Spas with the best outdoor pools

Swim into the woods, soak under the stars, sip champagne surrounded by bubbles or soothe sore muscles in some of our favourite spa hotels with outdoor pools and outdoor spa experiences to make the most of gorgeous spa gardens and impressive views.

The wild swimming pool at South Lodge

South Lodge sits within the South Downs, as well as 93 acres of hotel grounds. Alongside a luxury hotel it is home to an eco spa, nestled into the grounds complete with a grass and sedum roof. The 44,000 sq. ft. luxury spa has an indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and swim pond and a thermal suite. Charmingly designed to celebrate the surrounding landscape, The Spa at South Lodge does much to honour the natural world. The pool is very much part of that. There’s an infinity pool and a superb thermal suite, but also a unique wild swimming pool, which is a heated outdoor pond, complete with reeds and moss for a natural vibe and delivers a totally unique experience.

Rooftop infinity pool at Rudding Park

Part of Rudding Park’s unique and magnificent rooftop spa garden, the infinity pool is a decadent experience that sees you lounge in bath temperatures with views of the gardens. The dedicated bar and waiting service means that you can even have a glass (or a bottle) of Champagne brought to you while you swim, making it superbly relaxing and wonderfully indulgent.

Spa garden at Alexander House Hotel

There are so many things to love about this luxury hotel and spa, not least the spa garden, which extends from the relaxation room. There you can recline in the heated spa pools, try out the barrel sauna or snooze on the inviting loungers. Sit in the spa pool, sip champagne and watch the world go by.

Garden outdoor pool at Great Fosters

In the grounds of this magnificent historic property, head beyond the Saxon moat and the mature knot garden, the Drake sundial, which historians suggest may have been donated by Sir Francis Drake. There you will find an outdoor chess, life-sized Jenga or croquet, and one of the most magnificent outdoor pools, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Outdoor hydrotherapy pool at Barnsley House

In the grounds of Barnsley House hotel, the contemporary, purpose-built spa is a haven for both holistic therapies and aesthetic treatments. One of its most prized features is a heated outdoor hydrotherapy pool complete with massage jets and beautiful garden views.

The outdoor infinity edge pool at Rockliffe Hall

The spa garden at Rockliffe Hall is the ultimate luxury hotel spa. The opulent 50,000 square foot spa includes indoor and outdoor facilities. Inside there's a 20-metre leisure pool, a thermal bathing suite complete with a tepidarium, salt steam room, roman and infrared saunas, tropicarium, and an igloo. Outdoors, there's a hot tub, infinity edge pool, warmed loungers, glass fronted sauna and sumptuous daybeds.

The spa garden at The Spa at Carden

An adult only spa within the hotel grounds of Carden Park, The Spa at Carden is a playground for wellbeing and pampering lovers. A partnership with Bollinger ensures a beautiful Champagne bar in the spa, signature spa treatments use herbs and grape juice harvested from their own grounds, and they have an all-season 2,500 square metre spa garden. Amongst its features are indoor and outdoor thermal facilities, metal hot tubs sunk into the earth and a wooden sauna with an earthen roof.

The outdoor pool Spa at Breedon Priory

The purpose created Spa at Breedon Priory is beautifully designed. It lets in an abundance of natural light and looks out onto impressive landscapes. It's a day spa only, and has a very European wellness spa feel to it, especially with the addition of the outdoor heated pool, which is a favourite feature. It also has a secluded, private space, The Hideaway, perfect for private events, and complete with an outdoor hot tub amongst other features.

The outdoor hot tub at Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

Ribby Hall Village is a five star holiday village, and within it is the dedicated Spa Hotel - an adult-only retreat. Amongst its many features are the Aqua Thermal Journey, which invites you to enjoy a variety of heat experiences including foot spas, an aroma room, herbal sauna, Balinese salt inhalation room, an aromatherapy room and a sanarium. There’s also a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub and a bar area. The spa has its own Zen Garden, a popular addition which has been extended to include an energising salt sauna with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a refreshing monsoon shower with body jets, and a second hot tub that takes advantage of the beautiful location.