The complete guide to Hot Tubs & Wild Water

It’s simply water experienced outdoors and shoulder to shoulder with nature. That might mean experiencing the joy of swimming in a private lake just steps from your stay, popping on your birthday suit to stew in an outdoor bath (one of the best feelings ever), or rinsing off beneath an outdoor shower surrounded by green. Basically, if you're outside and water is involved, you're probably doing it right.

Part of the appeal is the contrast between movement and stillness. Some moments are active, like paddling across a lake or diving from a jetty with more confidence than grace. Others are wonderfully lazy, involving little more than floating, watching clouds drift overhead and wondering if it's socially acceptable to have a second afternoon nap. 

Look, for some reason, water just feels better outdoors. We didn’t write the rules, it just does. Indoors, it’s functional, but outdoors, it makes you feel a part of the landscape, and you get the added drama of the British weather. Our collection of hot tubs, outdoor baths and and wild showers proves that getting outdoors doesn't always have to involve getting muddy.

Maybe we’re biased, but warm water somehow feels better when the air around you is cool. A hot tub in a spa is fine, but a hot tub beneath trees while the owls begin their evening shift is something else entirely. There's something deeply comforting and magical about feeling cocooned in warmth while still being completely connected to the landscape around you.

It’s come as no surprise that hot tubs have become one of the UK’s most sought-after stay features, with more people looking for simple experiences that help them slow down rather than packed itineraries.

Not just wellness influencers and people who own expensive water bottles. Hot tubs and wild water are just as appealing for couples celebrating something special, people whose brains feel a little overcooked, first-timers curious about outdoor swimming and chilled adventurers who simply enjoy being outside. 

You don't need an encyclopaedic knowledge of breathwork — just a body and a small amount of curiosity. The rest looks after itself. For many couples, shared experiences become the most memorable part of a trip, which is why our favourite romantic places with hot tubs are often chosen for anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones that deserve to be marked with a special occasion.

One of the nicest things about hot tubs is that they create routines all by themselves. Some people become morning dippers, with coffee and cold air to kick off the day. Others become creatures of the evening, ending the day with warm water and and dark skies. Then there are those enthusiastic souls who become part amphibian who structure their entire holiday around opportunities to get back in again.

It's surprisingly easy to build small routines around simple pleasures, which is why we've put together our favourite evening hot tub routine for stress recovery, turning the hour before bed into one of the best parts of the day.

Do I need to be experienced at wild swimming?

Absolutely not. Plenty of people are curious about wild water without considering themselves swimmers or wellness enthusiasts. Some guests spend the weekend plunging into lakes at sunrise. Others paddle for three minutes, declare themselves "refreshed enough" and head straight back to the hot tub. The beauty is that there's no right or wrong way to enjoy it.

Why do hot tubs feel more relaxing outdoors?

We're not scientists, but warm water somehow becomes approximately 100% nicer when accompanied by fresh air. Surrounded by trees, open skies or changing weather, the experience feels more immersive than an indoor spa environment. Many people find that being outdoors helps them slow down naturally and feel more connected to their surroundings, rather than tiled walls and the sound of someone else's slippers squeaking past.

Are wood-fired hot tubs difficult to use?

Not really, although they do ask for a little patience. They take longer to heat than electric hot tubs, but many guests find that waiting becomes part of the experience rather than an inconvenience. Lighting the fire, adding logs and watching the steam begin to rise creates a slower pace that feels surprisingly satisfying. Once you're in, the extra effort tends to feel well worth it.

Besides, anticipation is good for the soul.

Can hot tubs help you switch off on holiday?

For many people, yes. A hot tub creates a natural pause in the day without requiring much effort or organisation. There's something wonderfully liberating about discovering that your entire evening plan consists of hot water, fresh air and absolutely nowhere else to be.

Are hot tubs good after wild swimming?

Many people enjoy combining cold water with a warm soak afterwards. Moving between hot and cold has been part of bathing cultures for centuries and can feel incredibly restorative. Whether you're taking a dip in a lake before or simply warming up after a rainy walk, the contrast often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a stay. Plus, climbing into a hot tub after discovering how cold British lakes actually are is one of life's great rewards.