Here’s some good news; swimming is one of the best forms of exercise around – it’s an all-body workout which gets the heart pumping and works every part of your body. The other bit of good news is that you don’t have to be Adam Peaty. Which is handy, as there is only one of him.
Of course, swimming in the sea is wonderful, but geography and seasonal changes don’t always allow it, so for most of us it’s a pool where we tend to practise our front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke. This is where Hampshire hotels with pools come in handy.
If you’re craving a dip and a relaxing few lengths, there are plenty of options in terms of hotels in the New Forest with swimming pools at the New Forest Collection, whether it’s a pre-breakfast visit or simply a post walk soak – we won’t judge if you don’t always want to push yourself too hard. Unless, of course, you are Adam Peaty…
Indoor indulgence
Beaulieu
Whether it’s an early morning dip or a relaxing swim before bedtime, the charming indoor pool at Beaulieu Inn is perfect. Open from 7am to 10pm, it’s also available to children when accompanied by an adult.
If you’re new to Beaulieu Inn’s charms, then a real treat awaits; quirky and very dog friendly, it’s the perfect base to explore the New Forest – walking trails and cycle paths literally minutes from the door, with the famous wild ponies often wandering past the window – you might even spot one while you’re in the pool (they will be outside, you’ll be inside, however). It is a stunning New Forest hotel with a pool. It is the perfect family hotel.
Whatever the weather outside, you’ll always receive a warm welcome at Bartley Lodge, and that includes the heated indoor pool which is available for all guests to enjoy.
The former home of geologist Charles Lyell, a friend of Charles Darwin, the Grade II listed hotel is steeped in history and blessed with eight acres of beautiful gardens, dense woods and open meadows filled with free-roaming ponies.
Whether it’s before or after your swim, enjoy the relaxed dining experience from the seasonal, locally sourced menu, or simply tuck yourself away in a cosy armchair with a good book…
As well as its restful spaces, fantastic food and wonderful location at the heart of the charming market town of Lyndhurst, Forest Lodge has another big attraction for guests – the large indoor, heated swimming pool, which is big enough to do some decent lengths. If you simply want to relax and spectate or supervise young ones, there are poolside chairs – and afterwards, you’ll be faced with the choice of a soothing Nordic sauna, a walk around the landscaped garden courtyard, or simply wind down with a drink and a board game whilst you charge your car at one of our ev charging points. Decisions, decisions…
If your idea of a grown-up weekend break means a chance to relax and recharge, then Burley Manor should be on your radar. As well as its Mediterranean-influenced menu and beautifully individual boutique rooms and suites, the hotel is home to not only the tranquil sanctuary of a Temple Spa, but also the outdoor swimming pool, which is open during summer months. Everything good for body and soul is here to enjoy…
Just because you’re living a simpler existence in one of Burley’s cosy shepherd huts doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few of life’s little pleasures – and that includes the lovely outdoor pool, which has a great area for loungers too – so if you don’t actually want to get wet but just relax with a good book, that’s fine with us.
If it all gets a bit too much, you can slip away to your countryside retreat where a box of local treats awaits – fruity dotty biscotti, creamy and dreamy Burley fudge and some savoury bites from the kitchen… maybe a few lengths in the pool to work all that off might be a good idea after all.
