Poolside with spa-spert Rosie Green
Staycations just got a little better. We chatted to Telegraph spa columnist and Red contributing editor, Rosie Green to find out her pick of the crop when it comes to the best outdoor UK swimming pools.
Can there be anything more perfect than a British summer’s day? Yes. Being by the pool on a British Summer’s day. Perhaps it’s because clear blue skies and blazing sunshine are the exception rather than the rule. Perhaps it’s because it’s the perfect temperature (not so blisteringly hot the paving stones burn your feet or the wine goes warm). Perhaps it’s the luscious green of the surroundings. Whatever. It’s great.
Now the weather is improving, we’ve been looking at some staycation hotspots to find the best outdoor pools.
So here are Rosie’s top six….
For old school glamour: Cliveden House Hotel
So much more than a pool, this is a history lesson in the making. Set in the grounds of the glorious Cliveden House, it was caught up in the Profumo scandal. Society showgirl Christine Keeler and the then Secretary of State for War John Profumo met here in 1961 and it sparked an affair that bought down the Macmillan conservative government. The large pool is a value add to one of the best spas in the UK. You’d struggle to feel anything but blissful sitting beside it.
For wellbeing: Thames Lido
Okay, Reading might not be glamorous. And it might not be cool. But that makes this lido even more of a gem. The building beautifully marries modern and traditional architecture and the pool is large and perfect for serious swimming. To super charge your visit there are steam rooms and saunas. Visit the award winning restaurant for some restorative food afterwards.
For interiors inspo: Thyme
This hotel makes you want to chuck out everything you own and re-do your entire house. Why? Because it is so stylish.
Sit by their glorious pool, listen to the birds sing and breathe in the fresh countryside air. Surrounded by honey coloured Cotswold stone (which makes it sheltered even on windy days) it is filled with water from the hotel’s own spring. The gardens are beautifully tended and the spa is only seconds away. Bliss.
For the scene: Shoreditch House
Stripy covered loungers, frosé (think rosé slush puppies) delivered by aesthetically pleasing waiting staff and extremely satisfying people watching – the rooftop pool at Shoreditch House is must visit. Hang with the city’s cool crowd and enjoy views out over the city. Only open to members and people staying at the hotel.
For the kids: The Grove
The hotel pool has lifeguards, a man made beach, an ice cream hut and deckchairs . The surrounding garden has giant chess game, a volleyball court and kid friendly showering facilities. It’s great for adults too. Think comfy loungers and and easily summonable snacks. Plus there’s a full service spa where you can escape the responsibility of parenthood for a few blissfully hours.
For relaxation: Rudding Park
The spa at Rudding Park in Harrogate collects awards like Trump collects law suits. Its innovative packages and comprehensive treatment list make it a worthy winner. The pool is a large part of the appeal. Positioned on the spacious roof top, it’s set amongst stylish wooden decking and lush planting. With hydrotherapy facilities, a panoramic sauna, a cafe and amazing views – it’s nectar for the soul.
All Saltee products are vegan friendly, cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free, dermatologically tested, responsibly sourced and oxybenzone free – making them safer for our oceans. Wherever you’re headed this summer, make sure you take Saltee with you on your adventure. Perfect poolside companions.
Wherever you’re planning your adventure this year, ensure you have Saltee by your side to protect your skin and it’s great for the whole family. Here’s to memorable Saltee escapes.
