Staycations are a go from April 12, so here are the very best holiday homes with pools (and available dates this summer)
On the hunt for a holiday home with a pool? Take a look at our complete guide to the most chic holiday homes with pools in the UK, which have available from April through summer 2021.
Although vaccine passports are being discussed and international travel should open by May 17 – if you trust in government’s proposed timeline – booking a holiday abroad right now feels like a bit of a gamble to us. Besides the fact that your jaunt could easily be cancelled, the very thought of stepping foot in an airport right now is enough to fill many of us with dread.. And to be honest? We’d kind of got used to the idea of an idyllic weekend break or extended staycation here on home soil. Country walks, sea air and fish and chips by the coast make for a pretty dreamy post-lockdown holiday.
The only question will be, where to go? The UK is filled with hidden gems, with beautiful homes to hire countrywide, from the quiet corners of Cornwall to the quaint villages of The Cotswolds – all so picturesque, you won’t even realise you’re missing the Med. The one feature of any holiday home that we would recommend setting your sights on though? A swimming pool.
Yes, we know our homeland doesn’t always get the best rap when it comes to weather, so a swimming pool might seem a tad optimistic – but after the year we’ve had, we’re determined to live our best lives no matter the circumstances. And if we’re going to ditch our white-washed Grecian villa of our dreams for a property that's closer to home, we may as well choose one that’s as reminiscent of our usual summer hideaway as possible.
We've found a boujee, interior designed bolthole for 9 guests in St Mawes (that actually has August availability), as well as the ultimate friend get away with this Norfolk home that not only has a swimming pool, but a hot tub too that you can share with 15 of your closest friends (once Boris gives the go-ahead that is). If it's an intimate weekend for two you're after, we'd suggest this sixties style home in the Cotswolds or this studio setup in Henley; both boast a crystal clear swimming pool that we're daydreaming spending all day in.
Here are the most beautiful holiday homes with pools in the UK, to book while you still can.
Availability listed for each of these properties is correct at time of publication.
Best holiday home with pool and sea views
Luxury Interior Designed Waterfront Home in St Mawes, Airbnb
Sleeps: 9 guests
Availability: From April throughout the summer
Why we love it: The ultimate holiday escape, this jaw dropping home is in picturesque harbour town of St Mawes. It doesn't come cheap, but it can accommodate 9 guests (12 at a squeeze) and besides the view and the swimming pool other features include a ping pong table, trampoline, and cinema style room
Best Scottish holiday home with pool
Northcliff Manor in Wemyss Bay, Booking.com
Sleeps: 6 guests
Availability: Selected dates through the summer
Why we love it: Looking onto the Firth of Clyde, this Victorian villa offers beautiful views from its large swimming pool. With contemporary interiors, this holiday home features all the amenities you'll need no matter how long your stay.
Best holiday home with swimming pool and hot tub
Norfolk Manor House in Mulbarton, Airbnb
Sleeps: 16 guests
Availability: From April through the summer
Why we love it: The perfect place to celebrate special occasions or hideaway for a weekend, this spacious home has all the amenities you could ever want in a holiday home - an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, snooker table, bar and rowing lake. So organise that Whats App group and get booking before it's too late!
Best holiday home with pool for couples
Midhurst 1 Bed Studio in Henley, Airbnb
Sleeps: 2 guests
Availability: There is availability in April and May.
Why we love it: The Studio is a wonderful, peaceful little hideaway in the heart of the countryside. It's a short walk from one of the best pubs in the UK (The Duke of Cumberland at Henley) and has a large heated swimming pool which guests can use between May and September.
Best holiday home with pool and games room
7-Storey Windmill with Outdoor Pool in Stoke Ferry, Airbnb
Sleeps: 15 guests
Availability: There is availability in April, May, June and September - but act quickly! It's booking up fast.
Why we love it: Located in a small village in Norfolk, this unique property is great for trips with groups of friends. Perfect for parties from June 21 onwards, it features a games room as well as picture-perfect swimming pool.
Best romantic holiday home with pool
60's Poolhouse in the Heart of the Cotswolds, Airbnb
Sleeps: 2 people
Availability: There is is availability throughout the summer (for now!)
Why we love it: Set in the Cotswold village of Rodborough, this unique and recently refurbished holiday retreat is a five minute walk from Rodborough Common, an area owned by the National Trust and consisting of nearly 300 acres of grassland. There's one double room, a shower room, an open-plan living area and an outdoor pool which can be used during the summer months.
Best holiday home with pool in Hampshire
Seaside Cottage in Nature Reserve in Hampshire, Airbnb
Sleeps: 4 people
Availability: This property has availability in May and June and from September onwards.
Why we love it: It's close to the sea and has stunning views over the surrounding Nature Reserve. Recently refurbished, this tiny, pretty cottage has a private heated swimming pool during summer months.
Best holiday cottage with pool
Secluded Cottage with Heated Pool in Norfolk, Airbnb
Sleeps: 6 guests
Availability: There is availability at this cottage in May and June and early July as well as from September onwards.
Why we love it: This cottage is picture-perfect, sitting at the end of a country lane in small rural hamlet. The kitchen is the perfect space for entertaining and the pool is heated.
Best holiday home with pool and sauna
Fabulous Property with Hot Tub & Sauna in Long Sutton, Airbnb
Sleeps: 13
Availability: There's availability in April, June and from September onwards
Why we love it: It's great for entertaining, thanks to the huge double height kitchen and the barn-like lounge.
Best holiday home with pool and spa
Luxury Loft Design House with Private Spa in Long Sutton, Airbnb
Sleeps: 16+ people
Availability: There is some availability from April to June and plenty of availability in September.
Why we love it: This property is stunning and finished to such a high standard. The star of the show? You get your your own private spa (steam room, sauna, bucket shower, heated seats) plus a private outdoor hot tub and a shared heated pool.
Best holiday home with heated pool
The Limes in Buckinghamshire, Airbnb
Sleeps: 10 guests
Availability: There is availability for selected weeks throughout the summer.
Why we love it: The Limes is a beautifully presented country house outside Great Missenden village in Buckinghamshire with stunning manicured gardens and outdoor heated swimming pool.
Best holiday home with indoor pool
Anthology Farm in Gloucestershire, Unique Home Stays
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests
Availability: There is some availability in April, May and June (and even three days in August).
Why we love it: Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this property is beyond stunning. The Barns were originally built in 1740 of traditional Cotswold stone from the mines opposite the barns. There's a heated indoor pool, tennis courts and cinema room - and the dining room is to die for.
Best holiday home with communal swimming pool
Derwent Cottage in Allensford, Holiday Cottages
Sleeps: 6 guests
Availability: June, July and September onwards
Why we love it: If your budget won't stretch to a home with a private pool, this cottage is one of only four within 20 acres of tranquil grounds. Besides the communal pool, your days can be spent exploring nearby attractions like Hadrians Wall and the historic cathedral city of Durham.
Best countryside holiday home with pool
Sam's Cabin in Cornwall, Snaptrip
Sleeps: 4 people
Availability: There is availability in May, June and September.
Why we love it: Sam's Cabin is located in a beautiful meadow with stunning countryside views. It's superbly located for a romantic retreat for two or for a family to escape to. The living space is open-plan and the swimming pool is shared.
Best Cornwall holiday home with pool
Halula Beach House in Cornwall, Kate & Tom's
Sleeps: 24 guests
Availability: There is some availability in April, May and June, a few days in July and plenty of availability in September.
Why we love it: It's colourful and fun - just as perfect for getaways with young families as it is for big groups of friends.
