out of place at The Beverly Hills Hotel, alongside white, draped cabanas nestled into soft white sand, you would be forgiven (on a sunny UK day that is) for thinking you’d swapped for the Dorset coast for the West Coast of America.